The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) have undertaken a new initiative in memory of Ray Key, the founding Chairman of the AWGB in. He was awarded life membership in the AWGB in 1997 and appointed President in 1998. Ray was also made a Life Member of The American Association of Woodturners also in 2001, the first non-American so honored.
The Ray Key Bursary Award is open to all ages and its intended purpose is to provide an extended package of training and support for turners who have been identified as budding prodigies, standing out from the crowd in some way or showing great promise. The support could take the form of training, mentoring or other support tailored to the individual. Each award is up to £750 (~$950) but this could be extended if the reviewing panel decided it was justified. Any successful applicant will need to agree to a plan to carry out the objectives of the award and to report back at agreed intervals.
The aim is to give a boost to those identified as worthy on their journey to excellence as a turner. Any member of the AWGB can apply with the form found here.
Looking for another way to share images of your work? AAW members can share images of their work on the new AAW website. These images are viewable by the general public and are displayed at random. 
January 16th Meeting Demonstration: Dave Best, Jeff Marshall and John Howard spent a wonderful week at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, Tennessee taking a class from Avelino Samuel. Avelino is renowned for turning beautiful urns and bowls featuring spiral carved and textured enhancements and delicate finials. Jeff, Dave, and John will present a step-by-step process showing how you could add similar enhancements to your work. The presentation will feature initial shape and design, layout, carving, adding texture, and finishing.
The Tennessee Association of Woodturners is presenting its 
Seven AAW chapters in Florida come together to present the 
The Alaska Woodturners Association is presenting their 
One of the biggest events on the annual SPSW calendar is our annual holiday dinner. This is a potluck event and the food is always great. Each year we purchase gift certificates or high-quality turning tools from the many vendors that support all of us through the year. We also will be buying about 70 excellent bowl blanks and other wood. All of this will be given away to members attending this event. Our goal is for each active member attending the dinner to go home with at least a piece of wood to turn. 