April 2017

St Leonards Men’s Shed Newsletter 

                April 2017

Welcome to the second newsletter of 2017, the start of the footy season where my hopes are normally high, at least for the first couple of rounds.  Maybe this is the year.  It's time for Easter Eggs and the grand children's first school break.  As has become the norm, it was a busy couple of months at the Shed. 
 

Members Works

BoB's Easels 

The Artist, formally known as "Bob" was asked by the art group to make two sizes of easels, naturally Bob took to this with gusto and knocked them out easily.  More have been ordered, and they just keep coming.  Kevin had a mate visiting from Mornington, another Arty person who said he may be interested in some as well.  We are currently awaiting some orders from across the Bay.

John's Side Table

John, after over 12 months missing from the Shed, re-joined and got straight into business.  I should note that his return coincidently coincided with the Brew Crew commencing their important work.  His efforts paid off with the completion of this side table that is now pride of place in the entry.  Rumours are that Deborah has commissioned more pieces from John. 

Bruce's 6 Wheeler  
Bruce is normally a very mild mannered member of the Shed.  One day he arrived cursing away to himself mumbling about the very complex specification he had been given to make a storage unit.  After a couple of days, the detailed design he had been given, had grown into what you can see on the left.  Great job Bruce. 

I'll place throughout the newsletter the clever wording of some businesses, most could very well apply to the Shed.  At an Optometrist's Office, "If you don't see what you came for, you've come to the right place."

Footy Tipping

The footy tipping is up and running with 15 challenging for the prize of $75. Bruce was so excited he entered and paid twice.  After the first two rounds we see Jeanette Swain, Port Bruce, Chris Shea and Flynn Boyes sitting together on 15 points.  Good luck to all.
 

TV

The Brew Crew and members of the debating club donated the money for a TV which has been installed in our kitchen/meeting room, antenna connected and all working.  Many thanks to Bill Mouchemore from Bellarine Peninsula Antennas for installing the antenna at a generous discount.

 

 

Minister's Visit

Friday 10th March saw the local member and Police Minister, Lisa Neville visit the Shed to launch the Help Yourself Campaign.  An initiative aimed at reducing opportunistic and impulsive crimes by increasing awareness among community members about how they can protect their cars  and personal property from thieves.  You can see Lisa trying to hold the riveted crowd back while trying to make her speech and the super attentive shed members listening to her every word.

There was approximately 30 people in attendance as well as the shed members.  Although these events may appear a waste of time, they help us increase our profile in the community and often lead to further opportunities. 


The lady in white (with camera) is from the minister's office and she has offered us some furniture when their office   relocates to Leopold.  Dennis was speaking to a lady from the justice department who provided her email and advised that we may qualify for a grant from their department.  We agreed to work with the Police Department and the St Leonards Progress Association and do the secure number plates.  (replacing number plate screws with one way screws, reducing the chance of your plates being stolen).  We have decided to turn this day into an Open Day at the Shed and have a sausage sizzle to raise some cash, so there will be plenty to do, volunteers required.  Please advise me if you can make some time on the day.  The Police Department have confirmed that our day is Saturday 22nd April, doing the number plates from 10 am - 1pm.  This will mean a start from about 9 o'clock to get things setup and ready to go.   If members could bring some of the items they have made at the shed to display during the open day, it would be appreciated.
 

 

March Committee Meeting

Shed Opening hours

During our March Committee Meeting, it was agreed that we would add Thursday afternoon to our opening hours with some noticeable restrictions.  Thursday will be a NO machine day, no dust extractor on, limited noise and a time for a quiet manual working day. Limited dust, so good day for varnishing, modelling etc.  We plan to try this to see how much use we get and will review again in three months.

While were on the subject of Opening hours, we will be closed on Good Friday but open on Easter Monday.

Lending Library

Also agreed at the meeting was that we try a lending library.  Stan the Man was at the shed and sat in the kitchen reading a book he had to return to the library, and we discussed how often people read a book and never touched it again.  If you have any books you no longer want bring them in for others to enjoy.
 

 At a Tyre Shop, "Invite us to your next blowout."
 

Noise at the Shed

On a beautiful fine February day, we had the roller door up as we had just taken the "Organ" down to the Progress Association, it was nearly time to leave and we heard this almighty noise coming towards the Shed.  I turned around expecting to see this,

 

 

 

What I saw was even more frightening, it wasn't bikies on Harley's, IT WAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris on his "Barley" (baby Harley).  A traffic warning has been raised for the St Leonards area, if you see this man on the road be afraid, be very afraid.

 

 

 

On a Plumber's truck, "We repair what your husband fixed."

Health and Safety in the Shed

Although I sent out and email discussing this topic, I thought it wise to also add it to the newsletter.  To comply with our insurance requirements we need to demonstrate that our members have be made aware of using the machinery in a safe manner and of any associated dangers.  The following is from Mick,

Although we do not come under the workplace Health & Safety Act, we, as a committee have an obligation to our members, (and our Insurer) to maintain a safe and healthy workplace – and our members have an obligation to work in a healthy and safe manner.

In the last 15 years of my working life, I was a workplace Trainer and Assessor, my areas of Expertise were Cert.111 in Automotive, Workshop Practice, Hand and Power Tool Use (including nail guns and Chainsaws.) and Workplace Health and Safety.  Because of this, the committee has asked me to be the Workshop Co-ordinator responsible for ensuring that we provide a safe workplace and that all members use the available machinery in a safe manner. 

The Committee is continually working on making our shed a safe place and my role will involve observing use of equipment and offering advice and help where necessary.  I am not an expert on all of the equipment, but I am competent in their safe use.  I hope members who are unsure of their skills in certain pieces of equipment will ask for assistance and not be offended if I offer advice and help and feel as safe and happy to be in the Shed as I do.

Those who attended the shed on Wednesday 29th March were taken through the use of the band saw and similar sessions will be held on the last Wednesday of each month.  If you miss any sessions, Please see Mick and have you name ticked off.  Thanks.

 

The "Neville Richards" -St Leonards Mens Shed -Bowls Challenge

Wednesday 29th March saw 14 members once again challenge for the much sought after Bowls Challenge Shield.  This illustrious sporting event is now proudly sponsored by Neville Richards and joining us to compete for the trophy were Luke Campbell and Trevor McManus.  

 Here are the two teams that played off for the final, Digger and Phil against Trevor and Bruce.  What really went un-noticed was that myself and Mick Morris were the team that defeated the previous champions and denied them their chance of a three-peat.  We all know how important it was to John and Dave as we were all ready to commence and those pair were in the clubrooms discussing last minute strategies.




As you can see, Bruce took the defeat very well, giving Digger a very friendly hug.







Here we see the winning team holding the shield after being presented to them by Trevor from Neville Richards.  I say the team holding the shield, clearly it is Digger holding the shield, surprising really as all the teams they played said Phil was the backbone of the team and demonstrated his broad shoulders carrying Digger through the challenge.

 

On another Plumber's truck, "Don't sleep with a drip.  Call a plumber."

The Other Timber

Last newsletter I showed pictures of some of the timber we had donated from "Peter" in Ocean Grove.  That was only one half of what we received, the rest had stored at Trevor's place and on the Labour Day Monday a few of us moved it to the Progress Association's shed (where Mick ran the bike program).  Again a BIG thank you to Trevor for allowing the use of his shed and to the Progress Association for providing the space.  As mentioned earlier, another benefit of working closely with the other Community organisations.  There is some great pieces of timber there and as you cans see some long sections of 100x100, please see Mick to get the key and arrange access.  Looking forward to seeing what members make with this timber.

 

Member Profile

Each newsletter, we introduce a member and complete a profile.  Last month you met Dave Chadwick, this month we’re pleased to introduce our other Master Brewer and the other half of the "Booze Brothers", John Stevens. 

 

Name	John Stevens
Partner	Barbara
Children/Grandchildren	2/2
Great Grandchildren	0
How long have you lived in Indented Head?	10 Years
Before Indented Head	Mont Morency
What did you do before retiring?	Self Employed Motor Mechanic
Football Club you support?	Passionate Geelong Supporter