Norm joined the Melville Group of the Woodturners Association of Western Australia in May 2001, bringing with him invaluable skills as a long-standing Manual Arts teacher, leading to Norm becoming one of Melville’s most valuable and appreciated members.

Some of the major contributions to the Group and Association included:

• The lead lecturer and content advisor for Melville’s very successful Beginners Classes

• An exceptionally competent organizer of Melville’s monthly hands-on program

• Bringing to prominence the annual toy making by Group members

• Establishing Christmas gift bowls for the elderly

• The organizer of numerous bushfire appeals

• The organizer of demonstrations by Association members at the Royal Show

• Regularly assisted in transporting of the Group’s equipment for community demonstrations

• Offering his services to demonstrate and judge at weekend workshops, on numerous occasions

• Undertaking a series of demonstrating and judging lectures for the Association

Norm was always willing to share his knowledge and became a regular and much-appreciated mentor to new members. He was also very forthright with constructive advice to fellow members, both at meetings and at a personal level. On countless occasions, he conducted one-on-one private instruction with fellow turners.

The Norm Gratte Award will be presented to a member of no more than three years standing who has not only demonstrated outstanding progress in the art of woodturning but has played a significant role in the development and wellbeing of the Melville Group. The award will not necessarily be made every year, but as merit dictates.

2021 – Chris Chai

2022 – Eric Hartley

2024 – Geoff Stapylton