Speaker Arthur Dent

Meeting of the Rotary club of Stirling 25/7/14.
President David Paterson welcomed members and two guests,Arthur Dent our
speaker, and his wife Joan Dent, guests of Bill Bryce.

Arthur, retired from the Ministry of Agriculture, has for many years had
an interest in stick dressing. This rather curious title refers to the
creation of sticks with a horn handle. Because of the natural
variability of the horn, this requires considerable skill and
judgment. He makes two basic types, the crook used for catching sheep,
and the walking stick. The formation of the crook usually about four
fingers wide, involves shaping the horn, which may come from a variety
of animals. Some are laminated while others have a solid core, allowing
a choice of material depending on the desired style of the end product.
The horn must first be heated to render it malleable, usually by boiling
and latterly by hot air gun, following which it is squeezed and shaped
using a hydraulic ram against metal formers. Each piece is a one off.
Irregularities can be filed off and ornamental carving enhances the
crook, which is finished with a coat of good quality floor varnish.
The wooden stock has then to be chosen and may also need shaping again
by heating, before the two parts are joined by inserting a metal pin
into the handle. The crook must be robust as well as good to look at and
handle.
The vote of thanks was given by Bill Bryce.
Next week. Speaker's host Allan Cheetham, visitor's host Mike Queen.

Dr Ian Richardson