Category Archives: News

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.Bendigo Bank donates $2500 to Vincent Mens 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

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

Notice of Special General Meeting Saturday 30th March

Dear Members

You are advised that a special general meeting will be held at:
12 noon on Saturday 30th March 2019 at the Vincent Men’s Shed.

It is required that all associations amend their rules in accordance with the current Acts and Regulations by the end of this financial year. The VMS Committee has reviewed our Rules and amended them to comply with the Acts and Regulations and to reflect our actual arrangements in the Shed.

At the meeting two special resolutions will be proposed:

The first:

“That the Vincent Men’s Shed change its Rules of Association to those described in the document entitled “Vincent Men’s Shed Rules of Association 2019” (Form AD26 Rev 03)”

The second:

“That a new Class of member be established entitled “Social Member” and that a Social Member be afforded all benefits of membership of the Vincent Men’s Shed except the use of the workshop.”

A copy of the rules can be read by clicking on the button below. You can also find them on the Shed’s website by clicking this link

The only subject of the meeting will be the two resolutions, so the meeting will be short.

If you have any concerns about the new rules please communicate these by email so we can give them consideration prior to the meeting. vincentmensshed@mensshedswa.org.au

Please make the time to come to the meeting as we need members to vote in person in order to have the new rules accepted.

February 2019 shed events

We have a busy week at the shed, please see the following event reminders:

Thursday 14th February 2019 from 10:30am: Jeffery Williams will address our members on the topic of “Defibrillator for Dummies”. Jeffery is a Nurse Administrator & is also involved with the St John Ambulance Service. He will provide a mannequin & a unit. Jeffery is an entertaining character & considering the average age at the Shed it will be an excellent opportunity to familiarise members with our unit.

Thursday 14th February 2019 from 12:00 noon: Shed members sausage sizzle. $3.00 per serve, $1.00 per drinks.

Saturday 16th February 2019 10:00am to 12:00 noon: Monthy Photography Club: Free to all interested members, just turn up on the day. Bring your camera and a laptop to process images and learn a little or share your experiences and images.

Saturday 16th February 2019 2:00pm to 4:00pm: Shed Garage Sale set up only. The sale takes place on Sunday but we need some help with getting things organised the day before. Please bring any last minute donations of items for sale.

Sunday 17th February 2019 8:00am to 2:00 pm: Shed Garage Sale. We still need some volunteers to staff the stall and generally help out with our Garage Sale. Please give Peter a call on 0417 988 415 if you are able to volunteer your time.