Burcot Woodturners Honor Two Long-Serving Members with Honorary Membership
John Smith, a committee member since Burcot Woodturners' 1987 founding, and Mike Delves, chairman for nearly 20 years, were unanimously named honorary members.
Burcot Woodturners made its gratitude official this month, presenting honorary membership certificates to John Smith and Mike Delves at the club's March meeting, capping a recognition process that began with a unanimous vote at the January AGM. Club Chairman Richard Pinches handled the presentations, and Mike received an additional gift from the club in acknowledgment of his nearly two decades leading it.
John Smith's connection to Burcot Woodturners runs as deep as the club itself. He has served on the committee since the club was formed in 1987, rotating through the roles of Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary, sometimes holding more than one simultaneously. He retired from the Secretary position in 2022 and stepped into the role of Club President that same year, a post he has carried out with what the club describes as "continued enthusiasm and pride ever since."
Mike Delves stepped down as Club Chairman at the January AGM after holding that position for almost 20 years, and the membership voted him into the role of Vice President at the same meeting. His tenure covered far more than boardroom decisions: he was a fixture at Hands On nights, organised club raffles, and was a consistent presence at outdoor events. Crucially, he steered Burcot Woodturners through the disruption of the pandemic and oversaw the club's subsequent growth.
The honorary membership nominations came from John Wardle at the January AGM. In making the case for both men, Wardle cited not just their administrative roles but their culture of mentorship on the shop floor. "Both John and Mike are a great support to everyone at the club and are always happy to offer advice to turners of every level, to help them improve their skills and abilities," Wardle said. The full membership then voted unanimously to approve the nominations.
The club framed the recognition as a tribute to "commitment, contribution and leadership over the last 25 years," crediting both men as instrumental in shaping Burcot Woodturners into what it called a welcoming and friendly club. With Smith continuing as Club President and Delves now serving as Vice President, both remain active in the organisation whose identity they spent decades building.
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
