BBQ Trailer - Community Market - This weeks Farmers Market at the lake was slow with takings of $ 140.00 . The location has changed from Windmill Drive to the walking track on Wendouree Parade. Time will tell if this is a good move but it could also be that we are Marketed out with that many markets in the region and on every day of the weekend. This weekend also had rowing, bike rides, rock-a billy, car rallies and displays and a rodeo. Thanks to Alstom an A, Allan D, Paul T and Ray and Marj D. The market at the shed raised $434.00 which was a good result. We have moved it to the back shed and surrounds which will also allow the workshop to be open on market day. Thanks to Ron L, Ken P, Denis C and Lynton R A small number of members have put in a large contribution as a number of us had prior commitments and family functions on the weekend. THANKS.

AUSTRALIA DAY at the Lake was another full on event. Thanks to Alan A, Allan D, John E, Rob F, Doug S, Paul T and Steve V. A total of $854.00 was raised plus a front row seat at the fireworks and a close look at some ice-cream in a cone.

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 $2,410.51 . 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. This month I found out that one of our members put a guards van and wagon through the buffers at the Dunolly station. You only find out these things by talking to people. Hope that isn’t over-riding confidences.

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. If you went on the bus trip to Geelong you would have noticed that the GEMS boys really stand out in their blue polo tops.

Back Yard Car Park - I had thought that things were slowing down in the car park, but if you missed a week then wow. All the fill levelled, fence and gorse removed, new back entry set out ,parking spot for Soup Bus cleared and levelled, post holes dug, trench for power to back shed dug. We still have 100 ton of blue- metal to be spread, but with the rain to settle everything down, the end is in sight. Pictures elsewhere.

Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Bike Ride - We owe a huge vote of thanks to a small team who represented BECS at this significant charity fund raiser. Namely Ron L, Alan and Judy B, Glen and Carol T, Rob F, Neale McS, Doug S and Lastly Ray and Marj who put in the extra effort to deliver and return the bbq trailer, clean it twice, put up gazeboes pick up the bread and organize a key for the rotary trailer. I hope you will personally thank these people. This event is our way of giving back to the community who we rely on for our fund raising efforts throughout the year. THIS YEAR WE TOOK $1987.00. A record, so once again THANKS

Farewell to Ray Atkins - We were sad to say farewell to Ray. In the short time Ray was with us he made a huge contribution such as working on wood projects, working bees, assisting on the bbq, driving the ute to pick up and deliver things and generally being just a nice bloke (and he is a pom ). Ray we wish you and Liz all the best for tne future and if you ever get a chance to return then you would be most welcome- and thanks for the cakes.

Workshop - Picture above right shows Richard G with the display board showing the patchwork quilt made by BHS midwives – to be displayed at the Base Hospital.
Not really workshop but a new roller door has been installed in the nissen hut. Thanks to Len C, John R, John and Rodney E, Glenn A, Lynton R, Neale McS, Doug S and whoever else I may have missed.
For all the work in cutting down old doors, putting up new framework and other work associated with the new door. Work on the trailer continues, along with the kindergarten blocks , a turned cheese platter and the electric truck.

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 . If you are out at Hepburn he would love a visit. Ken is still having treatment. Feb has been a crook leg month. Firstly John VM returned with a knee cap needing attention and then in sympathy Glenn A does his meniscus. This is not just harder to spell but I think he feels like it should demand more sympathy. Probably nothing to do with the fact it was just before our busiest weekend of the year ! Tony S also had a small episode after playing golf. Hope all is well Tony.e extend our condolences to the family of former member Bill Bedson. Bill would have lunch with us on a Thursday. Bill found it difficult to attend after moving location. Bill also led our ANZAC Parade on a couple of occasions in recent years.

Big Day Out - What a great event organized by VP Ron L. We were joined by 5 men from Wedouree Community Mens Shed and 18 from Buninyong. Our visit to the Geelong and Buninyong Sheds just confirms the fact that “every shed is different”. The things I noted were the newer the shed the cleaner the shed, big boys toys are poular, we must get our garden going, we are not the only shed to put on a good bbq, having all your members in a dtandard putfit makes a statement, it is good to have a relationshi with organisations duch as Bunnings and being part of a mens shed shouldn’t always be about work and lastly 50 blokes can get to Geelong and back without a stop. We must also thank Ballarat City Council for covering our bus expense through their Community Ympact Grant, Mars Confectioary for the sweets, Gold Bus and driver Tom who got us there and back safely and to Corio for morning tea, GEMS for lunch and Leapold for smoko and all you men who came. We await your next trip Ron.

Rotary Raffle - Have not heard that anybody we know was a winner and I don’t have finale figures but it should be $500 +’ Thanks to Ron for putting in a day outside Spotlight selling tickets.

Some Notes from the Committee - Please note the proposed layout for the Nissen Hut is on the rec room noticeboard.  If Ken is not available for any public enquiries then please see Ron. Any orders should be written up in the order book. Also if members are working on their own projects or using shed material, then we would appreciate a small donation for use of power, equipment and materials. If you have any questions then please speak to Ron L, Alan A or one of the committee.

COMING EVENTS - Please mark your calendar

• Building and Living Expo. (bbq) - Buninyong 22 Feb
• Swap Meet 19 – 22 February (bbq helpers)
• Western Bulldogs Visit (Bernie only 14 sleeps to go) 5 March 1.15 – 2.45 pm Sorry Bernie I forgot the nanna naps. Thats 28 sleeps to go.
• Begonia Parade Monday March 9 Labor day long weekend
• VMSA quarterly meeting. Warnambool. Friday March 27
• McCain taste testing. 15 July – 13 August

Pictures from The Big Day Out.

I know one of our members is “empire building” (he already has six wood lathes) but could he be looking enviously at a white dust coat- a reward for a Master Wood Turner.  Middle photo shows a 3D printer that the Corio Men’s Shed is going to use to make trains.

Works in the Car Park