BBQ Trailer & Community Market – December was again a busy month which culminated in two bbq’s at Wilson’s Fruit & Veg after we had closed for the year. Thanks to Alan A who headed up the bbq on the 23rd which made $307.25 with help from John and Eileen E, Doug S and Alan D. The 24th bbq run by Ray D made $424.65 with help from Marj D and Doug J. The bbq season is hotting up so I’m sure you will find one to suit you.

IGA Supermarket and Haintz Pharmacy – These two businesses support BECS by a token scheme at (IGA) and a rebate on prescriptions at (Haintz). Members and their families are encouraged to support these businesses. Both these businesses continue to add small amounts to our bank account. The running total for IGA is $2361.11. Small amounts each month add up to a significant total over time.

New Members – We have had a number of new members join and some old members re-join in recent days. Please make them welcome and get to know them. Many have interesting stories to tell. It is encouraging to see new members actively involved and taking the initiative in projects.

New BECS clothing – We have a new supply of shirts, jackets, hats etc. Please see Denis C if you wish to purchase some items. The polo tops look good for summer wear.

BACK YARD CAR PARK - We are in the process of getting clean fill delivered. Please be careful where you park as there will be trucks coming and going with material. We still need to raise the retaining wall and put a foundation for the Soup Bus parking bay.

CHRISTMAS BREAKUP LUNCH - What a great meal that was served up on breakup day. Thanks to Alan, Denis and Andrew for cooking and serving up a treat that would be hard to beat at any eatery. Thanks to Richard for the meat and Agie for the pavlova.

Workshop - A couple of jobs have been completed. The cubby house for John’s grandchildren has been completed and Richard is well underway on completing a frame for a patchwork wall hanging. A bit of a clean-up has occurred in the workshop.

GRAFFITTI CLEAN UP AT TANIA DANIELS – THE GOOD GUYS - Two of BECS Good Guys Doug S and Paul T plus Ian S taking the photo who completed painting and refastening the bollards We will be looking at some computer equipment in return for work undertaken.

SICK LIST - Please let Denis or one of the committee know if you hear of any members or families who are unwell. Graeme M has gone into care and Ken is still having treatment.

ROTARY RAFFLE - The uptake of books has been slow. For every ticket we sell 80 cents in the Dollar of sales we keep, and the other 20cents goes to the Government, not to Rotary. This is Rotary’s way to give back to the community as distribution from the Trash and Treasure Market. Please ask at the office for a book. We are on a standby list to have the car at the Village or The Mall so we might be asking for help at short notice.

THE QUIZ still going - just. I need more members car or bike photos. No names this time. You will just have to guess on An Austin A30 possibly 1954, A 1970 164E Volvo (with overdrive ) and a 1995 Toyota HiLux 2.8 Dual Cab.

SOME NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE - The committee has been working on some designs for the layout of the Nissen hut. We have had a session with Peter Veal who has been helping us with the process. The general membership will get an opportunity to comment on these designs when established. The grant is still in process. It does make you wonder how the country functions at all. The paperwork just never seems to end !

COMING EVENTS - Please mark your calendar

• Australia Day. Monday January 26
• The Big Day Out Wednesday February 4
• Fiona Elsey Cancer Research bike ride Sunday February 15
• Swap Meet Friday 20 & Sat 21 February
• Western Bulldogs Visit (Bernie Reminder) Early March
• Begonia Parade Sunday March 9
• VMSA quarterly meeting. Warnambool - Friday March 27
• Our guest speaker at this month’s general meeting is John Gregurke from Birdlife Australia ( Ballarat branch ) We hope you will go away better informed about birds.

SOME LATE PHOTOS FOR YOUR PERUSAL

Photo 1 Ron L making a hat stand for hats of course.
Photo 2 Kindergarten blocks in for servicing - a sand and revarnish. Enough for everybody to have a go.
Photo 3 An unidentified BECS member on the sander
Photo 4 Its not true that John was caught short although there were no drip marks on the wall.
Photo 5. New rec room curtains thanks to Doug and Thelma S. Doug is a dab hand on a bag needle.