Doug’s Report, April 2013
Mayor’s Visit – Last Thursday the Mayor, Cr John Burt visited. We showed him around the workshop and he spoke to us over lunch. Questions were asked about his work at the special school and about Council matters.
HMAS Ballarat visit – We had about 15 sailors visit us on 24th April. Not surprisingly, they did not know much about men’s sheds. We gave them a tour and cuppa, and they kindly donated a plaque and 1 hat. All had volunteered to come to Ballarat for Anzac Day, which involved a 20 hour bus trip. We saw them again at the Anzac march.
Anzac Day – This year BECS laid a wreath at the cenotaph. Thanks to Bernie Maher for undertaking this duty and also to Bill Bedson who was in the parade. Neale M, Steve V and Glen T attended on the day. John E marched at Horsham and Denis C at Yarrawonga.
Art Show – A display of work by the BECS art group was held at this month’s community market. The set up and display looked very professional.
Sick List – Good to see Graeme Muir back at the shed, and a couple of others who have been away for a while. We still have some members who are undergoing tests and treatments, so we wish you all the best.
Farmers’ Market – An okay day, about $280 raised.
Community Market – A very successful day. BBQ raised $158, Devonshire tea $69, and shed sales $245. A total of $472.65.
IGA Supermarket and Haintz Pharmacy – Members and their families are encouraged to patronise these two businesses which support BECS by a token scheme (IGA) and a rebate on prescriptions (Haintz).
Toilet Block –We are still waiting for the mural on the end wall. Work has started on refurbishing the female/disabled toilet. Thanks to John H for this work.
McCains taste testing – Thanks to the volunteers who are participating in this event, particularly those from Probus and other non members of the Shed.
Flat Upgrade – We are looking for painters to spruce up the flat. If anyone knows a carpet layer who could give us a good deal on replacing and installing carpet, please let us know.
Nissan hut repairs and clean up.  Still to be completed
New Members – We have had a number of new members join recently. Please make them welcome and get to know them. Many have interesting stories to tell.
AMSA National Conference on 27-29th October – Any BECS members considering attending this conference (and we would encourage you to do so), you may want to start putting aside money for the fees. Early bird registration is $285, and after September 12th it is $360. AMSA is seeking funding to partially reimburse Sheds.
Art Classes – Are in action on Mondays 1-3.30pm. More info. see Len Cooper.
Guitar Group – Is on Thursday’s 10-12. All welcome; any ability. Just turn up to the Rec. room, with your instrument, for a friendly informal jam session.
Lunch Friday 31st May – You and partners are invited to lunch at Hog’s Breath cafe on Bakery Hill (opposite McDonalds) at 12 noon. Cost $10. Please give numbers to Doug or Alan B if you intend to come.
AGM – Will be held in July. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for Board of Management positions, please ask David for voting slips. We would like a short resume from each candidate.
BBQ Helpers for the month –Thank you to all those who have helped on the bbq’s this month. Sorry I don’t have a list available.
Holidays – A number of members are on holiday now and others are intending to take holidays in the next couple of months. Please be aware of this if you need to contact people.
Buninyong Men’s Shed. – A new shed has opened in Buninyong. We have invited them to come for a visit. Frank you are still needed here!
Springfest – We are applying for a stand at Springfest and have been requested to participate in a further activity, which we will follow up.
Donations – Quite a number of items have recently been donated and we particularly thank those donors.
Pinarc – There is a letter of thanks on the noticeboard from Pinarc Disability Services. Thanks to Richard G for helping with their holiday program.
Desks – We have been given a number of flat pack computer desks. If anyone needs one, we can supply.
Perspective – There has been a bit of comment lately regarding how the shed is going. Please be aware that the Shed movement is a tremendous success story. There are over 940 sheds Australia wide, and the reputation of BECS as a successful, inclusive and broad ranging shed is widely known. We have many individual success stories but we do not claim that we can be the answer to everyone’s needs. The range of activities we offer means there is a lot of scope for men to find meaningful involvement and activities. Yes; at the moment we appear to focus a lot on fundraising with the result that our building loan is now down to $85,000 (from $400,000 purchase) and all without any Government help! If members are seeking extra social activity they just need to raise the idea and see what support there is. Refer to social lunch ad elsewhere.
