Woodturning Hartlepool have been part of Shop Hartlepool, almost since the day we launched. It has been fantastic to see the business grow from strength to strength, and for us to be able to support the launch of their new website.
Dennis is a certified tutor offering woodturning tuition for anyone who would like to turn their hand to the art form. In addition to regular workshops, Dennis undertakes a variety of woodturning commissions creating everything from spindles to summer house roof finials!
Woodturning Hartlepool have recently launched a brand new website in partnership with fellow Shop Hartlepool business In Studio. You can find their new website at www.woodturninghartlepool.co.uk and to celebrate we interviewed the business owner and experienced Woodturner, Dennis Wake.
Why Woodturning?
After turning for over 20 years and demonstrating for 10 years, Dennis was ready to take it to the next level. Dennis qualified as a tutor in 2017 with the Association of Woodturners Great Britain. Dennis started teaching the art to others in the Hartlepool area from his unit at Brougham Enterprise in Hartlepool. Since starting teaching, Dennis has since registered as a professional with the Register of Professional Turners.
Fully accessible workshop
Learn a new skill, meet new people and build confidence
Registered Tutor
What can people expect?
Woodturning Hartlepool offers a variety of services meaning there is something for everyone who would like to get involved.
They provided grant tuition for woodturning for the European Social Fund. This is a back-to-work grant for anyone out of work, living in the tees valley area and aged 16 to 67. There are places still available for anyone who is interested and fits the required criteria.
Dennis also offers private tuition of 2hr taster sessions, and half-day or full-day tuition. Dennis offers demonstrations to clubs and venues to showcase the art of woodturning.
Woodturning Hartlepool can undertake one-off or multiple woodturning commissions to your sample or drawings provided at a competitive price.
More details of all of the services available can be found on the Woodturning Hartlepool website here.
Something you might not know about Woodturning Hartlepool...
Dennis is constantly pushing the boundaries of what he can offer the community and in 2020, he was asked if I was prepared to try and teach deaf pupils. Using a sign translator, he was able to offer the same workshop as he would usually offer to all of his pupils. Dennis has tried to find something similar being offered by other woodturners and has struggled to find anyone currently adapting their workshop for deaf pupils. Dennis told us: “It was so gratifying to do this and all the other mental health training I do.”
What can we hope to see from Woodturning Hartlepool in the future?
Dennis hopes to open a community interest company alongside sole trading, so he can make a difference to more mental health sufferers. He wants to help those who are on sick leave due to mental health back on the road to recovery
We asked Dennis "What is your favourite part of owning your own business?" and this was his response.
“The best part of this business is the fact that I can make a difference to mental health sufferers. They come in on day one with their heads down and then by the last day of the tutoring, they are a totally different person. Their head is held high and their self-confidence and self-belief have just gone from strength to strength.”
Hearing how passionate Dennis is about the community and making a difference for mental health suffers, shows us that Woodturning Hartlepool is more than a business.
Woodturning has become an art form and well-being essential for the pupils at Woodturning Hartlepool. It is a new skill to most pupils, but Dennis is an excellent tutor offering a welcoming learning environment.
Their new website will become a key part of keeping updated with everything Woodturning Hartlepool has to offer. You can browse their stock, book a session and easily get in touch if you are looking for more information. Join Woodturning Hartlepool and turn your hand to a brand new skill!
