Turning to woodcrafting

By Yvonne Gardiner

To achieve good physical balance, we rely on our brain, eyes, inner-ear, and musculoskeletal system to work in harmony. However, when the fragile vestibular organs of the inner ear and brain are damaged by illness or injury, anyone can lose their ability to balance. Balance disorders are typically under diagnosed and undertreated. More than 1/3 of adults aged 40 years and older experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives.

Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include vertigo and dizziness. Vertigo is a spinning or whirling sensation, or an illusion of the self or world moving. Dizziness is a lightheaded, floating or rocking sensation. Poor balance, nausea, visual disturbances, headache, hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain or fullness in the ears can accompany vestibular disorders.

There are many causes of dizziness or vertigo. But most types of vestibular disorders can be diagnosed by means of a thorough medical history and clinical examination.

The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

(BPPV), and once diagnosed is easily treated with repositioning manoeuvres. Amongst other types of vertigo are Meniere’s Disease, Vestibular Neuritis and Cervicogenic Vertigo Cervicogenic Vertigo is due to a dysfunction in the neck and can be easily treated with Osteopathic intervention.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt has had substantial education in the field of Vestibular Disorders, can diagnose most of the common types, and is able to either treat the condition or refer on for further diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Rudi Gerhardt B.Sc., D.O. Your local Osteopath

TWEED VALLEY Woodcrafters’ president Ian Hunter turned to the hobby several years ago when he needed to take his mind off an illness.

The former teacher was recovering from cancer.

“I got to like woodcrafting so much. I really enjoy this place and the woodworking, and working with a natural thing,” Ian said.

“Right now members are working on a ‘piece of wood’ competition. It’s a challenge.

“They can turn it, or chop it into bits or whatever they want to do.

“They might be doing it for gifts for family.”

Fellow woodcrafter Bob Treadwell likes to make boats and aircraft.

His current work of art is modelled on the PT109, which became famous during Lieutenant John F Kennedy’s encounter with a Japanese destroyer on the night of August 1, 1943, in the Solomon Islands.

The collision has been dubbed “the most famous small-craft engagement in naval history”.

Beginners who join Tweed Valley Woodcrafters’ will find that members teach each other the skills.

“We have a safety induction program for ev- eryone who joins,” Ian said.

“And then they will continue to be mentored anytime they use the machines.

“We’ve got carvers and turners, and wood scroll workers. We’ve got a supply of timber, mostly camphor laurel. It’s a good, collaborative thing to get involved with.”

Narelle Harris has been working with wood for close to 13 years.

“I’m an artist and I paint. I wanted to make toys and things,” she said.

“I love creating. I’m working on pens at the moment. They’re gifts.”

Members often display their creations at Tweed events like the Murwillumbah Show. They will have a stand at the East Coast Hobby Expo at South Tweed Sports Club on July 1 and 2.

Members pay a joining fee and an annual fee, then $5 a day when they use the club’s facilities. The club welcomes new members over the age of 18.

Meetings are held in the shed at Gate 1, Banner Street, Murwillumbah, on Mondays and Fridays from 8am to 1pm.

For more information, or to get involved, please email: tweedwoodcrafters@gmail.com