POBOX 239,MANSFIELD, Q4122
SHED TALK
June 23, 2014
NEXT MEETING
Mon July 7, 2014
Volume 5 Number 6
Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed
Cubby House Construction Crew
drive the last screws & staples into the
LAST Cubby House
 10:30 for 11:00am
 Mt Gravatt Show
Grounds
 Community Hall
 Cost:$6 for meeting
 morning tea, lunch
and guest speaker
After the construction of the 191 st Cubby House the tools &
biros have been set aside so the Construction, Marketing and
Clerical teams can take a rest from a BIG job extremely well
done. All members who took any part in this major event
which has given our Shed a firm financial footing for years
to come are thanked from the other members for the dedication & work ethic displayed throughout the event.
 DATE CLAIMERs:
 Aug 18-22 see p10
 Tues Sep 16 see p5
 Tues Oct 21 see p5
 Tues Nov 4 Shed
Social- Melbourne
Cup
INSIDE
Management ……..
2
News & Welfare ...
3
Notice Board ……..
5
Guest Speaker …..
6
Ongoings ………….
8
Goings On
Extras ……………..
9
Meetings ………...
10
The Boys!!
1
What to do next??
Page 2
Vol 5 No 6
Articles for the
newsletter
Send articles,
jokes, comment,
snippets, recipes,
tips, suggestions,
bouquets,
brickbats, etc. to
editor Neville
O’Brien
nobbya@tpg.com.au
(M) 0401 00 4582
Photos Herb Sneyd & John
Wicks
Your Management Committee
President- Brian Wheeler
Vice President- Keith Samuels
Secretary– Brian Wandel Asst. Sec. Ken Mihill
Treasurer– Jim Pollock
Committee: John Wicks
Elwyn Jackson
Bill Semple
Lance Roberts
Ian Young
Neville O’Brien
The Management Committee meets monthly.
Email: secretary@mtgravattmensshed.org.au Website: www.mtgravattmensshed.org.au
Shed Office Telephone: 3343-2216
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Hi Shedders,
As you are aware, I have been on leave from the Shed for the month of
May. Yes, I hear you say that we did not miss you. My wife Ngari and
I have travelled by car through New South Wales and Victoria spending
time in Canberra and Melbourne. However, I did not entirely divorce
myself from Shed business.
I spent time visiting four significant Sheds at Mudgee, Wagga Wagga
and Maitland in NSW and Hobsons Bay at Altona in Melbourne. These
were very valuable experiences as each shed had relevance to our shed.
The Mudgee Shed was purpose built from corrugated colourbond sheeting on all internal and
external walls with heated floors. The floor area of the building is 1 ½ times our building and
has a large carpeted recreation area, computer room, small wood area but a large metalworking
area with significant welding bays.
Wagga Wagga has over thr ee acr es of land and a wor kshop about the size of our total
building. They have a large metal working area and were making a boat trailer when I was there.
However, I was very impressed with the new Recreation building which is just being completed
(about the size of our workshop). It has a large meeting room, a board room, a library and a
large kitchen area. They seemed to collect all sorts of materials from around the district and
make money from the sale of parts. They have a very large vegetable garden and hot house
The Shed at Hobsons Bay, Altona in Victoria, is located in a disused EPA truck testing station
which is a two-storey brick building. The upper level is used for meeting rooms and is shared
with a repertory society. The group has a membership number similar to ours and has a very
strong car restoration section. I saw a number of Morris Minors in various levels of repair.
Members were motivated by the service pit and a car hoist that facilitated the motor technology
section. They organise a very popular car boot sale which generates good funding and they have
regular vintage car rallies.
Maitland Community Men’s Shed is a purpose built building constructed of metal and has a
significant mezzanine floor with a staircase that has a chair lift for men who require assistance
to ascend to the well-appointed meeting room and kitchen/eating area. On this level, men can
also participate in lead lighting, clock restoration and computer instruction. This group is very
active in the community and enjoys a high level of support from local business houses.
It is very interesting to see what is happening and how other sheds manage their operations.
The shedders were keen to show me what they are doing and the pleasure they derived from being in the communal group. I was made very welcome at each shed and I encourage you to visit
sheds as you travel around the country.
Happy shedding,
Brian Wheeler
President
2
Page 3
Vol 5 No 6
Good
News from
Mitchell
GOOD
NEWS
Computer Lessons: We have been given permission to have off-line tutorials on
our members’ computers from www.GCFLearnFree.org This is a USA based organisation.
The lessons we have access to include Office 2010. There are 3 ways to work through
these lessons 1) use the members’ computers, 2) go to the website above & use on-line lessons including Office 2013 or 3) go to the website & create an account & access the lessons as presented towards certification that could be used for resumes etc. I have attempted
the first 3 lessons on Office 2013 & would suggest a lot of learning/note taking on previous lessons as certification expects a large amount of understanding. The on-line content
can be accessed from any internet connected computer.
P
ayment of Fees: From July 1, a Credit Card or
Our Vision
To provide a facility
Debit Card (not Amex or American Diners) can be
used to pay for the larger items either at the Social
where men of all ages
Meetings or at the Shed office. Be aware that the Social
can feel comfortable
Meeting cost of $6, the Workshop Coffee/tea $3 nor the $5
Personal Workshop fees CANNOT be paid by this method and gather together
to spend time
– still cold hard cash.
M
embers: We are offering a new service. If you
would like a free advertisement to buy, sell, give
away or offer help, please send a one line text describing the item with contact details to the Editor (see p2) .
N
ewsletter: Bill Simpson has indicated that he will
be resigning from the position of Editor in November
and he is prepared to train interested men in the Microsoft
program Publisher on the MGMS computers. If you are willing to assist in this important role please contact Brian
Wheeler or Nev O'Brien. Nev has agreed to produce three
editions during the transition phase for which we are very
grateful.
YOUR WELFARE COMMITTEE CAN
ASSIST YOU!
Do you need transport to or from Men Shed meetings
or functions ?
Are you or a member you know in hospital or in re-hab
at home?
Do you need assistance from other members in any
way?
We can assist where possible or practical.
Phone 33432216 Shed office OR
Elwyn Jackson Welfare Coordinator 31626587
(M) 0416021229
W
socially, as well as in
a practical manner,
by participating in
constructive
endeavors that
develop self
esteem .
JULY newsletter–
copy required by a
July 21 on email to
nobbya@tpg.com.au
elfare continues to make
contact with Men Shed members each month.
1. Those who have been ill at home
2. In hospital / rehabilitation
3. Have special needs
Members contacted—
16
No answers—
6
Return after illness 2
Rehab at home 3
In hospital or nursing home– 2
Transport—
4
Page 4
Vol 5 No 6
EATING HABITS IN THE FIFTIES:
Pasta had not been invented.
Curry was a surname.
A takeaway was a mathematical problem.
A pizza was something to do with a leaning
tower.
Bananas and oranges only appeared at
Christmas time.
All crisps were plain; the only choice we had
was whether to put the salt on or not.
Rice was a milk pudding, and never, ever
part of our dinner.
A Big Mac was what we wore when it was
raining.
Brown bread was something only poor people ate.
Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking
Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves
and never green.
Cubed sugar was regarded as posh.
Only Heinz made beans.
Fish didn't have fingers in those days.
Eating raw fish was called poverty, not sushi.
None of us had ever heard of yoghurt.
Healthy food consisted of anything edible.
People who didn't peel potatoes were regarded as lazy.
Indian restaurants were only found in India .
Cooking outside was called camping.
Seaweed was not a recognised food.
"Kebab" was not even a word never mind a
food.
Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days,
and was regarded as being white gold.
Prunes were medicinal.
Surprisingly muesli was readily available, it
was called cattle feed.
Pineapples came in chunks in a tin; we had
only ever seen a picture of a real one.
Water came out of the tap, if someone had
suggested bottling it and charging more than
petrol for it they would have become a
laughing stock.
The one thing that we never ever had on our
table in the fifties …. Was elbows!
4
St Bart's Anglican Church
Mt Gravatt
We gather for worship every Sunday
7am and 9am
Cnr Logan Road and Mountain Street
Phone: 3849 4411
St Barts is a Bronze Sponsor of the Shed
2014/2015 Membership Invoices along with a new Medical
Form included are available at the
Shed Office (please, inquire at a nonbusy time) and at the July Social Meeting. Payment is due by August 1. As we
are all getting on in years, the Medical
Form must be updated as to our current health particularly if your current
Medical information is over 12 months
old.
Membership is $40 + $10 extra if the
newsletter is to be posted to you.
Remember if you wish to read the
newsletter it can be accessed from the
MGMS computers or any other computer connected to the internet.
NOTE: See page 3 Payment by Credit Card.
Page 5
Vol 5 No 6
NOTICE BOARD
Report of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed Monthly Social
Meeting Monday 2 June at 11am
Meeting opened with the Shed song and National
Anthem
Lance Roberts welcomed the members and visitors and explained the emergency exits and facilities. Plus First Aid Officers on duty
Apologies were received from Bill Semple, Geoff Halter, Ted Seymour, Bob Pope, Ian Fox, Norm
Fussel, Ken Taylor, and Graeme Carson
President’s report: Brian welcomed the visitors.
Brian thanked the meeting for his welcome back
to the shed after being away on holidays. Brian
reported that whilst away on holidays interstate
he visited a few men’s sheds and told the meeting
about those sheds. He answered questions from
the floor about his observations of the other
sheds. Brian also advised the meeting that the
Australian Men’s Shed Association acknowledged
the MGMS as the largest membership in Australia
as reported in March this year. We currently have
266 members.
Welfare committee: Elwyn Jackson welcomed
all to the meeting and especially noted the 11
visitors. There are 10 new members to the shed;
Elwyn read the list of new members to the meeting- Lloyd Akeroyd, Geoff Cox, Ron Cronk, Gordon Crosbie, Barry Marks, Paul McNabb, Ken
O’Byrne, Ben Scheelings, Douglas Steinhardt, Bill
Whittaker . The visitors and guests were welcomed with applause from the meeting. Elwyn
noted a number of members who are unwell or
recovering from hospitalisation. Elwyn read the
birthday list.
Building: Keith Samuels reported on behalf of
Bob Pope regarding the building extension and
Grant deadlines. The timeframes are very tight
for us at the moment but Bob and others are
working to get all things completed. Deadline is
June 20. Keith advised that we are about to start
work on some community projects: Mt Gravatt
Girl Guides’ Hut – replacing the steps; Request
from State Premier’s Dept to contribute to the
construction of a large 3m high sign of the letters of ‘Brisbane’ for the G20 conference. Cubby
House project – the project is now completed
with 191 cubby houses constructed and sold.
Keith acknowledged the team of cubby house
builders and those present came to the front of
the meeting where they were all congratulated
for their commitment and effort.
PR: John Wicks reported on interest groups and the
sausage sizzle afternoons. He reminded the meeting
that the third Monday of every month is a sausage
sizzle at the shed. He included in the afternoon program a speaker of interest. John advised the meeting
of some of the speakers to come through the rest of
this year.
Interest Groups
Cooking and Leather groups are going well.
Metal work group is working on getting some activities happening.
Card group continues to meet with nine players at
the moment
Travel group is reporting later in the meeting
Dart group continues to meet.
Each of the interest group coordinators were introduced to the meeting so that members knew who to
connect with.
Art group – the group had a display at the meeting
for all to see. The coordinator is away but the group
continues to meet.
Programme: Lance Roberts advised the meeting of
the following social events
Tues 16th Sept- Tramway museum and
Men’s Shed
Tues 21st Oct Caloundra RSL (Museum
open)
Tues 4th Nov Melbourne Cup Shed Social
room
Guest Speaker Stroke/Heart Attack – Richard Edwards
Guest Speaker July – Beyond Blue MGMS Shirts: Lance Roberts – Shirts and caps can be
ordered today from Brian or members can attend the
shed and place orders there.
Other Reports
Rod Larkin commented on the leather work group
and a request for some upholstery work to be
done on a 19th century chaise lounge. Rod requested that if any member has any interest in
being involved with this to see him.
Lance reported on behalf of Dick Bennett about a free
safety and rights for seniors seminar to be held
locally. Details can be obtained from Lance.
Tony Giacomantonio asked that if anyone helped
at the Rotary Book Fair to report to him their details as Rotary lost the list of shed volunteers.
Tony also reported on the travel group trips and
advised the meeting about a planned trip to Carnarvon Gorge. Tony showed a series of slides
and then explained some details of the trip. Trip is
planned for August 18 -22, 2014.
Dave Bowes and Alan Richardson spoke to the
members about some of the expectations and
rules surrounding the use of shed tools and
equipment.
Membership Renewal: Brian Wandel advised the
meeting that membership renewal and new medical
Guest speaker: Richard Edwards.
forms need to be completed and returned to the Sec- Meeting closed at 2pm
retary.
Brian Wandel (Secretary)
5
Page 6
Vol 5 No 6
Social Meeting: May 2, 2014 photos. MGMS members having fun!
G
uest Speaker: Stroke/Heart Attack – Richard Edwards—spoke
about the need to be aware of Strokes. He reported that these can range
from very severe to mild. The very severe ones could cause problems with several
areas of the brain whereas the mild ones might only effect a small brain area. We
might have several mild strokes and sometimes not be aware that it had occurred.
These can lead to brain damage over a period of time. He spoke from a nonmedical background so there were very few terms we did not understand. The
main message was that strokes and heart attacks are caused by lack of oxygenated blood not being
able to reach these areas. He also spoke for a
healthy diet and the need for some ongoing
exercise. The meeting allowed him to go beyond the time limit as the message was interesting and presented in a manner that allowed
for easy understanding.
6
Page 7
Vol 5 No 6
Rotary Club of Mt Gravatt is a
platinum sponsor of the Shed.
Booklets can be purchased from
Graeme Smith for $2 tel: 3343-1697.
These are a very useful ‘thank-you’ gift.
W
ynnum-Manly Shed visit to MGMS: On Thursday June 19, members of
the Wynnum-Manly Shed paid us a visit. Easy conversations ensued between
visitors & Shed members.
Jenny Wong speaking to
MGMS members about
the BCC “Green Heart
Wisdom” program.
7
Page 8
On Goings and Going Ons!
Workshop, Recreation Room Timings and Meeting Program for
July, 2014
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Computer tutorials are on
computers or see Nev
O’Brien
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1st
8.00 Basic Woodwork
8.00 Leatherwork
COOKING– Ian/Sam will 10.30 Guitar
1.00 Painting
email for NEXT CLASS
2nd
8.00 Intermediate
Woodwork
12 Bowl/Spindle Turning
3rd
9.00 Darts
9 to 12 Laptop Class
4th
Maintenance
(Morning)
7th
SOCIAL MEETING
10:30 for 11.00 AM
8th
8.00 Basic Woodwork
8.00 Leatherwork
10.30 Guitar
1.00 Painting
9th
8 - Intermediate Woodwork
12 - Bowl/Spindle Turning
1 - Management
Committee Meeting
10th
9.00 Darts
1.00 Camera/
Photography
11th
Maintenance
(Morning)
14th
8:20 Bowl/Spindle
Turning
9.30 Cards
15th
8.00 Basic Woodwork
8.00 Leatherwork
10.30 Guitar
1.00 Painting
16th
8.00 Intermediate
Woodwork
12 Bowl/Spindle Turning
17th
9.00 Darts
1.30 Travel
18st
Maintenance
(Morning)
21st Cooking– see above
22nd
8:20 Bowl/Spindle Turning 8.00 Basic Woodwork
9.30 Cards
8.00 Leatherwork
11.00 Sausage Sizzle &
10.30 Guitar
“Keeping Seniors Safe”
1.00 Painting
23rd
8.00 Intermediate
Woodwork
12 Bowl/Spindle Turning
24th
9.00 Darts
25th
Maintenance
(Morning)
30th
8.00 Intermediate
Woodwork
12 Bowl/Spindle Turning
31st
9.00 Darts
Computer
tutorials are on
computers or
see Nev O’Brien
28th
8— INDUCTION
8:20 Bowl/Spindle
Turning
9.30 Cards
29th
8.00 Basic Woodwork
8.00 Leatherwork
10.30 Guitar
1.00 Painting
Bill Hooper is one of our Platinum Sponsors
8
Page 9
Vol 5 No 6
S
hed Cooking Guys: For the benefit of the other Shedders we are now a group of
11 members who enjoy cooking. We operate in an area of some 4m2. We are a
closely knit team of shedders, so close that if you need to ask a question, one must
move well to the left or right to raise one’s arm to catch Fred's attention. We move forward to the preparation bench in two's or three's on Fred's command. We are not in a
class that would entitle us to be on My Kitchen Rules or other high profile T.V. Show.
We meet twice a month and under Fred's direction make [and then eat] simple but
healthy meals. The majority of the Team are also members of the Catering Committee
who handle lunch for the monthly social meeting and the monthly sausage sizzle. Following the completion of the shed's extension we are hopeful that the Committee will
see fit to consult us on providing the members with a more operational kitchen. If that
be the case, we are minded to provide on a given date, morning tea or even a light
lunch for those members attending on the nominated date. During Fred's absence while
on holidays the Team will still operate and it is intended that we revisit some of the
meals we have already made. Samuel Leonard
COOKING–
Ian/Sam will
contact you for
NEXT CLASS
date.
9
Page 10
Vol 5 No 6
Notice of Meeting
Monday July 7, 2014
The Community Hall at
Time:
Mt Gravatt Showgrounds
10.30am for 11.00am start
Cost: $6.00
Program:
Guest speaker for July is a speaker from Beyond Blue
. 12 noon
Barbeque
Please Note: Any agenda item must be notified to Lance Roberts (3341 8793)
no later than Friday July 4, before the meeting. Please do not approach the chairman
of the meeting on the day.
Proposed Trip to Carnarvon National Park 18th to 22nd August 2014
Our Shed Travel Group would like to hear from members interested in joining the next proposed trip. Contact Tony Giacomantonio via the shed office.
Where: Carnarvon Gorge is located in the Southern Brigalow Belt bioregion about 700km
by road north-west of Brisbane. It is located halfway between Roma and Emerald.
Special Features: Hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland's central highlands, Carnarvon Gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse flora
and fauna and Aboriginal rock art.
When: Arrive Monday 18th August. Stay at the Takarakka Bush Resort for 4 nights. Leave
on Friday 22nd August. Entry road is good and accessible by two wheel drive vehicle. Car
pooling will be considered.
Proposed Activities: Bush walking on Tuesday and Thursday. Rest or free day on Wednesday. Walks of various lengths within the gorge all have interesting destinations along flattish well graded tracks. Helicopter flights over other gorges may be available.
Accommodation: Takarakka has good facilities including a large camp kitchen and basics
shop. Camping and Caravan Sites range from $38 to $45 per night for two people. Taka
tents (permanent tents on raised timber floor sleep up to six people) are around $115 per
night for 2.
10