Burstow 'turns' his hand to something new

1.07.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 23rd Dec 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, turned his hand to woodturning recently when he visited Cheam Woodturners Association. Mr Burstow experimented with the Association's new lathe, secured as a result of a successful funding bid to the National Lottery 'Awards for all' scheme.

The Woodturners Association is a group of 80 people, who come together one Wednesday a month at the North Cheam Sports and Social Club. They produce everything from bowls and plates to decorative items

Mr Burstow wanted to congratulate the Woodturners on securing £3,000 funding from the 'Awards for all' programme. The scheme - supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Arts Council and Sport England - awards grants of between £300 and £10,000 for art, sport, heritage and community activities, and community projects promoting education, the environment and health.

The Woodturners used their grant to buy a new WivaMac lathe, additional tools and a portable generator, allowing them greater flexibility in what they can produce. Mr Burstow was one of the first to try the new machine, as the group held a special meeting to celebrate its arrival.

Commenting after meeting the Woodturners, Paul Burstow MP said:

"This just goes to show how much difference a modest amount of money can make to a small organisation such as this."

"I would like to encourage other local groups and organisations to get in touch with "Awards for all" if they feel that a grant would make a difference to their activities."

"I would be delighted to support any local group which wanted to make an application."