Bateau Bay Men's Shed at NSW Parliament

An attempted coup was on the minds of the 15 men who ascended on State Parliament today but following the hospitality of Chris Spence and Chris Harcher, our Local Members, we decided to simply accept their offers of good will and went on to enjoy ourselves. Morning tea in the Speakers Garden, an explanation of the history of the building and it's significance in the English speaking world was followed by a few jokes and a tour of parts of the magnificent building.

And then on to Question Time where we were formally welcomed by the Speaker of the House. Having heard the House called a "Bear Pit" we were not disappointed and spent a very enlightening hour listening to, and watching, the exchanges between both sides of politics.

Many thanks to Chris Spence for inviting us and for spending time hosting our visit.

It's Not All Noise & Dust

They say it takes a few brains to play Chess so are Mark & George really playing a game or just posing for the camera? The great thing about them settling into what is becoming a routine after lunch is that it keeps them out of the workshops so the rest of the men can get on with their work without interruption.

For what it's worth George is ahead 6 games to 4. Being ever competitive George is now looking for someone to play Scrabble with him, any takers?

It's Not Just About Us

Thanks to the generosity of the Shed members 13 girls and boys will receive a Christmas gift this year. The Samaritans Purse Christmas Box program has reached into the hearts of the men and especially Norm who has taken on the task of collecting items and filling the boxes with appropriate gifts. Over $200 has been raised by the men to assist with the postage so that these gifts will reach children from the most disadvantaged regions of the world and who may never have previously received a gift of any type.

On Safari - Wildlife In Our Garden

They say that if you plant a garden then the wildlife will come. This is certainly the case with us as the word has spread to the Plains of Africa and our first resident has moved in.

If Rocking Horse Dung is scarce then imagine how much Elephant Rocker Dung will be worth! We may never need to run short of funds again.

The Shed Beautification is Looking Good

Thanks to Cec. Baker an unkept entry to the Shed is now complete. By Spring the plants should be well established and filling out nicely. Cec. is a very keen gardener and with his contacts at the KBT (Killarney Vale/Bateau Bay/Tumbi) garden, and his own private stock he has made the outdoor BBQ/ work area a more pleasant place to be.

Well done Cec.

Bambi Lives!

Bob McIlroy our resident woodturner/carver thought it a good idea to try his hand at a little wood carving. So what better way to start than to select a simple carving of Bambi in the centre of a branch.

Now that's patience and a steady hand.

Elderslee Retirement Village Has a New DVD Cabinet

The Shed was commissioned to construct a DVD cabinet that was as close a match as possible to the bookshelves in the Library of Elderslee Retirement Village. The residents were very happy with the result but were a little suss with the guys from the Shed who delivered it. From the left are Andrew, Ray and Mike and guess the 2 who carried the piece into the Library? That's correct, Andrew & Ray, well someone had to supervise and Mike is the self appointed project coordinator for anything that goes on in the Shed. Any organisation needs someone to watch over the hired help and Mike is one of the best!