A table like no other…
Wednesday 17th May 2018
A pristine tidy work shop, refreshments and goody bags at the ready, centre stage a half finished table. The reason… a visit to the workshop of Fullers Finer Furniture by children from Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School, Neath.
Towards the end of 2016 the school staff approached Fullers to canvas the idea of the children being involved in the design of a new altar table for the school. Brochures were sent out to give the children design ideas and work commenced.
The plan was for the table to carry the school and diocese coat of arms on each side of the front panels. The base of the table would bear four panels in seasonal colours, bearing a picture of a cross, a fish, a rainbow and a goblet. The side panels would have symbolic images of an oak tree and acorns on one side and hands and a dove on the other side. The front panel was specifically designed to display the children’s art work behind a removable oak framed perspex panel. Each corner of the table was carved with a cross, as was the centre of the table. A memorial plaque dedicated to Mr George Henry Griffiths completed the decoration.
The table was designed with 2 lockable cupboards at the rear and placed on castors for manoeuvrability.
Once the final specification was confirmed work got underway. On May 17th when the children visited the table was progressing well, with much of the basic build complete. The children were shown the various stages and processes involved with Fullers’ staff demonstrating everything from wood cutting and planing to sanding and veneering. The children were each supplied with ear plugs and introduced to the importance of health and safety considerations within the workshop environment.
Then it was time for the children to have a go. They were each given a piece of veneer to work with and asked to come up with a design of their own to be displayed on a small panel. The task was tackled with enthusiasm and designs included their initials, a cross and a cat. Their work was left at the workshop to be finished and delivered along with the table.
Work continued on the table, which was delivered to the school in June 2018 ready for a service of blessing by the Bishop of Llandaff on 5th July 2018.
The feedback following the children’s visit stated that “ …the children enjoyed their visit. You all made it enjoyable and instructive. The Altar looks superb”.
Fullers enjoyed the visit too and hope the school children will enjoy their ever changing totally unique altar table for many years to come.
