February
I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break, survived the very hot days we had over the period and enjoyed Australia Day. Both the Australian Men and Women teams have reclaimed the ashes, the English taught the boys how to play the one day game, but personally, I'm looking forward to the Footy season. Don't forget we will again be running our tipping competition, open to any shed members and their families. Once again the Shed has been very busy, spending a lot of time at school, some of us probably needed to remain there. (Another Political Announcement. I am a proud Australian and like most others celebrate Australia Day on Jan 26, anyone who has any issues, please see our Cultural Ambassador) .
Primary School Project
As mentioned in the December newsletter, we received a grant to do some work at the school and the first photo shows Mick and I discussing some of the design aspects either that or standing under the shade of the tree. Note what the ground looked like, it was stones, rubbish and broken branches, not a place any of the kids went to play.
Work began after Christmas and everyone got stuck in, doing anything that was required. There was Jim and Bruce (The pathway boys) working on a nice straight pathway. The boys are planning stop signs for the end of the paths.
Looks like Bruce really did get stuck in. Jim starting the other side.
Starting to come together.
Ray, Dave and I were busy putting sleepers down, carpeting, painting seats and small flower pots that we re-used from the school.
While the rest of us toiled under the sun, Bob the builder worked under the shade of this magnificent old tree. Bob positioned the seat so that the sides are facing North, S E & W. The teachers are going to paint the letters on the seat and perhaps something else like sunrises and sunsets.
Nearing completion of the path and we engaged our No 1 Wacker. Alain did a great job wacking away to compact the toppings the rest of the team had spread.
After completing their work inside Mick and Kevin came to assist/supervise.
There was lots going on outside whether under the sun or the shade of the tree. However, there were two working away inside the shed, Kevin and his apprentice Mick.
If you look closely in the left hand photo you can see Mick behind his mentor. In the right photo some last minute adjustments.
Under Kevin's supervision Mick managed the major hole for the roller door, now for the other access door. Look, the doorway's finished.
As we finished up for the day, Jenny came out for some photos with the kids.
There were some final things to do, to complete a great teamworked project, and in the next newsletter we'll put up a video of the finished product.
Bellarine Landcare Group
Sophie Small was the person who originally contacted us about the Mannerim Memorial work to make some bird boxes for her. She donated the first eight boxes (that we supervised the school children making) to the school. Sophie asked for more to be made, both Rosella boxes (as made by the children) and some Microbat boxes. Sophie picked up the Microbat boxes at the end of January, asked us for a modification to the Rosella boxes and gave us $500 for some other varieties to be made (kookaburra, Owl and others).
Portarlington Community Centre
We were approached by Judy Collins from the Community Centre and asked if we could make some Mahjong Boards and some card holders. Never to knock back a challenge, led by John, the boys went to work on both sets. Unfortunately, we never had any photos taken before the boards were paid for and taken away. Kath, from the Mahjong group gave me these photos, using the boards.
Horsing Around
Everyone has been commenting how bright and happy Dennis Smith has been over the last few weeks. He's been very vocal in the Shed and always seems to be having something to say. We discovered the reason for his joy was, he's been horsing around with his apprentice, our Cultural Ambassador.
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As you can see, under the watchful eye of his mentor, Chris is moving along very nicely.
We'll see the final result in the next newsletter, I'm very confident it will be finished, either that or Dennis will have resigned.
Jenny (school principle) told us how the school did breakfasts for those children that arrived not having had breakfast. At the last Committee Meeting last year we agreed that the Debating Club would assist in this endeavour. Kevin took on the project and agreed with Jenny that a great way we could help would be to provide a box of fruit each month. Yes, who would have thought you having a social beer is providing some good food to school children. Here's Kevin's first delivery, looks like he made sure the apples were worthy of eating.
As with each newsletter, we introduce one of our members and complete a profile. Last newsletter you met our assistant Treasurer, Phil "The Count" Murphy. This month its a person who has featured in most news letters, either showing off the company truck or his 6 wheeler car storage unit, congratulating Digger at bowls, impersonating an ASIO officer or winning the Golf Challenge. It's Bruce "Batman" Swain.
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Name
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Bruce Swain
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Partner
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Jeanette
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Children/Grandchildren
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3/5
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Great
Grandchildren
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0
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How long have
you lived in Portarlington?
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32 Years
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Before Portarlington?
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Maitland, NSW
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What did you do
before retiring?
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Swimming Coach,
Ocean Grove Surf Club
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Football Club
you support?
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Swans and St
George
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