Dave Sinclair demonstrates chair caning for residents at Kentwood Park.
Chair caning demonstration brings back fond memories for residents
Local newspaper a source for new programming ideas
Friday August 22, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
A visit from Prince Edward County’s expert chair caner brought back fond memories of an antiquated art form for residents at Kentwood Park.

The practice of chair caning involves weaving cane to form the seat of a chair. Dave Sinclair, who has been caning chairs for 20 years, gave residents a demonstration of the method.

Sinclair says he enjoys caning and the hobby is a great way to relax and keep the mind stimulated. 

“(It’s) the development of patience (and) a sanity program,” he says.

During his visit to the Picton long-term care home Sinclair was able to teach residents about his hobby and learn that several residents were previously avid chair caners themselves.

Verla Whattam, a resident at Kentwood Park used to cane chairs, first learning the process while attending night school as a young woman.

She says Sinclair’s demonstration reminded her of how much fun she used to have refurbishing chairs.

“I enjoyed caning. One year I caned a chair for each one of our children,” says Whattam who practised for more than 15 years.

Linda Sheppard, the home’s life enrichment co-ordinator, says a large group of residents attended the demonstration.

She says she first came up with the idea to showcase chair caning when reading the local newspaper, which is often a source for new programming ideas.

Advertising to cane chairs in the want ads is where Sheppard found Sinclair. She decided to phone and see if he could demonstrate his work for the residents.

“He’s 83 and still caning and he does beautiful work,” says Sheppard.

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