Member Project: Bill Molesworth

Chapter Member Bill Molesworth has submitted photos and details of some Covid lockdown projects. They include a nostalgic re-working of  paddles Bill's family initially carved 50 years ago and updates to the workshop:

Bill possesses a 100+ year old spruce paddle that belonged to his grandfather. When Bill was in his twenties, his family members  carved replicas of the design, a sample of which was showcased at our booth at the 2019 Canoe Day Festivities in Gravenhurst.

Bill's paddle belonging to his Grandfather (left) and his copy made in his 20s (Photo Credit: Alex Guthro)

When originally carved, the paddles were left thicker and heavier than needed. Bill and his brother shaved down their copies years ago to better functional dimensions. Last summer, Bill worked on the paddle copy from his cousin who never used the paddle much. It has been worked down and close to reader for a finish. 

Bill's other major project has been the completion of a fine looking workshop. The space has been insulated and a heat source was recently put in back in December. He's been busy building benches and shelves, as well as organizing for the upcoming season of carving & wood turning projects. 

Bill's new insulated and heated shop space

As an aside, Bill is affiliated with the Huronia Land Conservancy (HLC) project which is seeking to protect vulnerable land in this rapidly developing region of historic Ontario (more info in this post HERE). As part of the project, they've partnered with the 2021 Paddling Festival where interested participants can purchase digital tickets for viewing the selected films. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the HLC when tickets are purchased with the following link:

https://paddlingfilmfestival.com/collections/virtual-world-tour-tickets?ref=HURONIALANDConservancy

You are also eligible for an additional 10% off by using the following code:  HURONIALANDCONSERVANCY10

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