But That's Not All - Thanks to Karagi Court Charity

The Karagi Court Charity funding for the Vertical Drill Mill machine extended to a 20 Ton hydraulic press for the metal shop and a 3 HP 3 cylinder Air Compressor for the wood shop.

With the Compressor permanently installed in the dust extraction shed outside the main workshop the main working space is much quieter. As the compressor is powerful enough to supply a steady volume of compressed air we now have "drop down" hoses in the workshop which allow air tools to be connected very quickly.

The men have also rigged up extension air intakes to draw clean air into the cylinders.

With 20 Ton capacity we can now press and bend just about anything

Our super Compressor

Thanks Karagi Court Charity Committee

Karagi Court Charity Committee presented a Vertical Drill Mill to the Shed which will mean the opportunities for members to work on more extensive metal projects.

With the instillation of this major machine  the Shed can now handle just about any job we are asked to do and we will only be limited by the skills (or lack of) by the members.

While this is a specialist machine men will have the opportunities to learn new skills and to enhance their Shed experiences.

Details of the cutting tool and vice

Barry loves his new toy

John is keeping a close eye on his project

One needs a degree to work the control panel

Channel 7 Visits the Shed

When the Channel 7 News team asked to visit the Shed to promote Time Banking the men jumped at the opportunity.

So a small group showered, brushed their hair, checked their actors equity membership cards and put on their camera faces. Peter and Fred fronted the camera to promote Time Banking while the rest were content with playing a supporting role as the  more lowly paid 'extras'

Barry wasn't offered an interview but made sure he was hovering wherever the camera was pointing.

Promotion at Carers Week Community Event

When Adssi Home Living Australia invited us to participate in a promotion during Carers Week we were only to glad to attend and talk to anyone willing to listen about the benefits of belonging to a Shed.

The perfect physical specimens of the shedders waiting to talk to anyone was of course an attraction, or perhaps more of  a turn off, and that's probably why there are no eager people hanging on to our every word.

Kevin did attract just a little attention when he headed off on the Harley Rocker and were still not sure if it was his demonstration on just how strong the bike is or the motor bike noises he made as he rocked back and forth.  

Ready to promote Men's Sheds - Avery, Ray, John & John

Kevin always was a rev. head but to be a real bikie he needs a few more tats.

Attack of the Ageing Archers

Peter (in the red shirt) made these 2 equipment carriers for the Umina PCYC Archery Club and in payment Shed members were invited for a lesson and a 'shoot off' by the Club.  While only a few took advantage of the offer those who did had a very relaxing and enjoyable outing.

The wildlife on the Central Coast have nothing to fear because of the more than 160 arrows shot from a distance of 10 metres only 1 hit the bullseye while a few missed the targets all together and hit the curtain well behind the targets.

Ageing Robin Hoods from L-R  John S, Laurence (PCYC), John I, Barry F, Andrew K, Barry M, Peter C

Did Peter really hit the Bulls Eye or was the
arrow placed to suit the photo?

Great Style, pity about the aim!

   

Bateau Bay Men's Shed 2013 AGM

At the 2013 AGM attended by the Hon Member for Dobell, Craig Thompson, Deputy Mayor Wyong Shire, Councillor Lyn Webster, Business Manager Adssi Home Living Australia, Kristen Whitney and 37 members of Bateau Bay Men's Shed Inc. the following were elected to the Shed Executive Committee and the General Committee for the following year.

President: John Sharples
Vice President: Graham Craike
Secretary/ Public Officers: Peter Crabbe & Robert Corlet
Treasurer: Robert Herod
Committee: Kevin Armstrong
                    Ron Belshaw
                    Barry French
                    Fred Murray

The President's Report for 2013 follows:-

BATEAU BAY MEN’S SHED INCORPORATED

ANNUAL REPORT - 4 SEPTEMBER 2013

Welcome everyone to the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Bateau Bay Men’s Shed.

It gives me great pleasure to present the Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Presidents Report to you this morning after what has been another very productive year.

This is the 4th Annual Report I have had the pleasure of presenting since the Shed held it’s inaugural AGM in September 2009 and each year has seen developments that improve the facilities for all members.

It’s not until one looks back to last September (thank goodness for diaries) that it becomes obvious just how busy we have been this year.  Let me simply list a range of activities with which we have been involved.

With a leaning toward a healthy lifestyle for mature aged men Hearing Australia recently conducted hearing tests in the shed, the walking group is gaining momentum and has featured on local ABC radio, guest speakers from Alzheimer’s Australia have led discussions during Tool Box meetings, Fair Trading on how to avoid scams, or how to get into scams we hadn’t previously heard about, and a guest speaker led discussions on ‘falls prevention’.  Members responded to the Wyong/Gosford Councils Positive Ageing Strategy Surveys and we enjoyed the company of an official photographer and staff from Council also attended the Shed, took photos and conducted interviews as part of this initiative.

Again this year we welcomed a first year nursing student from the University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus as he participated in 32 hours of observation as part of his course work in Primary Health Care.

On a lighter side the Seniors Week BBQ’s while not well attended led to a connection with Karagi Court and the Free Masons Central Coast and resulted in a substantial grant to purchase specialist machinery.

We had fun working with the Woodport Before and After School Care students during school holidays and have developed strong links with this group.  As well we entertained a group of students, parents and teachers from the Tumbi Explore and Develop Childcare Centre for an hour when about 20 preschoolers swarmed around the benches hammering nails into anything lying around.  When they left taking with them all sorts of wonderful contraptions that only they knew what they were we were so pleased they were only with us for a short time.  But then we immediately arranged for another visit.

In July we visited the Cynthia Street Community Centre and conducted a class in basic home maintenance such as fixing leaking taps, repairing holes in gyprock and door lock maintenance.

Men from Magnolia Manor Aged Care village at Kanwal have become regular visitors and we have been able to make Alzheimer’s Activity Boards, Sensory Boards, and games boards for use by their clients. Men from this group enjoy just being in a functioning shed for a little time as it brings back many memories and allows them to tell their stories.

We accepted invitations to Fairhaven Fete, Lake Haven Masonic Village Men’s Shed (for a most wonderful BBQ) and enjoyed pretending to be chefs at a Friday BBQ at Bunnings.

A very pleasing community connection we have recently made is with the Down Syndrome Education Association of Queensland. After seeing photos of a Slope Board we made for a local 5-year-old girl we were asked to provide them with a sample and from this 10 more have been ordered. Even better, a member has negotiated with a local carrier to deliver them to their office in a Brisbane suburb at no cost.  We have also been asked to build a number of sturdy support frames for special needs children that will allow them safe access to a kitchen bench or table so as to be able to help around the home.

The Operation Christmas Box program has again been well supported by members and by the amount of goods already in store we should reach our target of 25 shoe boxes to send to needy children in third world countries. 

And then there have been all those small projects that are too many to mention for people who simply call in seeking assistance for some repairs, advice or with a request to have something made.

With all this activity we have only had time for 1 excursion this year but the visit to Cockatoo Island was an experience we all enjoyed.

And most importantly we arranged a new morning tea supplier so on Tuesday we have no trouble filling more than 30 men with enough left for the next day as well.  I know our members don’t just come on Tuesday for the quality of cakes but it is certainly a draw card.

During the past 12 months our average attendance was 22 members a day. This shows the importance this group has for many men in our community. While a number attend each day many allocate 1 day a week to spend some time enjoying the company of like-minded men in a productive and friendly environment.

A report such as this would not be complete without a special mention of the support we have received from Adssi Home Living Australia. The ongoing support from Adssi, from the day we were offered the use of this building up until the present time has been nothing but outstanding. Not only for the material support but also the regular healthy living activities in which we have cooperated. This venture continues to flourish and plans for further joint activities are being discussed.  

This Shed is a ‘palace’ compared to many Sheds with equipment and facilities almost second to none but this will not continue to be so if we don’t look forward and plan for the future. As we move into our 5th full year there may be a tendency to leave the management of the Shed to those who have done it before. But as we all getting older and are all volunteers there can be no guarantee or expectation that the management of this Shed can be left to a few.  I see the coming year as one of change with the understanding that Bateau Bay Men’s Shed will only continue to operate with the success it has to date if others are prepared to accept additional responsibilities. There is a saying - nobody can do everything but everybody can do something.  The outstanding success of this Shed is that there are so many members who step forward to help others and to work in the community to make our little part of the Coast a better place in which to live.

With that said I am announcing that at the end of this coming year I will not be nominating for the position of Shed President but have every intention of nominating for other positions. After 5 years I believe it is time for someone else to step into this position and intend giving them my full support.

I wish to thank the outgoing committee for their efforts during the year and especially their willingness to accept responsibility for regularly supervising the workshops. To Graham Craike, Barry French, Richard Thorpe, Linden Scotts and Kevin Armstrong, to Fred Murray who deputised when Bruce Tubnor took his caravan to Darwin to escape the cold and to Peter Crabbe who replaced Nigel Stretton when in the UK, my thanks to you all. Formal Committee meetings have been kept to a minimum this year as most of the day-to-day governance issues are managed during informal discussions but for those scheduled meetings your willingness to be involved has been invaluable.

I wish the incoming Executive and Management Committee a successful year confident in the knowledge that this Shed has firmly established management policies and day to day working arrangements that have positive influences on all members and those in our community with whom we come into contact.

John Sharples

President

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed

4 September 2013

Old Shedders Live to Rock - or is it - Die Old Disgracefully

The "Rocking Harley" has been taking shape in the Shed for more than a 18 months but it is finally finished and waiting for a good home.

Made entirely from timber, apart from the handle bars and grips and the leather upholstery,  the steering works, the wheels rotate and the badges are authentic Harley Davidson add ons. At 1300 long by 750 high and weighing enough to make one think twice before lifting it the bike will suit an adventurous pre school or early school aged child.  

After 100 hours in the making it is a little sad to see the end of the project.  The time taken to complete the rocker would have been less if the shedders hadn't kept suggesting changes to the original design but we did stop short of installing a Harley tuned sound effects module which created the characteristic exhaust tone when the bike was being ridden.

We now look forward to finding it a good home  and perhaps for the new owner it may be the start of a lifelong love of the two wheeled monsters.

Bateau Bay Wobbly (or is it Knobbly) Walkers

The Bateau Bay Shed fitness gurus combined with Jessica from InTouchHealth to start the Wobbly Walking Group on a perfect day on the Central Coast.

Too often we know we really must start an exercise program but while the spirit is willing the flesh is weak.  Not any more, and we hope that next week there will be more men joining our friendly group.

It wasn't a hard slog with a race to see who could walk the fastest but a pleasant stroll across a creek around the back streets and back through a park.

Everyone should try it to burn off the morning tea cakes that are always on the table at the Shed.

Thanks are Always Nice to Receive

Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre would like to thank the Bateau Bay Men’s Shed for a wonderful Tool Workshop and your support. We all learnt something and had a great morning with a few laughs as well. Keep up the good work guys!

Bateau Bay Men's Shed Out in the Community

Three members of the shed accepted the invitation to demonstrate some simple home maintenance repairs at the local Community Centre.  John demonstrated a number of simple ways to repair holes in plaster walls then assisted those who wanted a hands on experience.

Another demonstration centred on fixing a leaking tap, which then led to many questions about plumbing in general.

We also took along a number of  tools and suggested that these items should form a basic kit if someone was thinking of putting together a tool box for their home maintenance needs. 

During the BBQ which followed it  was suggested that other demonstrations would be well received so it looks as if we may be back soon.

Anyone For Ring Toss?

This Ring Toss game will brighten up any recreation room and should provide hours of enjoyment for those playing. We hope the residents of Magnolia Manor enjoy playing this game.

The board sits against a sloping stand that can be folded away and locked in the store cupboard when the party gets too rough and the rope rings get used as Frisbees!

Pre School Equipment Ready for Delivery

Three "Apron Hangers" and a hanger and box  for "Dress Up" clothes are ready for delivery to a lucky Pre School group.

Now instead of leaving their used aprons on the floor after craft work the children can easily hang them up on the pegs. (Pity this training won't be remembered when they get a bit older)

By hanging dress up items on the rail it will be so much easier to find just what they want to wear when its time for a performance.

We did try to get some of the men to take off some clothes and demonstrate how the equipment is supposed to be used but all we could arrange was for Graham to offer his services as a model.  Rather appropriate as it was Graham who made the Apron Hangers and had a big role in supervising the making of the Dress Up box.

A Little Helpers Tower

A Mums request for us to make a stand that would allow her young child to reach the bench saw the men put their heads together and come up with an adjustable tower/box into which a child could climb with safety.

Here the youngster has moved from the kitchen (where mum was hoping she would help) and into the workshop to help dad. It helps to warm a Shedders heart. 

Anyone For A Fiddle Board?

Bateau Bay Men's Sheds relationship with Magnolia Manor Aged Care continues with 6 Fiddle Boards ready for delivery.  Theses Boards will be available for residents suffering from Dementia who will manipulate the range of common attachments to assist with their memory retention and manual dexterity.

New Homes in Time for Winter

Graham and some of the 'Team of Possum Boxers' hanging around to see if they can attract some furries to their new homes.  The boxes come complete with an inside climbing frame, rubber to keep water out of the gap in the hinged lid and hose to protect the trees onto which the units are wired.

These 15  are the last of the 25 ordered for a Retirement Village (but not for human habitation) where the groundsmen will install them in trees around the property.

Graham is pleased to see the last of them but while these were on the production line orders have continued to be received so it looks like the Team won't be out of something to do for quite some time.

Great work Team, one would have to travel a long way to find boxes of the quality produced at Bateau Bay.

Morning Teas are Very Important Times in the Shed.

Sometimes the men come to work, sometimes to share a story, sometimes to be with mates and SOMETIMES for Morning Tea.

Then there are others who come for all 4 but they all make sure they are always present for Morning Tea.

What goes on in the Shed stays in the Shed so no one goes home and admits what they ate for Morning Tea.

Great Diet Ken!

The morning teas at the Shed are guaranteed to smash any diet unless your inner strength allows you to resist the rich Cream Buns, Vanilla Slices, Custard Tarts, Donuts, Sponge cakes, Sticky Buns and Scones.

As you can see Ken left his calorie counter at home today so his resistance is as low as it gets..  

Q. How big does a cream cake need to be to require 2 hands to hold it?

A. Too big Ken.

Fairhaven Fete

 How can we fail to draw a crowd to our stall at the Fairhaven fete when we have our own Town Crier to encourage patrons to inspect the display of quality goods for sale.

Avery is one of our Shedders who also works as a volunteer with special needs men and women at Fairhaven so he called by a number of times during the day to stir up more customers.

The Fete was a great success and provided an opportunity to educate people on Men's Sheds on the Coast while helping to give us some more funds to keep the Shed functioning.

Relaxing After the Work is Finished

Fred receiving the Major Award from Aaron Oates from Walker Bros Pty.Ltd
in the presence of John Asquith, Chairman of
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Peter, Fred & John enjoying some quiet time

Fred and Peter worked very hard on their Shark Chair entry for the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre Shark Competition.  Not to forget Clive who added its' teeth! Due to the quality of the finished product the Shed was awarded the overall prize.

 At the Discovery Centre Fred received, on behalf of the Shed, a Certificate and an open account of $200 , from Walker Bros. Pty Ltd. presented by Sales Representative Aaron Oates.  

Assisting with the presentation was John Asquith the Chairman of the Discovery Centre.

The Shed also received a voucher from Hortons Saw Sharpening Service and an open order from Bunnings.

With their work finished, the presentations completed the trio of Peter, Fred (relaxing in the chair) and John took time out to test drive the chair for the last time before it is auctioned.

A Happy Shedder and a Thankful Girl

When Amarli turned up at the Shed today to pick up the Adjustable Slope Board Tom had made for her it was great that he was present to see the delight on her face when she first saw it.

But it wasn't only Amarli that looked happy as Tom couldn't get the smile off his face when he saw just how much his efforts were appreciated.  Mum and Amarli brought some home cooked chocolate cookies as thanks but it was Amali who took centre stage and was happy to stay on using her new gift to hold some books she was reading.

Well done Tom you have made a little girl and her Mum very happy and when she takes it to school everyone in the class will want one! 

Advancing Medical Science

Always looking to push the barriers of Medical Science the Shed has made a beautiful polished case to allow the duty Dr in the NSW Marine Corps to carry his Field Amputating and Musket Ball removal tools and the extra special Skull Boring Tool that relieves the symptoms of head aches.

To achieve a level of authenticity the case needed to reflect the quality and style of the early days of the NSW Colony when the Corps was the "Law and Order" of the day and needed to be ready to perform field surgery in the mud and dust of the battle field.

A masterful job of reproduction that only needs a few bumps and scratches to look as if it came to Australia in one of the earliest fleets.

Slope Board for a Special Needs School Student

A request from a Mum for the Shed to make two slope boards for her special needs 5year old who was starting school had the men lining up to work on the projects.

The first was a fixed Board with a set angle that would be kept at home but the second was a little more involved.

At school the board needed to be adjusted depending on the class tasks and then also needed to be folded flat for storage.  The photos show the ingenuity of the finished job.  We were also mindful that the Board would be used by a Kindergarten student so safety was an important factor and the stand has been made very secure and locks firmly in place.

To finish off the project it was decorated with colourful stickers to make it very attractive for a young girl.

Well done guys!

For the Book Worms

It looks like some lucky children will be able to keep their book shelves tidy once they have a set of these colourful book ends holding up their current special books .

These are  samples of sets made in preparation for a fete and should be very attractive to any young child with a liking for books and colour in their special places.