Sick List -  Graeme Muir has had a spell in hospital with another stay and more tests to come.  Denis Costigan has been in hospital and has had a couple of stents put in.  Luckily this all happened now and not in the middle of his walk in Tasmania!  Alan Buchanan has also had a stay in hospital (what’s up with our cooking staff?).  Thankfully Alan is now back on deck and we were thankful for a nice chow mein for lunch!  Keith Pilven is undergoing more tests.  Barry Watts has dropped in to the shed for a couple of visits while still undergoing treatment.  Brian Daniell had some days off sick.  His self diagnosed treatment is to head bush out of Maryborough for a few days batching and renovating.  Hope all these guys are back fit and healthy ASAP.

Back from holidays -  Leon Sherwood has had to reintroduce himself to the shed after his lengthy tripping around the country counting birds, bilbies, and repairing wildlife structures.  We hope Leon can bring us a presentation in the near future.  Ken Pryor is back from the West after an enjoyable holiday.

 Ballarat Show -  We have been asked to have a bigger involvement at this year’s Ballarat Show from 9-11^th November.  They would like us to have some more children’s activities and we will be given a larger site on the Howitt St end of the main pavilion.

Community Market -  A slow day.  No results to date.  Four external stall holders.

Farmers’ Market -  Again no results to date.  The last market in the Bridge Mall resulted in a double up with Rotary.  We have been asked to do the November market as Rotary is unavailable and we still anticipate we’ll do the December one as this is the largest for the year.

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 -  Framework completed and external cladding.  Plumber installed copper pipes.  Internal cladding ready to fit.  Thanks again to all the volunteers.

Veterans Affairs -  We have been successful with a $500 grant for Veterans Health Week.  Denis Costigan and Bernie Maher featured in the Courier advertising this event which will be on Thursday 25^th October.  Regular BECS members who wish to have lunch on that day please let us know regarding attendance as we need to account for the funding.

Working with Wood -  Exhibition in Melbourne on October 19^th -21^st at the Showgrounds.  We would like to make it a group outing.  We have a list on the noticeboard for either the 19^th or 21^st.  Please indicate your preferred option.  This might be over by the time you get this but I know Richard Giles is planning to attend on Friday 19^th (Please see him for travel arrangements).

Projects -  Two ottomans completed.  Fifty stackable tables completed.  Work under way on shelving unit for Steve (optometrist).  Metal work area is quoting on some portable safety fencing.  Christmas decorations for City Council have been quoted on and a couple of projects have been accepted for this year.  We have been asked to make some drink serving paddles by a local micro brewery.  Mal. has volunteered (been coerced).  Thanks Mal!

Springfest -  Sunday 4^th November.  We will have a stall to showcase our products.  If you could help sometime on this day please let me know.

Lake Goldsmith -  If you have never attended please do yourself a favour and go.  This year is their 100^th Anniversary rally with some exhibits not seen before.  They also have steam bending of wood demos, grand parades, and the ability to get up close to lots of old machinery.  The rally is 3^rd -5^th November.

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 -  Same venue as last year - Royal Mail Hotel.  Details will be on noticeboard and we will accept early payment.

150 Years Celebration Kirks Reservoir -  18^th November.  We have been asked to provide a stall to display our wares.  Lots of kids activities, bands, jumping castle, free bbq etc.

Run Ballarat -  Sunday October 21^st.  Over 1700 entrants so far.  Venue will be City Oval.  Entertainment provided.  Races throughout the day from 8.15am.  We need to be on hand from 5.30am - 11am.  Early start due to road closures.  Please see Alan Aiton if you can help as we would like members to volunteer for shifts so no one has to do the whole day.

Probus Visit -  We had 20 members of the Clifton Springs/Drysdale Probus club for a visit and lunch last month.  Many good comments from their members.

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.

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

Nissan Hut -  Ray Drury has been asked to look after the back shed and has agreed to take on this role.  Members are asked to give Ray their help and co-operation.