News Bulletin
July 2024
Thanks to our Sponsor @communitybankinnereast for their support and
funds recently received. You are welcome to contact the team at
Community Bank Inner East to find out how they can support your Community
Group and assist you with all your financial needs https://iecf.com.au/contact-us/
BULLETIN 116 – 19 May 2023
If you are interested in taking on a supervisor role please email nbcmensshed@gmail.com
Two new members on the waiting list have been invited to join The Shed. The waiting
list has another four men listed.
Members are reminded to ensure that tools are returned to their allocated position after
use and that the workshop is clean and tidy after each session and also to make a
contribution to The Shed if substantial materials are used from Shed materials.
It is important that all members and particularly new members request assistance when
using Shed equipment for the first time or at any time if unsure of their own ability.
Please approach a Shed supervisor or Board member.
Members are requested to wear/use appropriate personal protective equipment to suit the activity being undertaken.
Members who registered for the workshop and surveys Conversations About Suicide will receive the first survey during the week commencing 21 May 2023.
The construction of the rear yard canopy will hopefully commence within the next 3 months.
It is intended to conduct a course on CPR and Defibrillator in August 2023, members will be advised further after all arrangements are finalised.
The Board has discussed the possibility of purchasing a 3D Printer; members are requested to indicate if they are in favour of such a purchase by sending an email to nbcmensshed@gmail.com
The Shed has three computers available for member use; please request access to a computer when at The Shed from a Shed supervisor or Board member.
Shed member Kim Cornish enjoys chess and would welcome members to join him. Please discuss with Kim when at The Shed.
Members are reminded that payment of 2023/2024 subscription is due by 1 July 2023.
May 2023
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION/LEVY
INVOICE $50.00 – DUE by 1 July 2023
The following motion was passed at the Annual General Meeting held on
27th October 2022 - $30 Membership Fee, which includes the Annual per-capita
Insurance fee that is charged based on membership numbers, be set at $30.00
for the year to 30th June 2024 and payable prior to 1st July 2023. The membership
year runs from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024.
Explanation: The Shed is charged an annual fee to cover all items of insurance
(both personal accident and building and equipment insurance). This is charged by
our Shed’s insurance company on a per-capita basis for the year commencing on
1st March annually.
$30 Membership Fee
$20 Workshop Levy, contribution to workshop expenditure such as electricity and consumables.
Accordingly, we ask that members make payment by 1st July 2023.
Payment may be made:
By cash or cheque payable to “North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed Inc.” handed to the Treasurer, Noel Manikkam, or
By cheque posted to “PO Box 609, North Balwyn, 3104”, or
By internet direct bank transfer to the Shed’s Bendigo Bank account.
Please be sure to enter your “SURNAME” and “Membership/Levy” in the appropriate internet field.
If payment is not received by 31st July 2023, then it will be assumed that the members concerned are no longer interested in retaining their membership.
To assist with on-going expenses including coffee, tea biscuits etc $3.00 per visit is payable. If you would prefer to pay the $3.00 fee in bulk, rather than in cash each time you attend the Shed, please contact the Treasurer, Noel Manikkam.
We do not like to lose members under any circumstances. However, if you no longer wish to retain your membership, we would be very interested in your reason for leaving us. Any feedback will be treated in confidence. Please feel free to contact the President or the Secretary. We are always keen to improve the way the Shed is meeting the members’ expectations.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
8th December 2022
BULLETIN 114
A reminder:
Christmas lunch will be held on Thursday 22nd December; cost is $10 per head,
payable in advance – a booking sheet is available at the Shed.
Registration and payment are required by 15th December 2022.
The Shed will close Friday 23rd December which will be Shed clean-up/tidy day.
The Shed will reopen Monday 16th January 2023.
28th October 2022.
News Bulletin 112
News from the AGM.
Hi, Members.
At yesterday’s Annual General Meeting, the following matters were determined: -
1.Annual Elections.
President Peter Elliott
Vice-President Bernie Smith
Secretary Keith Coghlan
Treasurer Noel Manikkam
Directors Tony Hart
David Cheney
Greg Matthews
David Hattam
Martin Roche
Michael Johnson
2. Subscriptions for the 2023-2024 year were set at $30.00 payable by 30th June 2023.
3. No auditor is required but Geoff Baird was again elected as “checker” of the Shed’s financials for the 2022-2023 year.
Keith Coghlan.
Secretary.
29th September 2022.
AGM - Notice of Meeting.
To all members
1. You are advised that the Annual General Meeting of the North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed. Inc. is to be held on Thursday 27th October 2022 at 11.30 am. at The Shed, 60A Buchanan Avenue, North Balwyn.
2. Nominations to the Board are invited and are to be in the hands of the secretary by Thursday 20th October 2022. Nomination forms are available via emailing the secretary at cheneydk@bigpond.net.au or nbcmensshed@gmail.com
3. Should members have any items of general business that they wish to have raised at the AGM, they need to be emailed to the secretary by Thursday 20th October 2022
4. A copy of the Agenda, together with the Chairman’s Annual Report, will be emailed to all members on Thursday 20th October, listing the members nominating for the Board, and any items received for discussion under “General Business”.
5. The AGM will be followed by the normal monthly BBQ. The $3.00 charge will apply.
David Cheney,
Secretary.
9th September 2022.
News Bulletin 109
Various Matters
Greetings, Members.
As a result of the recent board meeting, there are several items that you need to be aware of: -
1. Car Park. A person acting suspiciously has been seen in the car park. So it is suggested that members make sure their cars are locked when the car is unattended.
2. Members are requested to volunteer to prepare the site for the garden shed to be erected in the front of the Shed. We need at least 6 members to make the job easy.
Time: 9.30 am Thursday, 15th September 2022. So, please be in it!
3. We will shortly be able to hold a “computer seminar” to help members in using computers. We will make use of the four new laptops purchased with a recent federal government grant.
Please reply to this email to register your interest.
4. Members are reminded that Covid is still prevalent in the community, and that, if any symptoms are being experienced, they should not attend the Shed.
5. Members are reminded that the Shed’s AGM is scheduled for 27th October 2022 at 11.30am followed by the usual monthly BBQ. Nominations for the board need to be advised to the secretary no later than 20th October 2022.
6. We are planning to make a number of wooden toolboxes to take a range of surplus stocks of tools and to be donated, via the North Balwyn Rotary Club to the Afghan and Ukraine refugees being assisted by Rotary. Volunteers will be welcome to make up the boxes. Refer to Keith Coghlan or Peter Elliott.
News Bulletin 93
4th March 2022.
“News from the Board”
At the Shed’s board meeting on 3rd March 2022, the following items were discussed: -
Covid regulations would no longer require our members to QR on visit or to wear face masks either inside or outside. Doing so is up to the individual.
However, all members will need to continue to sign in at the front desk.
We are inviting volunteers to accept the role of workshop supervisors who will be responsible for assisting members in the safe use of all the workshop equipment. Contact Bernie Smith, David Hattam or Peter Elliott.
Raffle: The Shed has been given a brand-new Webber style BBQ valued at over $450.
Tickets at $5.00 each and are available from the Treasurer. 100 tickets will be available and can be sold to members and non-members alike.
Activities: Keith Coghlan has been offered several projects from local schools and kindergartens and is looking for members to volunteer to assist in making the desired items.
Street Sign: Noel is arranging to have two fence signs manufactured to be mounted on each side of the drive-in.
Rear Canopy: Tony Hart advises that the necessary permit is “getting closer”.
Communications: The Shed now has both NBN, and a land line installed. The land-line number is 03 9859 2582, and the wi-fi password is available from the secretary.
Solar power: now fully installed following a Federal Powering Communities Grant.
Purchases: Due to receiving a Federal Volunteer Grant, we can proceed with the purchase of the following items:
a.i.1.a. A shed to store the chairs, BBQ etc alongside the trailer
a.i.1.b. Security cameras
a.i.1.c. Computers for members training seminars
a.i.1.d. New filing cabinets
a.i.1.e. Answering machine
a.i.1.f. Office safe to store computers
a.i.1.g. Two equipment sheds for storage when the canopy has been installed.
Insurance: The mandatory Shed insurance policy effective 1st March 2022 to 28 February 2023 has now been renewed, and that enables us to confirm that the Annual Membership fee for the 1.7.2022 to 30.6.2023 year will be $30, payable in June 2022. Accounts will be emailed in May 2022.
Members are invited to offer suggestions as to how the Shed may be improved in terms of facilities, equipment, activities etc. Discuss your thoughts with any member of the board.
Best wishes.
Your board of management.
News Bulletin 92
11th February 2022.
“Shed Re-opening Reminder”
The Shed WILL reopen on
Monday 14th February 2022.
You are reminded that:-
Strict protocols must be followed by all members at all times: -
All attendees must be at least “double vaccinated”.
AND
Masks to be worn – both inside and outside.
“Social distancing” is to be observed at all times.
Members with “symptoms” or “close contact” are expected to absent themselves from attending.
The kitchen is not to be used. Morning teas are to be held outside under the canopy. Chairs will be provided.
While the Shed will do everything it can to reduce the chances of infection and take all reasonable precautions, members attending do so at their own risk.
Notice of Annual General Meeting - 2020-2021
Dear Member, 25th September 2021
This is to advise you of, and invite you to attend, the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Members of North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed Incorporated.
NOTE: In the event that we remain subject the viral “lock-down”, the meeting will be held using the Zoom format, and the link to the meeting will be emailed to all members one week prior to the meeting.
QUORUM: A quorum will be present if attended, in person or electronically, by 10% of members entitled to attend.
Details of this meeting are as follows:-
DATE: Monday, 25th October 2021.
TIME: 11.30 am
PLACE: Via Zoom (or North Balwyn Bowling Club – 60 Buchanan Avenue, North Balwyn if out of “lockdown”.
IF YOU HAVE ADVISED THE SECRETARY OF YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, you will be emailed the following documents:-
Agenda for this meeting.
Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 9th November 2020.
President’s Report for the 2020-2021 year.
Financial Reports for the 2020-2021 year.
Review of Financials for 2020-2021
AT THE MEETING, members will be asked to vote to:-
Accept the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting.
Receive and accept the President’s Annual Report.
Receive and accept the Annual Financial Statements.
Set the membership fees and insurance levy for the July 2022-June 2023 year
Elect Directors (up to 10 of).
Consider any other business of which due notice has been received the Secretary by 18th October 2021.
NOTE: Nominations for candidates for election of Directors and Office Bearers to the Committee must be in the hands of the Secretary no later than 18th October 2021.
David K Cheney – Secretary
North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed Incorporated. ABN 89 818 726 922
60A Buchanan Avenue, North Balwyn, Vic. 3104 PO Box 609, North Balwyn 3104
Email nbcmenshed@gmail.com
News Bulletin 68
1st April 2021.
To all Shed Members.
EASTER
Please note that the Shed will be closed:-
on Friday, Good Friday, 2nd April 2021.
and Easter Monday, 5th April 2021.
We will be reopening on Thursday, 8th April 2021.
Have a relaxing Easter break.
Best wishes.
Tony Hart
President.
News Bulletin 67
22nd March 2021.
To all Shed Members.
March BBQ
The normal BBQ will be held at 12.00 noon on Thursday, 25th March 2021.
All members welcome.
Covid precautions will be followed in the preparation and serving of the food.
PLEASE NOTE: Members are reminded that the normal daily attendance charge of $3.00 per person still applies.
NEWS BULLETIN 66
10th March 2021
POTENTIAL ACTIVITY
The Board and the Activities Committee are always looking for suitable activities which members might enjoy.
One activity under consideration – for something completely different:-
A Blind Wine Tasting.
Participants would taste four different types of red wine, the objective being to identify the style of wine for each one. The amount of wine provided during the tasting would not be sufficient to create any drink driving issues and the activity would be at no cost to members.
It would be a fun exercise intended for participants for learn a little more about the different types of wine and to test their palate.
If you have an interest in participating, please let the Secretary know by the 20th of March via email to nbcmsensshed@gmail.com
We will advise in due course if there is sufficient interest
Cheers!
Tony Hart
President.
News Bulletin 65
9th March 2021.
To all Shed Members.
David Hattam is organising a number of demonstrations of how to made “boxes”.
This involves various methods of making joins and the use of the appropriate tools.
Each session will be limited to 5 or 6 participants. So, if you are interested, please contact David at the Shed or via phoning 0419 151 354 or emailing at david.hattam@bigpond.com
This is a wonderful way to expand your range of skills.
David looks forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks.
News Bulletin 63
14th February 2021.
To all Shed Members.
IMPORTANT
It is imperative that all members follow the below requirements, effectively immediately:-
Our Shed is subject to:-
State of Victoria covid regulations as they apply at any time:
All Occupational Health and Safety legislation:
‘Safety in the Workplace’ legislation, and
The terms and conditions of the Shed’s Insurance Policy.
Currently, in practical terms, this means:-
Face masks must be worn at all times whilst inside the building:
Must sign-in upon entry, be temperature tested, and use the hand sanitiser;
Maintain social distancing;
Any injury must be recorded in the Accident Register in the office;
PLUS: All members:-
Must be certified by a workshop supervisor as checked out and passed as approved and competent to use each item of equipment prior to them using that piece of equipment.
The above certification must be recorded in the appropriate register, signed by the workshop supervisor concerned.
New members are required to be checked out by one of the supervisors before being permitted to commence any activity in the workshop.
The workshop supervisors are: Bernie Smith, Peter Elliott, David Hattam, and Tony Brownbill
It is vital that the above policy be observed and strictly followed at all times for the on-going welfare, safety and enjoyment of all members.
Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Tony Hart – President.
News Bulletin 62
20th January 2021.
To all Shed Members.
January BBQ
The normal BBQ will be held at 12.00 noon on Thursday, 28th January 2021.
All members welcome.
Covid precautions will be followed in the preparation and serving of the food.
PLEASE NOTE:
Members are reminded that the normal daily attendance charge of $3.00 per person still applies.
News Bulletin 60
9th December 2020.
To all Shed Members.
Dates for December & January.
Please note that the board has decided that the Shed will close on:-
Monday 21st December 2020
------------------------
There will be a Christmas BBQ at 12.00 pm on that day.
All members welcome. BYO drinks.
-------------------------
The Shed will reopen on:-
Monday, 11th January 2021
------------------------
The normal BBQ will be held on the last Thursday of each month.
Thursday, 28th January 2021
News Bulletin No 58
6th November 2020.
Good News
Your Shed has now REOPENED.
The reopening is subject to the conditions as detailed in Bulletin 57
Times are:- Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30 am till 1.00 pm.
Please Note:-
Upon arrival at the Shed, all members will be required to:
1. sign in, and record their name and contact phone number,
2. sign a declaration that they do not have any viral symptoms (or have been in contact with anybody who has been),
3. have their temperature taken and recorded and
4. Sanitise their hands.
5. Wearing of facial masks will be mandatory at all times as required by law.
The above is to be completed before entry to the shed is permitted.
We look forward to seeing you back at the Shed.
Many thanks for your cooperation, and our best wishes,
Tony Hart.
President.
News Bulletin No 57. 11th November 2020.
Reopening the Shed
Dear Members.
Good News and Bad News!
The good news first!
We have received the council’s approval to reopen the Shed, and your directors decided that your Shed will reopen on Monday, 16th November 2020 at 9.30 am.
The bad news is as follows:-
We are limited to having no more than 20 members present at any one time – that is 10 in the workshop, 5 outside in the outside garden area and 5 in the kitchen – a total of 20 members maximum!
Further, the entire workshop and bathroom have to be cleaned and sanitised at the end of each day and the kitchen, office and outside areas have to be cleaned prior to opening each morning.
These conditions will make a number of items necessary:-
We will have to make up rosters from members for both areas to be cleaned, with one or two members to clean the workshop and bathroom at the end of each session, and a further one or two members to clean the kitchen, office and outside areas each morning prior to opening and before normal activities commence. We do not expect this work to be overly time consuming or difficult.
With the strict limiting of numbers, it may become necessary for members to make emailed bookings for each session they wish to attend.
However, for the first week, while we see how many members turn up, prior booking will not be required. BUT – if more than the allowed 20 members arrive, it will be necessary for the excess members to leave. If, say, 24 members arrive, the last 4 to arrive will be required to return home.
Subsequently, the booking system will have to be introduced. If this becomes necessary, full details will be emailed to all members.
Upon arrival at the Shed, all members will be required to:
1. sign in, and record their name and contact phone number,
2. sign a declaration that they do not have any viral symptoms (or have been in contact with anybody who has been),
3. have their temperature taken and recorded and
4. Sanitise their hands.
5. Wearing of facial masks will be mandatory at all times as required by law.
The above is to be completed before entry to the shed is permitted.
We will have sanitisers and wipes placed at several points around the premises, together with rubber gloves. There will be a limited supply of face masks available for $3.00 each, as it is expected that all members will be wearing their own face masks when they leave home.
Members will be required to make use of these items in their own interests and those of their fellow members.
After using a tool or piece of machinery, members will be required to clean/wipe down that item so that it is safe for the next member to use.
Tea and coffee, together with disposable cups will be set up on the table immediately outside the front door to assist in complying with the 4 square meter, 1 ½ meter social distancing requirements.
We have been advised that both council and state health authorities will be monitoring Men’s Sheds to ensure compliance.
Over the next couple of days, your board members will be preparing the shed to meet with the mandatory conditions so that “normal” sessions may be resumed.
Our primary consideration is and will continue to be the health and wellbeing of our members, particularly as we are in the high risk age group for Coronavirus and accordingly wish to act with caution.
Finally, while numbers are under legally restricted limits, we will have to postpone accepting any new members until those restrictions are removed.
We look forward to seeing you back at the Shed.
Many thanks for your cooperation, and our best wishes,
Tony Hart.
President.
Notice of Annual General Meeting - 2019-2020
Dear Member, 12th October 2020.
This is to advise you of, and invite you to attend, the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Members of North Balwyn Community Men’s Shed Incorporated.
NOTE: In the event that we remain subject the viral “lock-down”, the meeting will be held using the Zoom format, and the link to the meeting will be emailed to all members one week prior to the meeting.
QUORUM: A quorum will be present if attended, in person or electronically, by 10% of members entitled to attend.
Details of this meeting are as follows:-
DATE: Monday, 9th November 2020
TIME: 11.30 am
PLACE: Via Zoom or North Balwyn Bowling Club – 60 Buchanan Avenue, North Balwyn.
IF YOU HAVE ADVISED THE SECRETARY OF YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, you will be emailed the following documents:-
Agenda for this meeting.
Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 14th October 2019
President’s Report for the 2019-2020 year.
Financial Reports for the 2019-2020 year.
Review of Financials for 2019-2020
AT THE MEETING, members will be asked to vote to:_
Accept the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting.
Receive and accept the President’s Annual Report.
Receive and accept the Annual Financial Statements.
Set the membership fees and insurance levy for the 2020-2021 year
Elect Directors (up to 10 of).
Consider any other business of which due notice has been received the Secretary by 2nd November 2020.
NOTE: Nominations for candidates for election of Directors and Office Bearers to the Committee must be in the hands of the Secretary no later than 2nd November 2020.
David K Cheney – Secretary
News Bulletin No 56
26th August 2020.
Dear Members.
1. An apology from the Secretary. Our gmail mail box has been temporarily closed due to his overdoing the flow of ‘joke’ emails. He was not aware that there was a limit of 500 outgoing emails per day. As each of his emails goes to 78 members, it doesn’t take too many “funnies” to block the system. So, if you are receiving this one, you will know that all is well again, but the number of mailings will need to be curtailed! Sorry!
2. The following is the timetable covering the 2019-2020 Annual General Meeting:-
-
Notice of AGM to be sent out Monday 12th October 2020.
-
Call for board nominations Monday 26th October 2020.
-
Call for general business notices Monday 26th October 2020.
-
Zoom Meeting invitation Monday 2nd November 2020.
-
AGM date Monday 9th November 2020 at 11.00 am
3. If the Shed is allowed to be open, the meeting will be held at the Bowls Club at 11.30 am, to be followed by a BBQ in rear of Shed at 12.00 pm. Otherwise, the AGM will be held via ZOOM.
4. We will be recommending that the 2021-2022 membership fees, including the insurance levy be set at $25.00, subject to confirmation at the AGM and conditional upon any increase in the fee charged for the insurance premium be not significantly more than the present fee.
5. Further, the membership year to be changed to 1st July – 30th June, rather than 1st March – 28th February as at present..
6. In order for members to stay in touch with the Shed, your board members are planning to make “courtesy phone calls ” to our members. You should start receiving the occasional call shortly.
Best wishes and stay safe.
Tony Hart.
President.
News Bulletin No 55
7 July 2020.
Dear Members.
More Bad News!
The bad news is as follows:-
CLOSURE:
Following today’s announcement by our premier, and the imposition of a six week lockdown throughout Melbourne, effective tomorrow, 8th July 2020, we have no option but to keep the Shed closed until further notice.
We will send out further news bulletins as and when government restrictions change.
Sadly, there is nothing your board can do about this sorry situation, but it is my intention to continue with the weekly zoom meetings and would encourage all members to use these zoom meetings to keep in touch with their fellow members. Notice of the meeting s will be sent our each week.
Best wishes and stay safe.
Tony Hart.
President.
News Bulletin No 54.
2nd July 2020.
Dear Members.
Bad News!
The bad news is as follows:-
CLOSURE:
In view of the spreading of the virus in Melbourne, and the volatile situation where things change on a daily basis, your Board has decided to continue to remain closed for the time being,
The situation will be reviewed each Thursday on a weekly basis.
The last thing we want is to open one day and have to close the next!
BOOKINGS:
In the meantime, we are developing an on-line booking programme under which members will be able to register their sessional bookings.
This will be necessary to avoid members being turned away due to excessive numbers turning up.
Finally, your board members have prepared the shed to meet with the mandatory conditions for when we are able to resume “normal” sessions. Further information Bulletins will issue prior to the re-opening.
Tony Hart.
President.
News Bulletin No 53.
18th June 2020.
Reopening the Shed
Dear Members.
Good News and Bad News!
The good news first!
We have received the council’s approval to reopen the Shed, and, at this morning’s board meeting, your directors decided that your Shed will reopen on Monday. 6th July 2020.
The bad news is as follows:-
We are limited to having no more than 15 members present at any one time – that is 10 in the workshop and 5 in the kitchen and outside area.
Further, the entire workshop and bathroom have to be cleaned and sanitised at the end of each day and the kitchen, office and outside areas have to be cleaned prior to opening each morning.
These conditions will make a number of items necessary:-
We will have to make up rosters from members for both areas to be cleaned, with one or two members to clean the workshop and bathroom at the end of each session, and a further one or two members to clean the kitchen, office and outside areas each morning prior to opening. We do not expect this work to be overly time consuming or difficult.
With the strict limiting of numbers, it will be necessary for members to make emailed bookings for each session they wish to attend. Failure to book may necessitate those without bookings to be turned away.
Upon arrival at the Shed, all members will be required to:
1. sign in, and record their contact number,
2. sign a declaration that they do not have any viral symptoms (or have been in contact with anybody who has been), and
3. have their temperature taken and recorded and
4. Sanitise their hands.
This will be handled before entry to the shed is permitted.
We will have sanitisers and wipes placed at several points around the premises, together with rubber gloves and face masks. Members will be encouraged to make use of these items in their own interests and those of their fellow members.
After using a tool or piece of machinery, members will be required to clean/wipe down that item so that it is safe for the next member to use.
Tea and coffee, together with disposable cups will be set up on the table immediately outside the front door to assist in complying with the 4 square meter, 1 ½ meter social distancing requirements.
We have been advised that both council and state health authorities will be monitoring Men’s Sheds to ensure compliance.
So…. We need members to email the secretary with:-
the dates you can assist with cleaning duties and;
the dates you wish to attend the Shed, (initially until the end of July) so that the limited number of attendees can be maintained without having to turn unexpected members away. We will do our best to accommodate members wishes but may not be able to always do so. A booking system will be developed and advised to members in due course.
Finally, over the next two weeks, your board members will be preparing the shed to meet with the mandatory conditions so that “normal” sessions may be resumed. Further information Bulletins will issue prior to opening once all logistics and requirements are finalised.
Our primary consideration is and will continue to be the health and wellbeing of our members, particularly as we are in the high risk age group for Coronavirus and accordingly wish to act with caution.
We look forward to seeing you back at the Shed.
Many thanks for your cooperation, and our best wishes,
Tony Hart.
President.
News Bulletin No 52
29 May 2020
Survey - Reopening the Shed
Dear Members
All members will be aware that the Government has started to relax restrictions on meetings and movement outside of the home. The Shed Board has met to consider when, and under what conditions, the Shed can be reopened. Our primary consideration is the health and wellbeing of our members, particularly as we are in the high risk age group for covid-19, and accordingly we are erring on the side of caution. We consider it would be prudent to delay reopening until at least June 22nd, by which time we will know whether the current easing of restrictions has resulted in any upsurge of infections.
Could members please advise the Secretary of the following;
a/ Will you return to the Shed if we reopen in the week commencing 22nd June?
If not, when do you think you would be comfortable to return?
b/ What are your preferred day(s) of attendance?
c/ Do you think that we should reopen prior to 22nd June?
d/ Any additional comments you may have
.
Conditions of Shed Attendance once we reopen:
1. Members who attend the Shed do so at their own risk
2. No more than 15 persons are to be in attendance at the Shed at any one time
3. Members are NOT to attend the Shed if they ..............
have any kind of cold or flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.....
have other members of their household with any kind of cold or flu-like symptoms
have had recent contact with anyone they know has recently returned from overseas
have had recent contact with anyone they know or suspect of having covid-19
have any reason to suspect that they might risk transmitting covid-19 to others
4. Members attending the shed are to avoid handshaking and close personal contact
5. A minimum of 1 ½ metres separation is to be observed at all times, and 4 square metres area around each member
6. Members are to observe hygienic precautions, such as hand washing with soaps and hand sanitizing, especially before and after handling foods or drinks, and after using the toilet
7. Morning teas are to be held outside of the Shed. The Shed will provide paper cups for tea and coffee. Food handling measures will be introduced.
8. Members are to make use of the surface sprays available in the kitchen and bathroom.
9. Face masks are recommended (self-provided).
Bottom line is- IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS, DON’T COME to the Shed !!!!!!
Please Help us by Responding to the Survey
Bulletin 51
11 May, 2020
Hi to all our members.
Reading the information put out today by the Victorian Government, it appears that we still cannot re-open the Shed, even to groups of no more than 10.
That is a pity as initially it seemed that we could reopen with appropriate restrictions in place. If anyone has different information, please share with us.
Group lessons or activities at community centres cannot resume at present and I think we probably fall under that category.
I spoke to the Victorian Men’s Shed Association. They agree that, although Men’s Sheds have not been specifically mentioned, they believe that sheds need to remain closed. They will hopefully issue a bulletin when they get clarity.
So, sadly. I think we need to remain closed until we get greater certainty.
When we hear further, we will call a meeting of the board and will consider how we will reopen and what we need all to do to maintain policies that keep the risks at an absolute minimum, with attendances limited and possibly on a rostered basis. Additional opening hours may also be considered whilst the closure of the bowls club frees up the car park.
In the meantime, we will continue with Zoom meetings for those who are interested.
Regards
Tony Hart.
President.
