St Leonards Men’s Shed Newsletter 
December
Its been a while since the last newsletter, some of us had holidays before the silly season. As you will see when you scroll through this edition the Shed has been very busy, even had requests for overtime. We hope everyone is the best they can be, have a safe and happy Christmas and spoil the grandchildren. (Political Announcement. I am an Australian and still celebrate Christmas, anyone who has any issues, please see our Cultural Ambassador)
AFL Grand FinalAs much as it hurts, congratulations to the Tigers for their performance in winning this years flag. I was on holidays in NZ (I'm a Melbourne supporter so I knew it was safe to go away this year) and watched the game on TV. Then watched the Storm win and I paid out on all the Cowboy supporters that were with us.
Neville Richards Bowls Challenge
Well our Spring Bowls Challenge again gave us a very warm day and we had Luke and Trevor from Neville Richards there as sponsors. The CEO and on offsider from BCH said they would be there as well. They turned up late had a game against some of the guys while the finals were in play and joined us for the usual refreshments. 
Prior to the BCH boys arriving we had 16 players and we played 4 games before the finals. Jim and Alain went straight into the Final whereas Phil and myself had to face a playoff against previous winners Dave and John. We decided on one bowl each, closest to the jack wins. Dave led off put a bowl not miles from the jack but my mate Phil beat that and started his mind games with John. Unable to stand-up against such huge pressure, John sent down a wrong bias and gifted us the position in the finals.
Jim and Alain were no match for Phil's mind games and we won convincingly, although most had already retired into the clubrooms. Another great day and as you can see Bob and Geoff shared a drink with the BCH boys, working on getting more sponsorship. Notice how Geoff is playing hard to get.
City of Greater Geelong - Healthy and Connected Communities Gant
Another grant opportunity and we decided to go to work again and see if we could get a grant to improve the area around the Gaga pit at the school. Other than the Gaga pit this is a very under utilised space and Jenny had plans drawn up by a local landscaper, we put in the paperwork and again have been successful.
We didn't receive enough to do the complete job but what we have in mind should see a very poor space become another school favourite. We have not received the money as yet and anticipate starting work over the school holidays.
Coastyle Homes
Russell arranged a meeting with John Ekburg from Coastlye Homes to discuss possible use of materials. John advise he had a lot of timber that the Shed could have access to for various projects and also if they were doing any demolitions that he would contact us to see if we would be interested in any of the material being demolished. Later Russell and Mick visited his storage area and saw what was on offer. This will be very good for the Shed in the Future and we thank John for his support.
Lions Raffle
3rd Prize 14445 Anglican Parish Bellarine.
4th Prize 2684 Portarlington R.S.L.
Melbourne Cup Raffle
Geoff organised this years sweep and while some of our horses are still running, the winners were, First - Rekindling - Lucky Mick, Second - Johannes Vermeer - Lorraine Evans, and Third - Max Dynamite - Bergs. Congratulations winners and Thanks Geoff.
When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their body.....men are so polite they only look at the covered bits.
We have held two sessions on a Thursday where Clive has attended the Shed to assist with any Computer/IT/Communications issues. Each time those who have attended have had their concerns fixed and left as happy customers. You can't get better value for money, as it costs you nothing and if Clive cant fix it then he will investigate and see you next time. It is planned to have another session after Christmas, so any issues please stay tuned.
seats and a memorial bench for the RSL site on Swan Bay Road. They chose Cypress pine for the job and as usual everyone got stuck in to complete the work. We finished before they were ready and had to store the furniture at the shed until the site was ready. When asked to come and install the furniture someone forgot two legs, so a second visit was required. The finished products were very well received and used at their Official Opening and Remembrance Day Service. There was around 11 members (and partners) from the shed at the Service on a very warm November morning. There was only one concerning issue that morning,
We were constantly stalked by this guy wearing a suit and the special sun glasses. John thought he may have been an ASIO type person lingering to see what the Mens Shed boys were up to, luckily for this person our cultural ambassador was kept well away.
A recent study has found, that women who carry a little extra weight, live longer than the men who mention it.
Mens Shed Day
Once again, the Mens Shed Day was held at Club Italia in Leopold. This is a function when men from Sheds across the Bellarine gather to generally have a chat, see what other sheds are doing and the organisers have some guest speakers for us to be amused by.
There were 11 from our shed in attendance and we had a number of things on display, Rollers, Guitars, a few other cars and Jeeps, Fred's hammer and ferret nets. There was a lot of interest in the Rollers, and some people even picked up the guitars to see how they played. Lots of sheds displayed their items of interest, AEG and Bunnings had stands (the boys picked up some freebies), overall a very good day. Dave Bailey from the Geelong East Mens Shed does this wood burning and makes some fascinating pieces, so I asked him would he consider coming to our shed and show those interested how its done. He will come down after Christmas, watch for email notification.
Portarlington Golf Club
As per the information in the last newsletter, way back in July we were approached by the Portarlington Golf club to see if we were able to make them some hole markers. We were shown what they expected and it was agreed we would use some materials at hand to see if what we produced would be acceptable. As you know, we were given the go ahead to complete 22 of the markers. Well, after a lot of hard work we delivered the first 7 on Monday the 20th November. Just about all members who attend the shed played some part in completing the work, a great team effort. The second batch left the Shed on Monday 27th with the final delivery scheduled for 4th December.
Annual Golf Challenge
And we finish a great night with a cup of tea in the Shed's finest bone china.
Thanks to all members and partners for making it a wonderful evening.
Member Profile
As you know, each newsletter, we introduce one of our members and complete a profile. Last newsletter you met our much travelled Lions District Governor, Trevor Hirth. This month its our assistant Treasurer, "The Count", Phil Murphy.
Results for this years Lion Community Raffle are posted below and this year they had 30 organisations selling tickets, sold 12,615 tickets and raised over $25,000. Although the Shed didn't sell any winning tickets, Lucky Mick's wife, Maree won on a single ticket bought at the shops.
1st
Prize 5410 Drysdale Sports & Fishing Club.
2nd
Prize 5179 Drysdale Sports & Fishing Club.3rd Prize 14445 Anglican Parish Bellarine.
4th Prize 2684 Portarlington R.S.L.
5th
Prize 2731 Portarlington R.S.L.
6th
Prize 7556 St Leonards Cricket
Club.
7th
Prize 9085 Portarlington Girl
Guides.
8th
Prize 14301 Anglican Parish
Bellarine.
9th
Prize 5781 Drysdale Sport & Fishing Club.
10th
Prize 2183 Portarlington R.S.L.
11th
Prize 6445 Portarlington Food
Assist Program.
12th
Prize 2680 Portarlington R.S.L.
13th
Prize 9231 Portarlington Girl
Guides.
Music Stands
The St Leonards Community Space asked us to make them some desktop music stands. The boys were on the case and knocked out a sample product that got the approval and then produced another 14. The Space ladies were very happy with what they received.
Melbourne Cup Raffle
When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their body.....men are so polite they only look at the covered bits.
Computer Help
Mannerim Memorial
Bellarine Landcare, the people we did the bird boxes for, asked us to make table and
seats and a memorial bench for the RSL site on Swan Bay Road. They chose Cypress pine for the job and as usual everyone got stuck in to complete the work. We finished before they were ready and had to store the furniture at the shed until the site was ready. When asked to come and install the furniture someone forgot two legs, so a second visit was required. The finished products were very well received and used at their Official Opening and Remembrance Day Service. There was around 11 members (and partners) from the shed at the Service on a very warm November morning. There was only one concerning issue that morning,
We were constantly stalked by this guy wearing a suit and the special sun glasses. John thought he may have been an ASIO type person lingering to see what the Mens Shed boys were up to, luckily for this person our cultural ambassador was kept well away.
Mens Shed Day
There were 11 from our shed in attendance and we had a number of things on display, Rollers, Guitars, a few other cars and Jeeps, Fred's hammer and ferret nets. There was a lot of interest in the Rollers, and some people even picked up the guitars to see how they played. Lots of sheds displayed their items of interest, AEG and Bunnings had stands (the boys picked up some freebies), overall a very good day. Dave Bailey from the Geelong East Mens Shed does this wood burning and makes some fascinating pieces, so I asked him would he consider coming to our shed and show those interested how its done. He will come down after Christmas, watch for email notification.Portarlington Golf Club
As per the information in the last newsletter, way back in July we were approached by the Portarlington Golf club to see if we were able to make them some hole markers. We were shown what they expected and it was agreed we would use some materials at hand to see if what we produced would be acceptable. As you know, we were given the go ahead to complete 22 of the markers. Well, after a lot of hard work we delivered the first 7 on Monday the 20th November. Just about all members who attend the shed played some part in completing the work, a great team effort. The second batch left the Shed on Monday 27th with the final delivery scheduled for 4th December.
Annual Golf Challenge
What a day we had for the Golf Challenge, 36 degrees and very warm. The afternoon started with Kevin doing a great job on the BBQ while the boys had a few coldies to settle the nerves. Here they are just about to start. First up it was Bruce, Mick, Phil and Berg's.
This is a very rare shot, actually seeing Mick take a shot. As mentioned earlier it was a hot thirsty day, a Blood, Sweat and Tears day. Blood because I was playing with Ray and after just about every shot he would say, bloody this, bloody that. Sweat because there wasn't anyone not sweating. Tears, because Mick was so hot he finished after the second hole and took his stubby cooler back to the car where the esky was to sit down and have a nice cold beer. Little did he know, Kevin had told John to close the door which locked both the esky and my keys in the car. Mick burst into tears and had to be consoled by our cultural ambassador , who told him to harden up.
Bruce was an clear winner of the 6 holes of golf. Here's Ray presenting Bruce with his trophy. After everyone saw the quality of trophies handed out today there was a lot of, "I'll try harder next year."
Following the return of the search and rescue team, who had to locate the final four, (John, the Chadwick's and Geoff) who got lost, we met at the 18th green for the putting comp. This was presided over by well, to be honest, three not so wise men. That was until one of them decided to demonstrate putting with his personalise putter.
Here's Ray presenting Geoff with his much sought after trophy for winning the putting competition. Dave, previous winner, tried everything to win, including using his pink ball, but still lost out.
Overall, it was a good day enjoyed by all who attended. Apologies to Kevin and Russell who missed out on the group photo.
This is a very rare shot, actually seeing Mick take a shot. As mentioned earlier it was a hot thirsty day, a Blood, Sweat and Tears day. Blood because I was playing with Ray and after just about every shot he would say, bloody this, bloody that. Sweat because there wasn't anyone not sweating. Tears, because Mick was so hot he finished after the second hole and took his stubby cooler back to the car where the esky was to sit down and have a nice cold beer. Little did he know, Kevin had told John to close the door which locked both the esky and my keys in the car. Mick burst into tears and had to be consoled by our cultural ambassador , who told him to harden up.
Bruce was an clear winner of the 6 holes of golf. Here's Ray presenting Bruce with his trophy. After everyone saw the quality of trophies handed out today there was a lot of, "I'll try harder next year."
Following the return of the search and rescue team, who had to locate the final four, (John, the Chadwick's and Geoff) who got lost, we met at the 18th green for the putting comp. This was presided over by well, to be honest, three not so wise men. That was until one of them decided to demonstrate putting with his personalise putter.
Here's Ray presenting Geoff with his much sought after trophy for winning the putting competition. Dave, previous winner, tried everything to win, including using his pink ball, but still lost out.
The day after the golf Phil went to his doctor, and during his physical the doctor asked to describe his daily activity level. Phil described his day this way;
Well, yesterday afternoon, I waded along the edge of a dam, drank eight cokes, escaped from wild dogs in heavy bush, marched up and down several rocky hills, stood in a patch of poison ivy, just missed the quicksand, jumped away from an aggressive brown snake, and took four leaks behind big trees.
No Phil replied, "I'm just a shitty golfer."
Well, yesterday afternoon, I waded along the edge of a dam, drank eight cokes, escaped from wild dogs in heavy bush, marched up and down several rocky hills, stood in a patch of poison ivy, just missed the quicksand, jumped away from an aggressive brown snake, and took four leaks behind big trees.
No Phil replied, "I'm just a shitty golfer."
Christmas BBQ
We started getting things ready for this event early and decided if the weather would let us down we would retire to the Shed. That meant an early clean-up at the shed and its never looked cleaner.
An early call was made and we decided that the weather gods were not going to be kind so we rang around and advised people to come to the Shed for dinner. We had 29 very social souls turn up and firstly there were introductions to be made.
Of course we forgot to do name tags and not everyone could remember all the names. This is quite typical of not remembering names, as the ladies are asking each other, "who the bloody hell was sitting there?"
There was a photo of three not so wise men at the golf course, well here is the opposite, three very wise women.
Thanks to everyone for going out of your way to provide such a wonderful variety of extremely tasty food. We started with all sorts of tasty starters we had placed out in the workshop area, then following Chef Kevin's cooking went to work on eating Turkey, Ham Steaks and sausages and all kinds of salads.
A clean-up was carried out, our washing machine "Phil" had to sit down for a rest complaining of dishpan hands. Kevin and a few other of the gents laid the table for Sweats. Knowing her husband was close to the sweats, Monica demanded to know if there the Boys have left any.
There was a great variety, even for the most fussy eater. The boxes at the far end of the table have more sweat to be put out. What a spread.
And look who was holding court while everyone else was working, looks like he had a great night.
He wasn't looking all that flash the following day at our debating session.
He wasn't looking all that flash the following day at our debating session.
And we finish a great night with a cup of tea in the Shed's finest bone china.
Thanks to all members and partners for making it a wonderful evening.
| Name | Phil Murphy |
Partner
|
Alana
|
Children/Grandchildren
|
2/3
|
Great Grandchildren
|
0
|
How long have you lived in St Leonards?
|
6 Years
|
Before St Leonards?
|
Wyndhamvale
|
What did you do before retiring?
|
Production Scheduler
|
Football Club you support?
|
Richmond
|
