Visitors - We had a visit from 12 VCE students from Loreto College with their teacher Emma. This is the third year we have had a visit from the school. The girls were very respectful and attentive and asked lots of questions. They also donated $100 which was most appreciated.
Typing - If anyone can help with typing please let me know. Condolences - Just heard of the passing of former member Bob Carter. Condolences to his family. Bob was an early member of the art group.
BECS membership - Fees for this year are now overdue . If you have not yet paid please bring your $25 and receive your new sticker.
Sick List - Graeme M is trying some hydrotherapy treatment. Ken has had a couple of days in hospital following his recent treatment. We wish you all the best and hope to see you back soon. Bob D is still recovering at home following a mild stroke. It was good to see him pop in to the shed last Thursday! If you can help with any transport needs he may have then please let me know. Barry K is still helping out a family member in Melbourne who has health issues. Hope to see you back soon Barry.
Farmers’ Market - Quite a successful day last Saturday with takings of around $350. Thanks to everyone who helped.
Community Market – Another good day . $270 raised. I have lost the bit of paper but from memory it was bbq $110, Kitchen $30, and shed sales $130. Raffle We are holding another raffle. Ticket books available from office.If you would like a book to sell or are returning same please see Bernie Ryan.
IGA Supermarket and Haintz Pharmacy – These two businesses support BECS by a token scheme (IGA) and a rebate on prescriptions(Haintz). Members and their families are encouraged to support these businesses
Nissan hut roof repair and clean up - Still to be completed
New Members - We have had a number of new members join in recent days. Please make them welcome and get to know them. Many have interesting stories to tell.
AMSA National Conference on 27-29th October – If BECS members are considering attending this conference ( and we would encourage you to attend) you may want to start putting aside money for the fees. Early bird registration is $285, and after September 12th it is $360. AMSA is seeking funding to partially reimburse Sheds. There are now over 940 Mens Sheds in Australia.
Art Classes – Are in action on Mondays 1-3.30pm. More info. see Len Cooper. The art class is planning a trip to the NGV on Monday 19th August. Meet at Ballarat Station 8.45 and return mid afternoon. There have been a number of inquiries re. joining the art class.
Music Group – Is on Thursday’s 10-12. Turn up to the Rec.room.
BBQ Helpers for the month – Thank you to all those who have helped on the bbq’s this month, particularly to Ray and Marj who took the trailer home for a good clean!
Holidays – A number of members are on holiday now and others are intending to take some in the next couple of months. Please be aware of this if you need to contact people. Good to see Tom Q back after his holiday to Darwin. Ask him about the highlights and see the postcard on noticeboard which arrived a few days after his return.
Springfest - We have been granted sites for our shed display and the bbq, and a children’s activity called Wonderfest. We can now officially announce that we are one of the 10 recipients of Springfest funding. As a recipient we are requested to help on the day and this is why we are running the children’s activity on the Sunday. We also have some raffle books to sell, first prize is a trailer and crate full of tools valued at over $5000. Why not buy a ticket in BECS name? Please see me for a book. Yes! We will need helpers on the day(many) as we also have the bbq and a toy display.
Desks – We have been given a number of flat pack computer desks. If anyone knows of someone who needs one we can supply. We have also received a number of small filing cabinets from Ballarat City Council. Last chance for the desks as if they do not sell they will used for some other purpose.
Future Directions – We are planning to hold a meeting to give all members the opportunity to help set the direction and focus of our mens shed. We undertook a similar process a number of years ago but as we have a lot of new members it is only fair that they get a chance to contribute. Please start thinking about this matter, and also the physical facilities ie. maintenance and capital improvements we should be making ,and order of priority.
Beaufort Mens Shed - Alan B and myself attended the Beaufort mens shed interest meeting with about 45 people in attendance including couple of pollies. We were lucky to get there as on Carngham Rd some one came through a give way and hit the front of Alan’s car. His excuse “I was following my GPS”. Just like the ad. on telly ! I know none of you guys would do anything silly like this.
VMSA Quarterly meeting - Was held at the Bentmoor Shed in Moorabbin. John E and Alan B were presented with their portraits ( photo elsewhere in Mag.) by artist Greg Wilson. The book Greg wrote is in the rec. room. Have a look for some interesting stories. VMSA also presented a future directions document ( copy in rec. room). They are now working on a business plan. VMSA and AMSA are the main groups advocating for mens sheds at a Federal and State Govt. Level. It is interesting that the recent discussions about the ageing population never include men in our age groups. It seems to be about retirement and nursing homes and a new work force coming in at the tax paying level to support the pensions etc. We seem to be completely ignored. Another reason for AMSA and VMSA.
Workshop - We have been asked to make 3 large post boxes for Janine W of the Community Policing Unit. Thanks to Doug S, Terry and Lynton ( new members) and I think Frank and Mal. The 2 Grae-hams have both been working on wooden toys and have completed 3 tables, I think Ron has already sold 2 at the artisan festival. Not sure what’s been happening in the metalworking area but it seems the welding, grinding and machining is progressing.
Ballarat Artisans Festival – Ron L organised a great display for last weekends festival at the Mining Exchange. Our stand did not look out of place amongst some very professional art and craft work! A number of orders and enquiries answered.
Ballarat Show – We had voted previously not to attend this year’s Ballarat Show as we had the Conference, Springfest and the Show 3 weekends in a row but Ron has suggested we set up a static display minus the art works, just to promote our shed. We would not intend to man the stand during the show.
Rec. Room – The soccer table has been taken to the rec. room to join the pool table. Members are welcome to engage in these pursuits but please ensure the heater is turned off when you leave.
Board positions - Following the election the new board is now in place. Thanks to Ray D and Paul T for standing. Although unsuccessful we encourage all members to participate in helping to run our shed.
Utility – We have sought some assistance in replacing the shed ute. which has become rather old and tired. We have had a positive response and full details will be announced in the future.
