Farmers/Community Market – Latest Farmer’s market at the Lake raised $397. Thanks to all the helpers. The Community market at the Shed made $246.60 which included the bbq. Down a little on last month. A word of explanation – a customer (un named) ordered a char grilled sausage. Being something new to my repertoire the charring and the grilling got mixed up and the result was more char than grill! Anyway a lesson learned for next time.  

Wobbly Boot Festival – This event was held on Saturday night and raised a magnificent total of $1170.40. Thanks to volunteers John and Eileen E, Ron L, Rob F and Doug S. Reports of good music and good food.

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 by getting the tokens from IGA to place in the BECS container , or signing up at Haintz pharmacy. I do not have the latest total but the IGA  figure is in excess of $2400.

New Members – We are always encouraged when new members join up and we would like everyone to make them feel welcome. This can also include asking them to help on a project, including them in  conversations and asking them about their background and work experience.

Becs Clothing – Denis C has a range of clothing items for sale at the office including polo shirts, jumpers , vests and hats.

Back yard car park – Work continues with some more fill dumped for spreading. The soup bus is now parking behind the Nissen Hut awaiting arrival of a storage container . The power has been connected to the Nissen Hut. Thanks to Eddie and Bernie for backfilling the trench. The offending asbestos has been removed and a certificate of compliance obtained.

Fiona Elsey Cancer Research – We have received a thank you for all the participation. Volunteers are invited to a tour of their research facility in Lydiard St followed by a morning tea on  Monday 23rd March at 10am. Please let me know if you are intending to go.

Begonia Parade – The Parade was a success with our silver hammer, coyote, road runner and Neale’s artistic guitar although no prize this year. The shorter distance was okay but the parade was still spread out. It is still great value to get BECS name out in front of 10,000 plus people. The media coverage this year was not up to the usual standard. We had a big team in the construction phase and a record number of participants on the day. We managed to refurbish the hammer that Doug S made and displayed about 6 years ago, and David P cut out and painted the cartoon characters with help from Len C who came up with the concept ,as well as the 4 wiper motors. Thanks to Moyle B for the use of his trailer and to Robert Young Signs for the signs. The following people also helped in big and small ways Lynton R, Paul T, Len C, David P, Doug S, John E, Neale McS, Moyle B, John R, Allan D, Jerry O, Tom Q, Alan B, Denis C, Bernie R, Graham R, Ron L, and Rob F. I apologise if I have missed someone.

Donation - Thanks to Phil Nood  of Elite Scooters who donated 2 electric wheelchairs to the shed. These have been onsold.

Swap Meet - Thanks to the following volunteers Ray and Marj D , Brian B, Ron L , Neale McS, John E, who worked at the swap meet in 4 hour shifts. This was a paid activity for the shed. A couple of the shifts we were kept very busy and Brian alone cooked $1,000.00 worth of steaks in one hour.

Grass Cutting - Thanks to Ray D for again looking after the grounds.

VMSA Newsletter - A report on our Big Day Out bus trip to Geelong appears in the latest issue. Thanks Ron for the article.

Workshop - Not as much to report on this month as a lot of activity in building the Begonia float.  The white crosses for The RSL have been cut out and painted.  Thanks to Keith C, Graham S and Lynton R.  The frame Richard G made for The Base Hospitals midwives group is to be presented in the near future.  The wooden blocks for the kindergarten have been repaired and relacquered.  Thanks to Lynton R, Keith C Rodney E and Graham S.

In the metal workshop work on the trailer continues with mudguards and sides finished. Font and rear tailgates, wiring and middle floor sheet next in line. Thanks to John and Rodney E and Doug S
Bench seats and tables for CAFS have been started.  Thanks to Allan D and Neale McS.

Sick List - Please advise Denis C if you are aware of any member or a family member who is unwell for follow up. I have not had an update on Graeme M who is at Hepburn House.  Ken P has had a stay in hospital but should now be home. We miss you mate and hope you can pop into the shed soon.  I,m sure Ken would like a phone call or visit but perhaps ting first to check that it is convenient.

From The Committee - While Ken is away for any woodwork enquiries from the public then please direct it to Ron L. We have put in an application for a grant from Ballarat South Rotary Club to update the kitchen. (Every week Alan B ably assisted by Andrew C and Denis C put on a meal that is very good value for money. We don’t publicly acknowledge these guys enough but I hope members do thank them.) This kitchen update is well overdue.
Our top up insurance has increased substantially this year as a result of The Mudgee Men’s Shed burning down and the fact that all shed’s with top up insurance have a linked policy.

Coming Events

• VMSA quarterly meeting.  Warrnambool  Friday 27 March
• Easter 3-7 April.  Shed will be open Saturday unless otherwise advised.
• Avenue of Honour Remembrance Drive opening. Sunday 12 April.  9.30 – 4.00 We are doing a bbq
• Anzac Day. Gunfire Breakfast  Sat 25 April  4.00 – 9.00 ?  Lydiard St - We are doing a bbq.
• Lake Goldsmith outing.  Sunday 3 May
• McCain Taste Testing   15 July - !3 August.