Melba Shed was opened on 29 August 2008 by the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope. There used to be media release on the Chief Minister's site but it seems to have disappeared. You can read the release here. The Shed became an incorporated body on 4 June 2009 as an association, ACT Number 04861, and with ABN 96 617 404 218.
Melba Shed Early Dates 2008 and History of Establishment - Scanned view of the log book for the official opening meeting
The Melba Shed was established as a joint initiative of the Rotary Club of Ginninderra and the North Belconnen Uniting Church.
North Belconnen Uniting Church in Melba also provides community wide support services
In the North Belconnen Uniting Church (opened 17 June 1990) is a historic organ called "The Charles William Leggo Organ" Picture. A short document provides and overview of this old instrument that was originally installed in the Singleton Methodist Church on 26 June 1920. It was acquired when the Melba Church was built and restored in 1997
Housekeeping Roster and Duties
AGM Reports (The Presidents and Financial Reports)
Melba Shed - Person of the Year Award
Member Sicknesses or Accidents
Walking Group
Cycling Group
Bunnings Belconnen BBQs. We are planning to run BBQs at Bunnings on Fridays but to do this we need to know that we have sufficient volunteers. We propose running Shed Sausage Sizzles on the same Friday that we run the Bunnings BBQ so that Shed members assisting at Bunnings do not miss any Shed speakers or excursions.
If you are prepared to assist running the Bunnings BBQ for say a 2 hour shift please let us know (email) or fill out the sheet at Shed meetings. It is also OK for wives or partners to help out. Whilst the timeframe will be from 9AM through to 4PM (or we run out of sausages), we need at least 3 (maybe 4) people available to work on each shift. We also need some people to be available early around 8AM to help setup the facilities which includes setting up the marquee, BBQ and tables provided by Bunnings as well as helping with bringing food and drinks. We also need someone (e.g.Geoff, Phil and Don) to provide running logistics and other support as required. A sheet showing various shift times will be on the
table at the entrance to the Shed in the weeks leading up to the next BBQ
We plan to run such BBQ each quarter or every 4 months, and if possible these will be on Shed BBQ days. The funds raised will help with the planned extension to the Shed. The following was found on the web - Fundraising Bunnings BBQ Notes Also similar notes by the Scouts in word format for Bunnings Fyshwick
Ron Thompson helped raise funds for the Shed extensions. Belconnen Rotary and Gungahlin Rotary Clubs required volunteers for each of 5 Sunday afternoons to cart a trailer load of rubbish from Trash and Treasure at Jamison Shopping Centre to the Mitchell Recycling Centre. All they required is a car that can tow the Rotary trailer to and from Mitchell, with a standard tow bar, also to pick up the trailer from Nunngawal, then take it to Jamison where it was filled with rubbish, then to the Mitchell resource centre, then back to Nunngawal. Members didn't have to pay tip fees. The Shed provided a volunteer for each of the 5 weeks involved they will give us $1,000 towards our Shed building upgrade. The Sundays were 22nd April (Don Gruber), 6th May (Barry Howe), 20th May (Bob Salmond), 3rd June (Laurie Power),17 June (Phil Laird). Thanks guys
Ted Tregillgas suggested on 30th March that we locate a large money box at the Shed meetings and encourage all of use to bring our loose change that we have sitting around the house gathering dust. This will help raise funds for the extensions. A large milk container is at the entrance table to the Shed meeting where you drop your small coins
Shed Extensions The Committee is actively sourcing grant funding to allow our current Shed building to be extended by about 4m - effectively doubling the space which we have been using. The extensions are estimated to cost around $30,000 and the Shed is seeking grants from several sources to cover the cost. This is covered in the pdf document below.
Paul Zarb has worked on drawing up plans - a task which is proved more difficult than expected as no acceptable existing plans for the building were available. The quote received from the builder, a member of our other co-sponsor, the Rotary Club of Ginninderra, was based on us performing much of the labour and some other things that we can do such as site preparation, foundation digging, painting, electrical etc. If you have any trade skills that might be helpful, then please contact one of the Committee members. Funds that the Shed currently has will be used to provide carpeting and curtains etc.
A brief history and update on Shed Extensions This is a 2.5 page pdf document. It outlines current shed running costs and likely financial aspects of the shed extensions
Shed Etiquette There are some basic rules of courtesy at our meetings, especially when we enjoy the company of guest speakers. Please:
Message from the Treasurer (Reimbursements) Melba Shed encourages members to claim for any personal costs incurred in contributing to our Shed activities e.g. Meeting expenses, BBQ supplies and other miscellaneous authorised purchases on behalf of the Shed. Our members are very generous and in a number of instances members have declined reimbursement. However, while this is much appreciated it is not necessary and the shed has sufficient funds to reimburse your costs. Simply retain your original purchase receipt and give them to the Treasurer and these refunds will occur as soon as possible.
Usually the current method of reimbursement i.e. via cash or cheque works pretty well, however it is not so good when members are away in subsequent weeks or for longer periods of time. Another option is now available to shed members. If you prefer to have your refunds placed directly in your personal accounts by electronic transfer this can easily be arranged, and will mean that funds will be returned to you even more promptly, irrespective of your attendance or availability. For this to occur all that is required of members is to provide your account details to me at your convenience (once only required) should you wish to take advantage of this method, as per the following information: Bank BSB No; Account Number; Account Name.
You will subsequently be advised via an email which will include the transaction details, once the refund has been deposited. If you wish to take advantage of this method, either see me at the Shed or contact me on 6241 5973, 0432 531118 or at kaleen.grimmetts@gmail.com. Thanks, Geoff (Ed Note. Now if only the ATO were as obliging!)
Sign Our Attendance Book We are keen to maintain a history of Melba Shed and our Attendance Book is an important part of this. Please remember to sign our attendance book each time you visit the Shed
Change of Layout at Shed Meetings. Those attending 23rd Sep 2011 meeting experienced a change of scenery for the meeting - we use for the first time at the re-arranged eastern end of the building, an area co-jointly used by several Church play groups and weekend Church groups. This results from your Committee approaching the Church and gaining approval for using this area, and we have been given encouragement and assistance in this by their offer of allowing us to store 40 newer seats in the abutting office/store room on a semi-permanent basis. There is still more work to do to re-adapt the room for our needs e.g. blinds projection facilities etc. With increasing membership numbers, and more general congestion, it is our hope that you feel a little more comfortable with a bit more space. Please have patience during this process and be constructively supportive of these efforts. Your Committee and our co-sponsors (the Uniting Church and Rotary) wish to make this facility the best it can be in the interest of all our members
Further Change of Arrangements at Normal Shed Meetings. At the Shed's Committee Meeting in early Feb 2012 it was decided to change the timing arrangements for hearing speakers back to the previous arrangements. The regular Shed "announcements and information" section will begin at 10.00AM before the speaker's presentation guest speakers who will now be asked to address us by commencing at approximately 10.30AM. Our speakers give generously of their time and often are under pressure to meet other work commitments or appointments. This will enable them to present in a defined time frame, and allow members to hear any relevant news about the shed or activities early on in the days session
A request please! Let's keep our kitchen a safe place to be! Some members may have noticed the addition of a new sign in our kitchen area (around 20th Sep 2011), requesting that this area be vacated once you have got your cuppa and cake etc. No offence is intended with this sign - it is aimed solely at promoting a less congested and much safer environment in the interest of all our members. Congestion in this area means that access to the coffee/tea making facilities is hampered, but more importantly it increases the risk of someone being injured or scalded, not something we want to see. The warmer weather is beginning to kick in, so why not continue your conversations enjoying our great area immediately outside the shed area. Your understanding and cooperation in keeping our kitchen a safe place is much appreciated. (Ed Note. Of course in the traditions of old foggies and bureaucrat haters we will all totally ignore this request! Crikey next we'll get a number and our own seat we must sit in!)
What if you can't come on a Shed Excursion? Some of our members miss out on Shed meetings because they are perhaps not up to the physical requirements of Shed excursions or can't spare the longer time needed for extended excursions. We normally have an attendance of over 40 men at our Shed meetings but when we travel away for a visit to a local attraction such as the National Library or travel on a longer duration trip such as our recent visit to Yankee Hat (8:30am until 3:30pm) numbers attending often drop considerably. Often, members don't read, or maybe don't receive, their Newsletter detailing earlier start times for excursions and hence turn up for a Shed meeting at 10:00am, well after others have left on the excursion. On future excursion days, we are considering arranging for a Shed get-together for those members who can't participate in, or don't arrive in time for the scheduled excursion. What we have in mind is essentially an alternative meeting in the Shed where members could chat over a cup of coffee or engage in other activities to be agreed. This would include a facilitator to get the morning underway. Please let a Committee member know what you think about this idea? Trevor Oddy has volunteered to help run such occasions.
Housekeeping Duties - In PDF format
Housekeeping Roster
| Month | Persons on Duty |
| May 2012 | Peter Tilley | Terry Mether |
| June 2012 | Greg Worthington | John Edge |
| July 2012 | Greg Hutchison | Drew McDonald |
Previous Months
| Month | Persons on Duty |
| April 2012 | Ted Tregillgas | Jim Grenfell |
| March 2012 | Ron Thomson | Bob Salmond |
| February 2012 | Stuart Allan | Geoff Grimmett |
| January 2012 | Colin Rea | Calum Reid |
| December 2011 | Peter Mitchell | Tony Capeder |
| November 2011 | John Edge | Laurie Power |
Annual General Meeting 25th Nov 2011 - Agenda
Our third Annual General Meeting was held from 10:00am on Friday 25 November at the Shed. The following documentation associated with the AGM was presented to members and accepted.
Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bearers
The following persons were nominated and elected as the committee:
President - Harry Redfern
Vice President - Peter Tilley
Secretary - Don Gruber
Treasurer - Geoff Grimmett
Member - Peter Mitchell
Member - Laurie Power
Member - Phil Laird
Harry took over the meeting once Stuart stood down and thanked Stuart for his excellent work over the last three years
From all of us special thanks go to our former President, Stuart Allan who has so capably guided our Shed and our Committees from our earliest days. Well done Stuart and thanks for such a tremendous and successful effort over the past three years
Many Shed members make a large contribution to our Shed but some go that little bit further. Your Committee decided some time ago to request one of our non-committee members to seek views on worthy candidates to become our 'Shed Person of the Year' and Peter Mitchell was commissioned to obtain a suitable plaque on which to record the result
Congratulations and well done to the very worthy members who have had their names added to the plaque:
2008-2009 Don Gruber
2009-2010 Geoff Grimmett
2010-2011 Stuart Allan
Business Plan For period ending 30 June 2012
The Shed was successful in receiving a small grant of $2,500 from the Federal Government round of Volunteer Grants for 2009. These funds were used to purchase an overhead projector and screen for use by Shed members and visitors
As part of the National Male Health Policy announced by the PM on 6th May 2010 $3million will be allocated towards supporting the Australian Men’s Shed Association to develop and assist Sheds in Australia. More information on the Mens Issues and Wellbeing for Men page
Lead Access has been providing Harry Enright to bring and support David Livingstone to attend Shed meetings as a member and as a way of enabling him to engage more fully with community members. Part of what LEAD is trying to achieve is for people with a disability to be interactive with the broader Canberra community and be treated as an individual.
Jennifer Thompson from Engaging Solutions visited our Shed on 3rd May 2012 accompanying David Livingstone and Harry Enright. She was undertaking a digital storytelling project. Jennifer Thompson is producing a short media piece for a local organisation (LEAD) highlighting ways in which people living with a disability can be treated as individuals and more engaged in the general Canberra community. LEAD (through Harry Enright) assists David Livingstone in attending the Melba Shed. Like many Canberra men, it is a highlight in David's weekly social calendar. Picture: Alan Tongue talking to shed member David Lingingstone. Picture compliments of Jennifer Thompson
17 April 2012: Tues - Rotary Club of Ginninderra - Membership interest meeting On this date our Rotary sponsor held a meeting designed to show possible members about Rotary. One of our members went along
30th-31st Mar 2012 Apple Day' at Loriendale Orchard - Shed members helped setup up the Apple Day on the afternoon of 30th March and/or assist with Apple Day functions at Loriendale Orchard on 31st March. This was organised through Geoff Grimmett on 6241 5973. This activity has been undertaken by the shed in 2010 and 2011 also in March
24 Dec 2011: Christmas Eve - North Belconnen Uniting Church - 'Carols under fairy lights' - At the North Belconnen Uniting Church there was a free BBQ from 6:30pm with carols commencing at 7:30pm - 4 Shed members manned the BBQ. Harry R and wife, Phil, Don, Geoff, Steve and Greg (Sweetapple - the "bagpipe man") attended to carols
18 Dec 2011: Sun: Something Special for Christmas - as part of Melba Uniting Church's Advent service program this year, each service had a theme. On Sunday 18th December the theme was "LOVE." As a central part of this service we are inviting groups associated in some way with the church to make a contribution towards this theme. Your contribution would be a Christmas tree decoration that in some way symbolises the "Shedders" and the caring relationships that have built up amongst the members. This decoration could be crafted by members or store bought. During the service we would like a member of the Shed to describe why the decoration was chosen, how it symbolises the special bond that exists between the men in your group and to hang it on our tree. This oral presentation would be for a maximum of 3 minutes per group, as several groups have been invited. from Linda Grimmett. The shed responded through the work of Geoff Grimmett as follows
12 Nov 2011: Sat: National Aboretum Inaugural Community Concert - 10 Shedders (organised by Don Gruber) helped Rotary with parking arrangements for 1,500 cars at the Aboretum for the Inaugural Community Concert 'Voices in the Forest' from 4pm to 7.30pm. This helped raise $1,000 for the Shed and will be used on the extensions
3 Nov 2011: Thurs: Canberra High School - Best Technology Student Project - Melba Shed was pleased to support Canberra High School during its recent Technology Showcase. We donated a cash prize of $50 for the Woodwork section in the People's Choice Awards for 2011. Congratulation to the winner - Adam Nebelung who was presented with his prize by Laurie Power at their assembly on Thursday 3rd Nov 2011 (Pictured on the right)
As the result of raising money from a YMCA Garage Sale Sausage Sizzle on 21 Feb 2009 at Yarralumla, it was decided to donate money to a bush fire appeal and Uniting Care. Thus in FY 2008/09 we donated $250 to the David Balfour Trust that raised funds for the ACT fireman who died in the Victorian fires of Feb 2009. Also early in 2009/10 we donated another $250 to Uniting Care in Kippax through a cheque handed to the Rev Gordon Ramsay
The Friday Lunch Club
A few Shed members are making a habit of lunching at the McKellar Soccer Club (cnr William Slim and Owen Dixon Drives in McKellar) after our Friday Shed meetings (other than BBQ meetings and excursions). Anyone who is interested is welcome to join in. Members with a Seniors Card can enjoy a roast or similar meal for <$10.00. If you are not a Soccer Club member, it is easy to join at the front counter ($3 for three years for Seniors) or to page Don Gruber or Bob Wagg to sign you in. Pictures
John Burrowes has organised for the Shed members who so desire to purchase at bargain rates various logoed items. The attached Order Form shows the Polo Shirts (Short/Sleeve, Long/Sleeve and Rugby Tops) and Cap/Bucket Hat prices
After the initial order has been completed members can place their own orders either by going on-line to the Braggs Melba Shed web-address or by phone, 6254 3550, or in person. John suggests that if members want to order in person, at “the factory”, they should ring first to arrange a convenient time as Miranda needs to “deliver” or “pick-up” children from school ring first to arrange a convenient time as Miranda needs to “deliver” or “pick-up” children from school. Braggs Business Hours
Photos of the main merchandise. At the meeting of 30 Sep 2011 John Burrowes presented a $40.00 cheque to our Shed treasurer as a donation from the proceeds of the Shed apparel sales
John in his short sleeve polo shirt
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Bucket Hat |
Cap |
Cap |
Short Sleeve Polo Top |
Long Sleeve Polo Top |
Rugby Top
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Anzac Day 2010 Anzac Day
Orbost Trip Nov 2010 Poem Orbost or Bust
John insists of course that this is all fabrication. The truth be told: he did not actually fall of his bike; but his pride was quite fractured!
Peter Mitchell's ditty on John's fall
Download in Pdf formatPeter Mitchell provided this ditty on "The Most Functional English Word":- Shit
Peter has continued to excel with these further ditties: In The Beginning Irish Speedos When you're from the country Wine Merchant Gay WayneTed Tregillgas's ditty on John's fall
A Poem for Steve "Beauty Explained"
This was found as a handwritten genuine odd left in a book donation to Lifeline. The author is unknown
After the singing of happy birthday to Keith Grieve on 3rd June 2011, Ted was most moved by the occasion and has penned as follows:
I was very impressed with the singing of "Happy Birthday" last Friday it led me to think about having our own Melba Shed song to sing at some stage during our meetings. I have penned a very basic verse based on the tune and theme of "The Road to Gundagai" - mainly because it is easy to sing and everyone knows it.
I'm calling it "Until something better comes along" because I know there are some very competent poets in our group who will come up with some much better suggestions. We may finish up with several Melba Shed songs. Meanwhile here's my effort (Editors note: "please someone save us!")
18th May 2012 - Terry's Pumpkin Challenge: Terry issued a challenge for any member to grow the largest pumpkin from Nov through to around May 2012. Terry supplied his own butternut super seeds. The winner was judged by Clarrie Hockley who chose Bob Salmond's 2.528Kg item of length 42cm as the winner. More details
15th May 2012 - The Northside Chronicle Our own President, Harry Redfern, again stars in the press. Harry is quoted on the front page as extoiling the virues of the the planting of some 200 shrubs provided by the Holt Community Park carers. Harry has been instrumental in naming and organising the management of the 'Old Holt Primary School Park' which uses the playground of the old school site that was closed in 2008. Well done Harry! Thanks to the Canberra Chronicle 15th May 2012 front page
14th May 2012 - Our Own Tezza (Terry M) stared in Spirit-ED See the trailer on You Tube. He is the tall bloke in the middle in the opening scene. (PS looks like a send up of "Harry Potter" to me!). Also www.SpiritEDmovie.com
13th May 2012 - Phil Laird Recognised Our own Phil Laird, President of the YMCA Auxiliary, recognised for his service as he retires from the post. Thanks to Canberra Times Sunday 13th May 2012, page 28 in the National Volunteer Week supplement
2nd May 2012 - Our own James Grenfell writing to the Canberra Times again! On 2nd May he appeared in the Letters to the Editor complaining about the waste in appointing another ambassador to the Vatican in his usual unparallelled style. Good one Jim!
Ted Tregillgas mentioned in the CT under "Flynn Heritage Listing fails" It was reported in the Canberra Times (CT) on 18th April 2012 that Community groups lost their Supreme court bid to have the old school site heritage listed. However all is not lost for them as the Government has plans to spend money on restoring some parts of the school. Interestingly our own Ted Tregillgas is shown in the CT photograph as part of the community group. Plans for Flynn community centre (former Flynn Primary School) Plans include spending up to $4M to upgrade facilities above. TAMS is planning to hold some form of meeting about the future of the site in May 2012
24 March 2012: John and Pam got married! Wonder why we haven't seen too much of John Burrowes this year? Well on 24 March he and Pam were married at All Saints Church in Braddon and celebrated afterwards at Olims Hotel. We wish John and Pam all the best for a long and happy time together. Look at some photos
John Burrowes announced at the Shed meeting of 29th July (from the Canberra Times of 23rd July) that Pam and he are engaged and plan to marry at the All Saints Church in Ainslie in March 2012. Congratulations to Pam and John. [PEMBERTON BURROWES "Karen and Barbara would just like to say, their mother, Pam, becomes engaged today. And Michael and Susie have said 'hooray',their father, John, has just made Pam's day". Karen and Barbara (nee Pemberton), and Michael and Susie (nee Burrowes), and their families,are very happy to announce that Pam and John have decided to get married. 23/07/2011 The Canberra Times]
Ernie Brand. On the 23rd Sep 2011 it was reported that one Ernie Brand, a member of the Melba Shed, was purported to have been in training for some weeks and competed in the recent Canberra Times Fun Run!
Well, now we have the proof! Newsletter 101 has a photo of the said contestant, officially known as "2973‟. Ernie was seen proudly wearing the new Shed apparel – good stuff Ernie!
Stuart Allan Melba Shed named in Parliament by Andrew Leigh
To those dedicated readers of Hansard would have noted that Stuart and the Melba Shed received a Parliamentary mention on 13 October by Andrew Leigh (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) who spoke at the Shed on 23 September. Andrew said in Parliament:
'On 23 September I visited the Melba Men's Shed. Members of men's sheds come from all walks of life. The bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time. Men after retirement often find that once the phone stops ringing and they are no longer called on to make decisions their social networks are not as extensive as that of women. There are many men's sheds across Australia for which 'first bloke' Tim Matheson is a patron. They provide a place for men to meet and socialise. If you look inside one you might see a number of men restoring furniture or restoring bikes for a local school, and a few young men working with older men, learning new skills and maybe something about life. The Melba Men's Shed has grown from six to 10 people, to 25 to 30 people. I would like to thank Stuart Allan the President of the Melba Men's Shed.'
Our President Harry Redfern has been spotted in the Canberra Times liftout section on 21 Mar 2012, Can you spot him? The event was on 24th-25th March 2012 - 4th Annual National Vintage Guitar and Amp Expo at the Statesman Hotel, Curtain
Keith Grieve turned 80. Keith turned eighty on Friday 3th June 2011. The arrival of family members prevented him from attending our Shed meeting, however that didn't stop Shed members from singing "Happy Birthday" to Keith and giving him three rousing cheers
Terry Mether turned 70. Terry turned 70 on Fri 21st October 2011. Apparently he shared muffins with a few riders including Stuart on Tues morning 25th in the rain!
Steve Mawer turned 70. Think this happened around July 2011? We will have to find out for sure. He shared a cake with some of the bike riders one morning
Harry Redfern turned 70. On the17th Nov 2011 Harry hit the mark. We sang happy birthday at the meeting on the 18th Nov 2011
Keith Grieve's Illness. As at 19th July 2011, Keith Grieve is in Calvary Hospital after suffering a minor stroke. Keith has now recovered and is out of hospital
John Arundel's bike accidents. John Arundel's message on his recovery from his bicycle accident and his Big Day Out on 15th July He also joined us for cyclists' coffee at Ha Ha on 19th July and looked quite happy. John can now walk unaided, cycle and is exercising at the gym. John took another fall from his bike near Gungahlin Pond on 12th Jan 2012 whilst we were cycling north along the bike path to Gungahlin, Yerrabi Pond. John suffered cuts to his hands, elbow, knee and also bruised his shoulder and left thumb. However he was able to cycle home and has largely recovered as he is now cycling and walking OK
Greg Hutchison's Bike Accident. On 26th July whilst cycling around Lake Ginninderra Greg's bike hit one of those barriers along the bike path, that sent the bike one way and Greg onto the bitumen. He landed on his shoulder and also scratched his knee and elbow. Greg's injuries have been overcome except for his damaged shoulder. Constant use of a TENS machine and exercise has brought his shoulder and upper arm to a much better state. At 18th Nov 2011 he still has some pain in his upper arm and still has difficulty in putting his right arm behind his back. Greg has consulted a physiotherapist and has damaged rotator cuff musicales
Stuart Has Had an Accident. Our President, Stuart Allan broke an ankle (in three places) during a fall at the yacht club on Wednesday 26th and was operated on Thursday afternoon the 27th Oct. They inserted the right pins and screws and he is in a satisfactory condition. Stuart is out of hospital and home and feeling in good spirits. His ankle is in a plaster cast and apparently he has had some 9 pins/screw etc inserted in his ankle to support its recovery. One wonders if he will ever pass a security screen at an airport without setting off an alarm!. Stuart is getting around OK with help and has attended all the meetings. Stuart was seen cycling in mid Dec 2011 and improved well through 2012
Stuart's ankle at the Ha ha Bar Tues 7th Nov 2011
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See Walks pages
See Cycling pages
When Harry Redfern made the offer to run a 'get to know bowling' morning for all Shed members on 20 May 2011 he didn't realise that he would need to deal with more than one or two new recruits. At last count some eight Shedders – including Peter Mitchell, Jim Grenfell, Tony Capeder, Greg Worthington and Ted Tregillgas have all been spotted practicing on the greens under Harry's keen eye.
Pictures of Greg W, Peter, Tony, Ted and Jim on the green on 23 June 2011 See Jim's cheesy grin!
Of course, Harry will be delighted if any other members are interested. Just talk to Harry at any Shed meeting.
See more photos of the Shed bowling day
Bowls Training Days. Our Bowls guru Harry Redfern provided shed members with an opportunity to try out lawn bowls further through some free learning sessions at the Belconnen Bowling Club at Hawker. These free sessions were on Sat 3rd and 10th September 2011 between 10AM and 12noon. Brochure
Several shed members (something like 6-7) help out with the meccano support for some children at Mt Rogers Primary and one other helps at Latham. Recently it was suggested that Shedders might like to consider refreshing your Meccano skills and joining some of your fellow "Shedders" already involved in the Schools Meccano Program, part of the Schools Volunteer Program of the ACT (SVPACT). This program is aimed at mentoring young primary students (Grades approx 4 -6) through friendly and positive experiences with older males, having fun constructing Meccano models in a group situation. If you are interested in this project but unsure of your potential involvement you may also like the opportunity of being an "observer" at one more of the weekly sessions, completely obligation or commitment-free. This is a great way to see how the program works first-hand and an opportunity to observe the interaction between the students and their "Meccano Mentors‟. If interested, why not have a talk to Bob Greeney (Northside coordinator) on 6258 4152, or 0407 737 131 or email: greeneyb@iimetro.com.au and he will be very happy to arrange this introductory "observation‟ session. Alternatively, talk to one of the Shed members already involved in this program. Blair Howden reported at our Christmas function in 2011 that the school ladies put on an excellent morning tea complete with fresh muffins.
Ron Thomson has offered to organise a social game of golf on Mondays or Tuesdays, each week. Plan is to play at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Course. Green fees are $26.00 for 18 holes. Naturally, "gentleman's rules" apply and we'll hit off early to beat the heat. If you are interested then contact Ron on 0478 167 717 or email at ront@bigpond.net.au
To broaden the range of Shed activities, Bob Salmond coordinates Shed social tennis events on demand. It was originally on Friday mornings (weather permitting) when the club did not have excursions. The starting date was 2 March.
The activity will be held at Melba Tennis Courts (off Verbruggen Street, adjacent to the cricket field). Bob has a key to the courts.
Start time is 8am. Play will finish between 9am and 9.30am permitting players to attend the Shed meeting at 10am. A shower is available at the clubhouse. Cost - free for tennis club members and $5 for others.
Initially Bob will provide tennis balls. Later, regular players will be asked to also provide tennis balls at a cost of about $1 per week. The format of play each day (eg doubles, singles, rotation, American) will vary, and be determined mainly by the numbers attending on the day and the preference of players. If interested then contact Bob Salmond on 0414.977.746 or email r.salmond44@gmail.com
