July Newsletter

Shed Shavings  

St.Leonards Men’s Shed Newsletter 

July 2016 

 (some pictures not shown)

OK, this is the second newsletter in rapid succession but we wanted to catch people up on events that have happened or are happening at the Shed.  I hope to have the next one out at the end of August, if you have any items of interest you would like to share, please send me an email with details.

Bicycle Program

After being approached by Bellarine Community Health (BCH) to see if we would assist in providing the skills to assist in renovating some bikes for the Community to use we agreed it was a good cause and committed to assist.  

Mick Morris (Profile in this newsletter) has, in a previous life, led a small team of youths doing this activity and is leading the bicycle program for us.  There will not be any work on the bikes performed at the Shed as the Progress Association has given us space behind the Community Hall.  The BCH have very rapidly filled this space with donated bikes, we had a couple of bikes at the Shed awaiting Mick’s return from holidays, and there are others still to be delivered.  Mick immediately set about assessing all the bikes, some for renovation others to be scrapped and taken away.  This was completed and the scrapped bikes were taken to Portarlington using the Shed’s flatbed, sorry Bruce’s truck.  The biggest challenge Mick faces will be BCH removing and homing the completed bikes.

Meeting Room Update

We received the drawings for the Meeting room extension and other than some minor updates all looks good.  There was one signoff to go and then three quotes to get, assessed and hope they come in within budget.  Figures crossed, start soon.

June BBQ Lunch

Our monthly gastronomic feast was this month prepared by Chef Fred Knox, home made hamburgers, of course the ever reliable Chris was on hand to support cooking steak and onions.  Fred’s burgers were sensational and we can’t wait for his next surprise.  There were some rumours going around that Fred was going to do a big lunch for us all.  Wait and see.

Bus Trip to Point Cook Museum

ollowing a visit to the Torquay Men’s Shed for a meeting, myself and Bob Evans noticed a list of potential sites they were proposing to visit.  We discovered there was a community bus available from the Council and at a recent Committee meeting it was agreed to commence regular trips to places nominated by members as worthy of a visit.  The first such trip was to Point Cook Museum, morning tea at the Werribee RSL, lunch at Sanctuary Lakes Hotel and a quick side visit to look at the Werribee South Marina.

The Hotel were very glad we came to eat as they needed more experience cooking, the team did very well ensuring everything was tasted and up to standard.  I think the cooks were glad when we decided to leave and let them have some rest.  We discovered that Chris is a very big fan of ice-cream.

Defibrillator

We no longer have access to the Sporting Club defibrillator and the Committee decided it was a priority to get a new one.  Russell approached the Lions Club to see if they would sponsor half the cost and at the same time I approached Bendigo Bank to enquire about a grant or sponsorship to cover the cost of other half.  Sometimes the stars just align perfectly, and we were both successful.  Our thanks are extended to both organisations, as this is not the first time these wonderful people have helped our Shed.  Julian delivered the de-fib and conducted a great information session on CPR and using the de-fib.

While talking about the Lions, the Lions Raffle has commenced selling and we have had some members already buying tickets.  This raffle is organized by the Lions but the entire proceeds of the selling of the tickets goes to the organization selling the tickets.  This is one of our major fund-raising activities and it would be appreciated if every member could assist by selling at least one book of tickets ($10).  Thanks in advance.  Please see myself, Ray or Russell for tickets.

Who’s This on the Lathe?

Yes, Russell making wheels for his monster truck.  Most days the lathe sits idle unless Mal is doing something, yet on this particular day, you virtually had to book at slot.  First Mal and Bruce and then Russell, Trevor and Bob had to wait until the next day. 

Member Profile

Each newsletter we will introduce a member and complete a profile, this time we’re pleased to introduce Mick Morris.

                                 

•          Name                                          Mick Morris

•          Partner                                      Maree Morris

•          Children/Grandchildren                6/7

•          How long have you lived                 3 years

     in St Leonards

•          Before St Leonards                      Tamborine Mountain, Queensland

•          What did you do

      before retiring                            Boystown Queensland -Instructor

•          Football Club                               Collingwood

Mr & Mrs Alexander

As most members probably know, Ken and Maree have decided to change their lifestyle and move off to warmer shores, heading to Tasmania in the next few weeks.

    

Ken, our initial President, was instrumental in getting the shed up and running and put in countless hours getting things organized and assisting novices like myself.  He was responsible for establishing many of the connections we now have within the community and especially the work we do with the St Leonards Primary School.

We wish Ken and Maree all the very best in Tasmania and hope this next phase of their lives is everything they want it to be.

Stubby Cooler