Born in Melbourne January 1915, Allan grew up at Diamond Creek, then the orchard country on the outer fringe of Melbourne. He moved to the bayside suburb of Parkdale to complete schooling at Mordialloc High and was lucky to find a job in 1932 as "boy" with the Herald and Weekly Times. Later he commenced a correspondence course in Accountancy. He transferred to Chartered Accountants in 1934 and left to join the Army in 1940. Commissioned in 1941, served as Platoon Commander and on Brigade Staff in New Guinea and New Britain until discharged December 1945.
Married to Jean in 1941, they settled in Parkdale and returned to his old job.,completed Accounting and Secretarial Practice and moved on to various financial roles in Hardware, Automotive, Advertising and Manufacturing before retiring in January 1980.
By then their daughter and three sons had all married and settled around Melbourne, with ten grandchildren.
Jean and Allan have spent 20 years in happy retirement with their family, friends and hobbies . Along the way, Allan joined PWG and has enjoyed learning some of the skills of the craft, as well as both appreciating the fraternity of "woodies" where ever their travels have taken them.
|
|
Set of Goblets and Tray. Goblets. 50x 170 mm. Tray. 250 mm. Diam. Made from Sheoak brought back from Western Australia. Finished with Danish Oil.
|
|
|
Gong. Created from discarded silver plated brass sugar bowl suspended in Jarrah frame, with Jarrah gavel. Finished with lacquer. Presented to the Guild and used until superseded by modern technology.
|
|
|
Bowl. From Jarrah burl, estimated at least 300 years of age. Bowl, 250 mm diameter by 80. Finished with friction polish.
|
|
|
Candlestick. Constructed in four sections from Camphor Laurel "rescued" whilst travelling in Queensland. 270 mm high,base 100 mm Finished with friction polish.
|
|
|
Vase. Turned from a piece of Grass Tree "traded" in the West. Top and bottom sections wire brushed. 180 mm high by 100 mm Finished with French Polish.
|
