Vincent Men’s Shed is pleased to announce we have appointed a new chairman, John Combes for the year 2020/2021. A big thank you to John for stepping up and volunteering for the role.
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Shed Re-opens from Tuesday 2nd June 2020
Hi Guys
The VMS Committee has decided to re-open the shed on Tuesday 2nd June 2020 under the following strict COVID 19 safety guidelines. It is imperative that all members adhere to the safety health guidelines and by not conforming you will be asked to leave the shed.
These Guidelines have been drawn up by the VMS based on advice given by the WA Government, the Australian Health Protection Committee, and the WA Health Department.
Please read the following carefully so as to understand the shed protocols and to keep yourself and all the shed members safe and health.
Vincent Men’s Shed COVID Safety Plan:
1) The committee of the VMS has agreed to no more than 14 members in the shed at any one time. The 14 does not include the Day Manager.
2) This number of 14 was what 76% of the members suggested according to the recent survey sent out to members.
3) A manual sign in form will be at the front door where members must sign in. Please enter from the front door only, not the roller door. If when signing in or out or you are wanting to make yourself a cup of coffee and other members are around the area, please practice social distancing.
4) Good hygiene must always be followed. It is the Day Managers responsibility to ensure this is practiced. Please respect this as it is for your safety.
5) Hand sanitizer is at the front door, in the kitchen and in a convenient place in the shed.
6) Washing facilities in the bathroom remain the same.
7) Bacterial wipes will be in the kitchen area and in a convenient place in the shed.
8) All tools must be wiped down by the member before using it and again when finished.
9) Tables and chairs as well as all white goods in the recreational area are to be wiped down by the Day Manager or if he appoints somebody to help him. This must be done before the shed opens and after it closes and between morning and afternoon sessions. This should also be done after tea breaks.
10) There is currently no need to wear masks or gloves but if members feel more comfortable wearing them that is ok. It is not the responsibility of the shed to supply them so members will have to supply their own.
11) As most of our members are in the vulnerable age bracket and or may also be health compromised it is imperative you practice good health hygiene when in the shed.
12) If you do not feel well, please do not compromise fellow members by coming to the shed. Stay at home.
13) Please respect and adhere to all advice and suggestions made by the Day Manager.
We are all in this together
Roy Haagman
Chairman Vincent Men’s Shed
Shed closed due to COVID-19 until further notice
Hi Guys
Following on from the Prime Ministers press conference last evening on March 22nd 2020 the shed committee has decided to close the shed from lunch time today Monday 23rd March 2020.
For those who need to collect anything from the shed we will open the shed on Thursday morning 26th March 2020 from 9.00 to 10.00.The committee values you support and understanding of the shed and our main concern of course is your well being and therefore have not taken this decision lightly.
Please take care of yourselves and we will open the shed again at the first opportunity.
Regards Roy and the committee
VMS News and Updates February 2020
Wednesday Shed Project Day
The committee has agreed to an initiative to set aside Wednesday mornings as “making a project for the Shed” morning. A number of members have agreed to participate. The purpose of the day is to make sell-able items for the Shed. If you have something you want to make for the Shed that is most welcome. Otherwise we will be asking participants to make chopping boards and other interesting objects. This is an important initiative and a way of showing you care about putting back into the Shed.
Keeping the Shed Tidy
We have noticed members leaving tools out and generally not respecting the Shed as we would expect. It is an obligation of membership to keep the place tidy and not leave it for others to attend to. A number of regulars have expressed disappointment at the state of the Shed and in particular the afternoon sessions. It’s helpful if you assist the Day Manager by cleaning up.
Visit by Josh Topelberg – Councillor City of Vincent
Josh visited us for morning tea late last month. He is an enthusiastic supporter of our Shed and undertook to pursue a number of matters important to the Shed and your committee. He promised to follow up on the Sea containers, the status of our current lease agreement, co-funding of capital equipment purchases and progress of planter boxes. We eagerly await some positive responses from the City of Vincent. Thank you, Roy, for organising this visit.
Sea Containers
We are hoping the City of Vincent will approve our Development Approval for the 2 containers and surrounds. We expect to hear something around mid-February at which time we may be able to commence preparing an application for building approval.
Next Committee meeting
Our next meeting is the 13th February. A summary of the meeting outcomes will be distributed to members and Shed Managers. The summary details are important and make for interesting reading. Any questions are always welcome and should be addressed to either Roy or me. Of course, you may have a copy of the entire meeting minutes. Just ask us to send you a copy.
Machinery Maintenance
The committee and Shed members thank those people who behind the scenes keep our equipment maintained and available for our enjoyment. Without their skills and expertise, the Shed could not operate and would literally come to a grinding halt. We thank Richard Frank, and Alf for their continuous efforts to do what “needs to be done” and look after our ongoing interests and enjoyment of the Shed.
Tagging In and Out of the Shed
You will have noticed that you can tag in and out. This system is the envy of other Sheds and a “world beater”. Thanks to Richard who designed and tested this important initiative. And Roy and Lynton for its implementation. The $2:00 entry fee is an important source of income and sustains the ongoing operations of your shed. Please contribute accordingly.
Last but not least
You will have noticed that we are trying very hard to keep you informed of Shed activities. Roy and I are united in ensuring this continues. Your constructive feedback is most welcome and hopefully lead to enhancing the operations of the Shed.
Martin – VMS Secretary – February 2020
Bendigo Bank donates $2500 to Vincent Men’s Shed
Frank Paolino, Branch Manager North Perth Bendigo Bank, recently handed over a cheque for $2500. Frank and Bendigo Bank are keen supporters of the Shed and look forward to seeing the Shed prosper. The money has been set aside to fund the purchase of 2 x Sea Containers planned and subject to City of Vincent approval, to be installed at the eastern end of the Shed. The shed is very grateful to the Bendigo Bank’s enthusiastic and ongoing support of the Shed.
New Sign in Policy
With effect from Monday the 6th January 2020 the shed has a new sign in policy. Its basically a tap in and out system, using our new electronic tag name badges.
When you arrive at the shed find your name tag tap on, attach the name tag to yourself and when you leave tap to log off and hang up your card. This system will enable us to see which members are coming to the shed and follow up on those who don’t come and hopefully the reason why they are not coming. On the back of the card is the emergency phone number you provided us when joining the shed. If it’s incorrect please correct it and advise the day manager who will arrange for your record to be updated.
VMS CAPITAL WORKS Survey
VMS SURVEY REPORT on CAPITAL WORKS AND APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS
January 2020: An email was sent recently asking shedders to respond to a number of questions related to the purchase of capital equipment. The purpose of the survey was to establish member support on what the committee felt was important to purchase in the future.
The committee now wish to share the outcomes of the survey. 30 members responded with sufficient data to make an informed decision. Here are the collective responses.
1. CNC – estimated cost $5000
More than half considered it was worthwhile purchasing a new CNC. The ratio was 60/40.
2. Thicknesser – estimated cost $5000
There was strong support for this item with almost 90% supporting this future purchase.
3. Drop Saw – estimated cost $1000
Again, there was strong support with 77% agreeing to the proposed purchase.
4. Air Compressor – estimated cost $2000
52% of respondents agreed to this purchase.
Since the survey a committee member has stepped forward and negotiated the supply [$0] of a good capacity compressor. It was delivered last Saturday and unloaded with the assistance of some Shedders. Thank you. Now we need to install the compressed air reticulation around the shed.
5. What else do you consider we should purchase?
About 10 members offered suggestions from a bench grinder, laser cutter, vacuum for sanders [external use] , belt sander, wood lathe, additional Makita drills. Thank you.
6. Do you wish to donate to our capital works fund? Leave your name and amount you wish to pledge.
Only 3 respondents offered a total of $570. Your committee extends a Special thank you to these people. We are setting up a separate account to be known as the Capital Equipment Fund.
What now?
Your committee will consider the results and use the data to underpin future grants.
Clearly, we will need to raise further funds. We look forward to members stepping forward and assisting with the various projects underway.
We thank you for your response. Even though the survey is closed, your feedback is always welcome.
Christmas Lunch 2019
Calling all shed members:
Get your taste buds ready for a festive culinary treat. Our chef and cook Francois and Richard have a great Christmas lunch lined up.
When: 12 noon, Saturday 14th December 2019
Where: Vincent Men’s Shed
Cost: 10 per person donation
Who: the event is open to all shed members and their partners and friends
Drinks are BYO
Please let us know if you are coming, so we can plan the numbers, via the survey link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/28B6XDD
Christmas Lunch 2019
Free Little Library
The Vincent Men’s Shed have built and installed a outside their premises at 10 Farmer Street North Perth.
The library is for all members of the public from children to adults to encourage reading and put down digital devices for a short time.
Here we see Harvey and Archie looking for a suitable book to read before going to bed.
The aim of the library is for the public to find a book to read and if possible, replace the book taken with one they have already read.
VMS Update May 2019
MEETING WITH CITY OF VINCENT
The Chairman, Lynton Hebiton, and Treasurer Roy Haagman, recently met with the City of Vincent Mayor Emma Cole and the Director of Community Engagement, Mick Quirk, to discuss the Shed’s proposal to extend the Shed in the medium term.
Also discussed was a Short term additional storage option by means of installing two small sea – containers with a roof between them to create a covered area which could be used for an extra working space. These would be located along the fence line next to the Bowling Club.
The Director undertook to attempt to remove a current roadblock to our (temporary) proposal which required us to sign a lease agreement (currently under development by the City). Permission to install the containers would be subject to a successful application for planning permission.
Our medium and longer term aspirations would need to be part of an approved Master Plan for the Woodville Reserve. Preparation of the plan is due to start in August and the Men’s Shed will be invited to contribute. A VMS working party will need to consult with members to develop proposals to meet our requirements.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Bunnings, Morley branch, have kindly allowed the Shed to hold another BBQ on their site on Sunday 23rd June.
This important fundraiser for the Shed is an opportunity for you (the member) to assist with catering and raising the profile of the Vincent Men’s Shed to the public on the day.
An separate email will be sent out shortly asking members to contact Fergus Beer with an offer to help. Even an hour of your time would be of great help to the Shed. If you couldn’t help out last time NOW is your chance to step up.
SAFETY
All items of equipment in the Shed are considered to be dangerous if used incorrectly or without the correct training. If you are not familiar with how to use any item of equipment please contact the DAY MANAGER for advice on who to discuss with and how to operate the equipment.
The Day Manager will give advice on who to talk with about operating equipment and, unless approved by the Committee, those people are the only ones who can give instruction or advice on equipment use.
The Shed also has also purchased a number of USB sticks for all members to access with information and instructions to reinforce that your safety in the Shed is paramount and of importance to us all. Please contact the Day Manger to borrow a USB stick and then take the time to look at it.
Finally can I remind all members that they are responsible for cleaning up their work area upon completion of their work for the day.
Even if somebody else is using the equipment when you are about to leave clean up YOUR MESS around the area and put away the tools that you were using. Members have been observed leaving early without cleaning up and hoping that someone else will do it but unfortunately it comes back to the Day Manager to do!!!!
REMEMBER:
Cameras now operate in the Shed 24/7 – don’t risk being named and shamed!!
cheers
VMS Committee