June 2025 Newsletter Part Two

7. If I said we had a visit by AAA team, would you know who they were? Alcoholics Anonymous Assistant, Advanced Automobile Association maybe? Many men over the age of sixty five don’t appear to be aware of AAA. It means ‘Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm’. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form an abdominal aortic aneurysm. We had an very informative morning with the AAA screening team, Karen and Sally, who gave us an insight in to the condition. If you think you haven’t had a free screening you can email HampshireAAA@uhs.nhs.uk or phone 023 81206297. More informaton is held on the poster in the galley along with available handouts.

8. The history in your tool box:- (4) Benches, Clamps and Vices

The workbench. As as we all know, a workbench is essentially a table fitted with various holding devices, such as bench stops and vices, made sufficiently strong and robust to be used for a variety of woodworking operations. The modern equivalent, the modern-day collapsable workbench, derives from two separate pieces: a table for planning wood and a bench for supporting wood to be sawn. Designs have changed over the centuries, beginning with low Roman planning benches and slowly growing in height to present day hand-high benches, and acquiring different accessories. French benches of the 17th and 18th centuries, for example, depended largely on stops and dogs to hold the project being worked on, whereas British and American benches relied more on various vices, which first appeared as early as medieval German benches. The pictures show a bench from the Roman times and what we have available today.

Clamps. The first sash clamps were made of wood and were used to hold window sashes in place while they were being assembled. Over time, the design was adapted for use in woodworking, and metal sash clamps were introduced. Today, sash clamps are widely used by woodworkers all over the world and as you can see from the photo each clamp is designed for a specific task.

Vices. Before the widespread use of vices, wooden wedges and holders were used to secure workpieces. Early vices likely involved simpler clamping methods, possibly using wooden levers and screws. With the evolution of the screw, it became a crucial element of modern vices and has a long history dating back to the first century BC. Initially, screws were used in large wooden structures like presses for olives and grapes. It wasn't until the 15th century that they were widely used as fasteners and clamping devices. Today we have a wide range of clamps and vices to suit all wood and metal working and there are at least fourteen types today. Am sure many of us have been grateful for that extra pair of hands on a project. The photo shows a concept vice from the 15th century.

July edition: (5) Boring tools.

Parish Notices.

Gents, a reminder please. We have put a great deal of work into the building and it is now clean and organised. Could we please ensure we keep it that way by clearing up and returning tools after you have finished working for the day.

June diary of events dates:-

WMS Committee Meeting 1030 13th June 2025

WMS Monthly BBQ 1200 13th June 2025

Mrs Laura Bevis visits. 1130 13th June 2025