Sick List    Alan Buchanan had a short trip to hospital in Melbourne. He is busy back on deck but won’t know the results for a few months. Ironically Thelma Smith had the same procedure a week later . We wish you both well. Ray and Marj  Drury’s family members are both quite unwell at this time undergoing treatments.  Graeme Muir  is up and down with his health. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.  Agie Costigan  had  a fall. Thankfully no broken bones!

BECS Bloke of the Year  - After discussion by the board and consideration of a number of worthy candidates it has been decided that this year’s bloke  of the year  will be awarded to GRAHAM MURRAY. Graham is a quiet achiever who although facing some difficult issues has still been contributing greatly to the shed.  Attending the shed brings mutual obligations. The shed supports and encourages members , who in turn support shed activities.  Graham has worked in the woodworking area and stepped up the the plate when Ken was away to make tables as well as chairs.  Graham you are a well deserved winner !!

Community Market –Last Saturday raised over $700. A bit of money raised from everywhere. Some stallholders had a slow day but it was a busy weekend in Ballarat.

Farmers’ Market –The Bridge Mall market was very busy and on the same day we borrowed the Rotary trailer to cater for the Ulysses MC club toy run at the lake. At one stage there was a queue of around 100 people but all in good spirits and happy to wait. Last week’s market raised over $200. Thanks to all the volunteers who help out at these events. We have about another 4 before Christmas including Wilsons Fruit and Veg on the 23-24^th December. A good chance to get out of the house and finish off the year with another bbq!!

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.  

Toilet Block –Finally open for action although we still need a couple of cubicle doors, more plastering and painting, and trimming of vanity unit to allow emergency access. Thanks to John Hazendonk for the skylight, and all the volunteers who have made it happen.

Projects  - City Council decorations have been completed. Please take the opportunity to see them at night. Thanks to Lachie, Alan A, Doug Smith, Paul, Richard, and others involved.

New Year’s Eve party – Alan Buchanan is organising a table at the Flying Horse Bistro at Bray Raceway. Tickets will be $25 per head. Put your name on the noticeboard list or see Alan. I know this seems a fair way ahead but Alan is keen to have a firm figure for numbers as this is a fundraising effort for Voice FM and they need numbers ASAP.

Christmas Breakup – Hopefully everyone had a good night. Thanks to Wilsons Fruit and Veg., Tanya Daniels- The Good Guys, McDonalds- Bakery Hill and the Water Board for door prizes and support of BECS.

150 Years Celebration Kirks Reservoir  -  A good relaxing afternoon with some general inquiries. Central Highlands Water donated some water products which have been used as a door prize at the breakup.

VMSA –  Mobile phones for seniors. We have volunteered our facility as a venue for this activity which is to assist older people in using mobile phones. This event will be held early next year and is open to anyone in the community.

Coming Events----

Australia  Day BBQ at Lake – We have been asked to do this event and have agreed.

Begonia Parade – March 2013

Last month’s Speaker  -  Phil Roberts  gave an interesting talk on some of the history books and research required in writing them. Thanks Phil.

Volunteering – A mathematical problem. Last month’s magazine quoted volunteer hours of $36,000. This in fact should have been $360,000. I claim this was a mathematical test and you all failed as no one picked up on this “deliberate”  mistake.

VMSA Regional Meeting  - was held at the shed on 30^th November. Thirty visitors from Mortlake, St. Arnaud, Charleton, Daylesford, Dereel, and Creswick  plus a number of our own members attended.  A talk was given  by Neil Gribble from Baird and McGregor on the changes to the Incorporations act, and was followed by our President Brian speaking on eligibility for DGR  status.  Paul Sladdin gave a talk on VMSA/AMSA with an interesting note that AMSA grants are allocated by postcode.  We were also asked if we would be prepared to host a breakfast on the opening day of the AMSA conference in October. Finally some discussion was held regarding the establishment of clusters of sheds in this area. Further talk to be held on this issue.

Art Classes  - have now concluded to recommence in February. Thanks to Len Cooper for his time and talent.

Vision Aids Display – Steve McKenna of Countrywide Specs is organising a display of products available to improve our eyesight at the end of January 2013. Further details next year.

Christmas closure -  Our last day this year will be Saturday 22^nd December and will reopen on Thursday 3^rd January.  Members please check with each other to ensure no one is on their own for Christmas , or to meet for coffee while we are closed.

Break in -  Unfortunately we had a number of windows broken by a couple of “drunks”. Thanks to Doug Smith for repairing broken glass.

Raffles – If you could take one of the raffle books to sell please do so as $1.60 of $2 comes back to the shed,

Richard Giles  - Completed the Great Victorian Bike Ride. His claim to fame other than finishing the event was to be asked by the police why he was doing 55k in a 40k zone. This is a gruelling event with over 4,000 people, numerous semitrailers of equipment including a power supply as they often take over a town and double its population.

Seasons Greetings  - We would wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.  Thanks to everyone who has worked to support BECS. We are a better group in having you being a member of the shed.