Farmers/Community Market - Market at the lake no result at time of going to print.  Late update about $250.00
Community market at the shed raised $219.00 A good result for a slow and cold day.  Thanks to all the helpers Alan A ,David P,Alan D,Paul T, Neale McS and especially the guys who clean the trailer , implements and small bbq. Helpers include Paul T, Alan A, Alan D, Ray and Marj D , Denis C and Andrew C. Also our marshalls at the mall this month included John H, Paul T, Doug S, John R Neale McS, and John B.
Picture on left shows the new set up at Lake Wendouree which is now on the Parade and not in Windmill Drive.
Also this month we did a bbq for the RSL Gunfire Breakfast. We did this event in conjunction with The Ballarat South Rotary Club. A 5 o’clock start was not the easiest to cope with ,but we have little to complain about compared with our veterans,  Thanks to Ray and Marj D, Ron L and John R. (not Richo) Ray also picked up the bbq trailer from Laminex, cleaned and returned it. This was a special anniversary, but it appears it is having more significance for ordinary Australians. Photo from Lydiard St.

ANZAC DAY - This year BECS again laid a wreath at the Cenotaph. Thanks to Alan B and Brian Costigan (Denis’s brother) for  this task. Also thanks to John Van M for attending.         

IGA SUPERMARKET & 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 and in effect contributing to our fundraising. If you shop at one of the other IGA stores then collect the tokens and we can take them to the collection tins. Likewise consider signing up at Haintz as we are all in the high prescription user group.

NEW MEMBERS - We keep harping on about welcoming new members. By doing this there is every opportunity for them to be long term contributing members. I can think of someone who has recently joined and has taken on projects and making a real contribution. We probably can’t measure what this acceptance can mean in somebodies wellbeing. If you are out and about then don’t miss the opportunity to ask what men are up to. Case in point a lady at the Hospital presentation asked if we had anything for her husband, a retired farmer. An opportunity comes to us.

BECS CLOTHING - Do you notice these two bkokes just merging into the scenery. If they had on a BECS t-shirt or polo then they would stand out like you know what. So for all your polos, shirts, jumpers, vests  hats and beanies then see Denis C.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH - 1st  article from The Courier shows Yvon Davis  from “Mining, Mud & Medal “ project. If you have watched the film “Beneath Hill 60” you will know the story of the miners (many from this district ) who tunnelled under the German lines in the first World War. When they blew up the German observation hill the explosion was heard in England. The crosses we made were in memory of these soldiers.  In the background you can see Keith C who was involved in making the crosses and also Lynton R’s feet. We will need to do something about your media presentation Lynton to get you front and centre. The second photo shows the midwives from Ballarat Health Services on the unveiling of the quilt  they made. The frame was made by Richard G and received much praise.  Ken and Judith P’s daughter Debra is pictured at front right. The afternoon tea was rather nice too. Sorry Lynton.

VISIT TO LAKE GOLDSMITH’S 105th STEAM RALLY - 7 BECS members (Moyle B, John R, Neale McS, Paul T, Alan D Doug J and Alan B) went to the rally in Moyle B’s A Model Ford and the Merc. Fordson was the feature marque this year. It really is a great event and it would take a couple of days to see everything up close. There is something magical about the silent power of a steam engine. Book yourself to go next year.

Have a look at this seat in colour. Thanks to Geoff R for restoring it and needless to say it didn’t last long at the market before it was snapped up for a mothers day present.
Thanks to Bernie R for cleaning up the tool room and has followed this up by clearing the quiet room. Amazing!
John and Tony H have been busy chasing leaks on toilet block roof.
Hopefully to be completed before John heads off on holidays.
The seats for CAFS nave been delivered.  Thanks Lynton R, Moyle B, Alan D, Rob F and new member Thomas J.
Thanks to Doug S who undertook some repairs on the bbq trailer which had gone on from when the gas lines were moved.
Graham R and Alan D are working on some spectacle holders for Country Wide Specs.
John T and Alan D continue work on the electric truck. John and Rodney E are working on the trailer and have put a base coat of paint on.
Can you believe it. Somebody has pinched this sleeper. Yes there were slugs under the sleeper but you don’t expect their relatives  to come out in the open, dig it out and backfill the hole.  Thanks to Len C, Bernie R, John R, and John Van M for working on the fence.                                   
Talking about John, you come to more fully appreciate all the things he does to keep the books in order. This is no small task and often involves work when we are not here.
Talking of thanking people, thanks to Ray and Marg D for keeping the grass in order and weekly picking up the bread from Bakers Delight.
We have received thank you cards from Chatterbox Creative for doing the bbq at Honouring The Avenue and from The Miners, Mud and Medals group for the crosses.

SICK LIST - Trevor S is home but still undergoing tests. Hope you are back with us soon. Graeme M is still at Hepburn. If you are out that way then please pop in for a visit and Graham M is away for three weeks.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS.

• Saturday  17 May  Official opening of Sebastopol Men’s Shed  1.30pm
• Wed May 27. Visit “Changing Gears” exhibition. Melbourne.  8am ish to 3 ish.
• 17 June  Spanner in the works.  Part of Men’s Health Week.   Grab a brochure.
• 17 June visit Clunes Men Shed to view a model boat and hear its story.  11am – 1pm.