shed talk - mtgravattmensshed.org.au

SHED TALK T h e N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e M t G r a v a t t M e n ’ s S h e d

V o l u m e 1 2 N u m b e r 2 F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 1

M e n M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n c e

Our Vision

To provide a facility where men of all ages can feel comforta-ble and gather together to spend time socially, as well as in a practical manner, by participating in constructive endeavours that develop self esteem.

President’s Ponderings……..2

Social Meeting Report ….. 3/4

Our first Smoko and Social

Meeting for 2021…………….5

Workshop groups working….6

New Members/Art News … 7

Music Group News …….. 8

Graeme Smith’s award……...9

Container transformation .. 9

Stoking a head of steam…….9

Photography Group News…10

Shed presentations, Feb…..11

Workshop Improvements….12

Individual Achievements …12

Travel Notes/Have a Cuppa13

Lathe for sale……………….13

Program for March…………14

Additional lighting has been added and a new remote

control holder installed. Read about these workshop

improvements on 2.

WORKSHOP IMPROVEMENTS IN FEBRUARY

A container has been

carefully reorganised.

See Page 9.

SHED TALK

Vol 12 No. 2

Neil Egan

David Crossley,

Nev O’Brien

Articles for the newsletter:

Send articles, jokes,

comment, snippets, recipes, tips, suggestions, bouquets,

brickbats, etc.

Email to the editorial team:

newsletter @mtgravattmensshed.org.au

Printed courtesy of Councilor Krista Adams and the Holland Park Ward Office

Patrons: Body: Dr Brian Kable; Mind: Professor Dr Grant Devilly; Spirit: Rt Rev Dr Doug Stevens Management Committee: President: Lloyd Akeroyd Vice-President: John Wicks Secretary: George Parkinson; Minutes Secretary: Ken Mihill Treasurer: Graeme Cumner: Area Co-Ordinators; Building & Grounds: Jim Pollock, Community Projects: Bart McKnight: Office: Peter Tyley: Public Relations: John Wicks; Recreation Room: Colin Smith: Workshop: Asbjorn Petterson, Geoffrey Farrah & Peter Sawyer. Immediate Past President: Peter Lindsay

Other: Info Tech: Neville O’Brien; Welfare: Steve Fluerty/Bruce Stafford: Assist. Treasurer: John Bettenay

Email: [email protected] Mail: Secretary, Post Box No 239, Mansfield Qld 4122

PRESIDENT’S RAMBLINGS

February has been a month of change within the shed. Three of the members of the management

committee have had to resign for health related reasons.

Vice President and Asset project leader Harry Crosbie resigned in early February. He will be missed

for his wise counsel, his ability to listen and sensible attitude on all things related to the shed.

Secretary Robert Fraser found that he was no longer able carry out his duties in the way that he

wanted them to be done.

Past treasurer, Building & Grounds Chairman and Grants Officer extraordinaire Jim Pollock also found

that health issues made it impossible to continue.

A big thank you to these three gentlemen who have served the shed and its members well for

something in the order of fifteen years in total.

As you can imagine, the search is on for members to who are willing and able to fill some of these

gaps that have occurred. I am happy to report that George Parkinson has agreed to take on the

challenging role of Secretary. He has already started the learning curve that will get him on top of the

job, it only remains for the Management Committee to formalise the appointment at the next meeting.

Jeffrey Farrah has kindly agreed to take on the responsibility for Grant applications.

Thank you to George and Jeffrey.

Now there is still room for other members to assist in the management of shed. Ideally, we should

have a succession plan so that we know who is willing, able, and ready to fill positions and roles when

the necessity arises. To this end the treasurer has commenced working with a member who is

interested in assisting in that area. Thanks Jim.

Any members who have an interest in the running of the shed and are willing to help can you please

contact myself or other members of the Management Committee.

Thank you,

Lloyd Akeroyd President [email protected]

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Minutes of the Social meeting

1st February 2021

Attendance: There were 109 members and visitors in attendance. Apologies were received from Brian Wandel, Sam Leonard, Marcus Collins, Peter Sawyer, Reuben Egan, Terry Thomson, Ken Mihill, Paul Semmler, Albert Lee, Mike Clarke, Harry Crosbie, Paul O’Neill, and Brian Nolan. Special Membership Meeting: Following the motion to replace the current Auditor passed at the Annual General Meeting to obtain a new Auditor for 2021, the Treasurer put forward a motion stating’ “The Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed retains the service of Melissa Radcliffe as the official Auditor of the Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed Inc for the financial year 2020-2021”. The motion was seconded by Jim Pollock.

After a short debate, the motion was passed by the members present.

President’s Remarks:

Our President, Lloyd Akeroyd, welcomed back everybody after the Christmas break and shared the following matters with attendees:

There were some changes in the welfare portfolio of the Shed to be revealed later in the meeting. Phil Hillery has requested some men to assist with gardening on Monday mornings. The Shed is in need of a ticketed electrician. There is a notice that the Shed may be without Electricity on Wednesday 10th February. Further

information on the effect to the Shed will be sent out closer to the day. There have been sizable donations from the Writer’s Group and the Queensland Movie Makers Inc

which has been renting our premises for their meetings for the past two years. One of our Members, Graeme Smith, has been honoured for his work through Rotary and for his

Community work. Rotary has presented to the Shed a certificate of appreciation for the Shed’s support of the Rotary

Christmas Carols and Markets in 2020.

Secretary’s Report

The Secretary presented to a number of men a certificate of appreciation from Mt Gravatt High School for their support of their mock job interviews in 2019.

The date of the Social meeting in April has been changed from 5th April (Easter Monday) to the 12th April.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer praised members for their payment of Shed Annual Fees in 2020 and advised the Shed insurance was due to be paid in a few weeks time.

Workshop

A.P. reported that, during the Christmas break, a small group of men had worked on cleaning out and reorganising the Eastern container.

The paint area was also cleared for use.

A proposal for improved lighting in the workshop has been developed and will be implemented soon.

The dust extraction system has been fixed.

Brand new lenses on some machines have been installed.

Courses:

Woodwork Introduction. Due to numbers, another class has been established on Thursday afternoon as well as the Friday morning group.

Welding: This course will continue with 4 men being instructed at any one time.

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Sharpening. Phil Vardy is developing a course in sharpening tools and other

implements commencing on Thursday 18th February.

If you wish to enrol in any course, you can register at the Office.

Recreation

Colin Smith advised that the Sausage Sizzle lunch will go ahead on Monday 15th February.

Community Projects

Bart McKnight advised that the Shed has a Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings on Saturday 6th February.

Building and Grounds

Jim Pollock explained that many of the projects developed by this committee had been suspended during

the COVID Shutdown and the group is trying to move ahead to get projects going again.

However, the work is being hampered by:;

The Building and Grounds Committee needing new members. Jim asked the membership for more

volunteers to come and meet with this Committee.

Some work needs to be overseen by a qualified builder. If any members can help in this area or know

of a builder who would be willing to help, it would be appreciated if they could contact Jim Pollock.

The need for a qualified electrician because the Shed’s safety lights need to be inspected every 6

months.

Projects on the go are covering of the Southern Verandah, the covering of the bowls mat cupboards, and

the building of a cleaning cupboard among other things.

Jim also advised that members should be very careful about using up space in the Shed as space for

anything is extremely limited and if space for anything is needed, it needs to be approved by the

Management Committee.

Office

Peter Tyley advised that more volunteers were needed to help in the Office.

Shirt Orders were going well.

Welfare

Lloyd and Elwyn introduced Steve Fluerty and Bruce Stafford who are implementing the Shed Welfare

program for this year.

Steve and Bruce introduced themselves and welcomed visitors. Members with birthdays in December and

January were congratulated.

A couple of men, including Brian Wheeler had been in hospital.

Vice-President Harry Crosbie has had surgery.

Travel

Trips being planned are:

Day trip to Bribie Island in the “Lady Brisbane “ on 15 April, Cost is $75 p.p.

Day trip to Stradbroke Island in May, Cost is $65

If you wish to go on these trips you need to put your name down in the Office

now.

After a delicious lunch, Dr Brian Kable, one of our patrons, spoke about the

history of his family. Henry and Susanna Kable were convicts in the first fleet

and the first couple to be married in Australia. Henry became a well-known

entrepreneur in New South Wales.

The next Social meeting is on Monday, 1st March 2021 at 11 a.m.

Robert Fraser

SHED TALK

Vol 12 No. 2 ITS OUR FIRST SMOKO OF 2021

AND OUR FIRST SOCIAL MEETING

Present were 109 members and our guest speaker was Dr Brian Kable, Patron.

Catching up was as active as normal and it was a good time for our retiring Welfare Coordinator, Elwyn Jackson to hand over to Steve Fluerty and Bruce Stafford.

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THE WOODCARVERS ARE CARVING, THE WOOD TURNERS ARE TURNING

AND THE LEATHERWORKERS ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR NEW CAMEL SEAT

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4 Keith Cordwell

10 Richard Roxborough

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A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

From left to right, John Miner, James Wall, Brian Power, Allan Fedrick

Men, please come into the Shed regularly for the next couple of weeks to explore more in

order to find your activities of interest.

OUR ARTISTS ARE PAINTING

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Photo 1: Kevin Diprose Photo 2: John Raines

Photo 3:

Nev O’Brien

Photo 4:

Ken

Wainwright

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Photo 1 shows the JAM group using equipment of a Mypro P A system with an extension

speaker and chorded microphones donated by Coorparoo Probus Club. From the far end is

Basil Wood playing electric piano, behind him is Danny James playing violin, going clockwise

is Dave Williamson playing electric bass guitar, Terry Thomson playing rhythm guitar, Paul

Cusack playing drums and keeping the beat, Roger Brooker and Garry Fuhrmeister on

ukulele, Hugh Smith singing, Brian Cordes playing accompaniment on acoustic guitar and

Ross College playing lead on the electric guitar. The boys are ‘rocking along’ and playing the

Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline” with gusto.

Photo 2 left shows Roger Brooker and Garry Fuhrmeister on ukulele, Hugh Smith singing the

lyrics to that Leonard Cohen classic song “Hallelujah” with Brian Cordes playing rhythm on

acoustic guitar and Ross College playing the lead on the electric guitar.

Photo 3 right shows Ross College playing the lead intro on the electric guitar with Basil Wood

playing electric piano, behind him is Danny James playing the melody on violin, Dave

Williamson playing electric bass guitar. Terry Thomson is playing rhythm guitar and Paul

Cusack (Ringo) playing drums and keeping the timing and beat,

Terry Thomson

MUSICIANS ARE CREATING MUSIC

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GRAEME SMITH EARNS A LORD MAYOR AWARD.

Members know Graeme’s smile when they enter

the Shed on a Tuesday. He and John Bettenay

look after the Office and us on a Tuesday.

Recently he was presented with an award for his

contribution to a number of Mt Gravatt

entities including MGMS.

The quote below is ‘borrowed’ from the Holland

Park Ward Office Facebook Page.

Photo: L to R Deputy Lord Mayor, Krista Adams,

Graeme Smith, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Holland Park Ward’s very own Graeme Smith was honoured last night with a Lord Mayor’s

Australia Day Achievement Award. Graeme is well deserved of this honour through his many

many volunteer hours for community groups such as the Rotary Club of Mount Gravatt, Mount

Gravatt Men’s Shed and the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds Trust just to name a few. Congratulations

Graeme.

On a warm day in January a group of hardy members managed the transformation of the eastern container. It is now possible to walk safely the length of the container and to see and access most of the timber that is there. Material that used to sit unused such as particle board and MDF were removed and either sent to the tip or found a new home away from the shed. In the interest of our safety it is hoped that we will resist the temptation to leave material in the walkway in future.

Lloyd Akeroyd

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STOKING A HEAD OF STEAM!

Back In March MGMS took on the task of machining the tyres on six wheels for a one third scale (ride on size) traction engine that Centenary Men’s Shed are building. Covid interrupted, so the job was eventually finished in November thanks to Hans Helbling. Hans, Mike, Barry and Tony then delivered the wheels, inspected the project and toured their shed. (refer to their newsletter already circulated for an update on the Allchin Traction Engine)

As a result Mike Hayes “got all fired up” to promote building model steam engines at MGMS. Mike has now done a lot of research to source plans/blueprints and seek out local enthusiasts to visit and present. One contact was the Queensland Society of Model and Experimental Engineers which identified members in our neighbourhood.

So far some Shedders have visited Rhys Jones‘s home workshop and subsequently on Thursday 19th November, Mike Rusila and John Ruggles did a demonstration and presented at the Shed during which many members were present.

Mike is seeking a simple but interesting design with the opportunity to combine traditional machined parts with 3D printed parts. Watch for further developments in 2021.

Tony Giacomantonio

CONTAINER TRANSFORMATION

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St Barts

Anglican

Church

Mt Gravatt

We gather for worship Every Sunday at 7.00 and 9.00 am

Cr Logan Road and Mountain Street Phone: 3849 4411 MGMS Bronze Sponsor

MGMS PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Some of the MGMS members have expressed Interest in getting the photography group going again. Gary Earl and Steve Fluerty have suggested a trip into Brisbane GOMA to see the MOTORCYCLE: DESIGN, ART, DESIRE Exhibition. This trip will take place on Wednesday 10th March. If this interests you and you would like to tag along there is an Activity Sheet at the shed office door for the photography group and make contact with Gary Earl 0437 558 801 with an SMS. The plan is to meet at the steps at the bus stop in front of the GOMA before 9:30am on the 10th, then proceed to the coffee shop just inside the building for a coffee and to wait for the late comers, then into the GOMA for the opening time of 10:00am.

I suggest you purchase your ticket "on-line" to save waiting in line and have the QLD government Covid app on your phone for easy Covid sign in. All Shed Members are welcome to tag along and bring partners if you wish. A number of shed members have been along to this exhibition and all reports are that it is well worth seeing and not expensive with the Seniors Card Discount. Hope to see you there. Exhibition Details More than 100 motorcycles drawn from private and public collections across the globe will go on display at GOMA when ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ opens at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 to 26 April 2021. Gary Earl

SHED TALK

Vol 12 No. 2

MEMBER PRESENTATIONS IN THE SHED IN FEBRUARY

S H A R P S L A U N C H E D I N C O N C E P T

On Thursday 18 February, some 20

members of the shed assembled to hear a

two-hour lecture on the theory of

sharpening.

‘I was initially concerned’, said convenor

Phil Vardy. ‘I feared that members might

not be interested in theory. But that proved not to be the

case.’ Wayne Hansen agreed: ‘I had no idea that there

was so much to sharpening.’

The lecture covered metallurgy, mechanics, abrasion, equipment, consumables and jigs inter alia.

It is hoped that sharpening will commence as a new shed activity on Thursdays.

A limited number of copies of a 30-page booklet on sharpening, printed by Corinne McMillan

MP and bound by MGMS office volunteers, are available at the MGMS office. $5.00 each.

Last September, 2020, an unexpected invitation came, to assist in a yacht delivery to the port of Dampier, Western Australia. A 3000 nautical mile (6000km) journey from Mooloolaba to Dampier.

Owner of the yacht, a 42 foot catamaran, was the son-in-law of a lifelong buddie.

The owner, Steve and his father, Rod (my age) and myself, set off with a 30 day window of opportunity to get there.

Steve’s planned next shift at Rio Tinto was to start the day after we would get there.

Not having a permit to enter Western Australia was a close second on my mind after the consideration of what we would encounter weather wise, crossing the top end and the full length of Arafura Sea. An area outside my previous sailing experience.

Steve, being a ‘get things done’, long term resident of the Pilbara, arranged with the harbour master to notify the police of our pending arrival.

After careful consideration and fact checking from the border control aircraft that we encountered numerous times on our way, we were allowed to stay. It never made the papers. I expect they didn’t want to set a precedent.

The weather is generally quiet, prior to the building up of the wet season. Lots of luck there.

The sailing-? It had it’s good and bad patches. Long story short, it was a character building exercise. Coupled with unforgettable experiences. Like sitting alone on the foredeck, in the early hours of morning, under the stars, hundreds of miles from land, and thinking. ‘How lucky am I?’

Don McGuinness

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Photos 1 & 2: I have installed 8 new High Bay Lights into our workshop. The lights are 150 watt and put out plenty of light.

The amount of light on the bench tops is vastly improved .Members have said that this is absolutely brilliant.

I also installed a High Bay light over the Metalwork Bench. This made a heck of a difference along wth the 100 watt flood lights on the side wall.

Finally, I fitted a flood light over the new Sharpening Bench.

AP Photos:AP

FEBRUARY WORKSHOP IMPROVEMENTS

Photo 1:John Conaty successfully completed the Introduction Woodwork Program. His final project was to make a box for guitar bits and pieces. The box has Box Pin corner joints and a sliding lid.

He can now graduate up to the Wood Machine Shop.

Photo 2: Our Welding Team are hard at work.

One welder said to be vertically challenged was seen being capably guided by Rick Abbot in the Learners Booth. The men are now starting to think about what's next. Intermediate Welding and the camping BBQ plate.

Photo 3: Kerry Bradford - left Jeffrey Farrah - right.

Photo 4: Andrew Moger also completed intro Woodwork.

AP Photos:AP

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MEN AT WORK

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HAVE A CUPPA WITH……..

Before COVID struck the Management Committee thought it would be a good idea to encourage

members to share their stories at an informal HAVE A CUPPU WITH .. during a morning tea

time.

Hopefully we can start these sessions in March.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A GO? OR DO YOU KNOW A MEMBER WHO WE COULD

PLEAD WITH?

We do have two sessions confirmed already from two who were scheduled to speak last year

but now can’t manage to come on a Monday.

They are: 24 March Mr Ross Robertson, Principal of Mt Gravatt High School who will discuss

the job of a Principal in 2021, and

05 May Brisbane Deputy Lord Mayor, Krista Adams, who will help us to understand

what Brisbane will look like in years to come.

TRAVEL NOTES

Our next coastal camping trip is to Moore Park near Bundaberg from13/3 to 20/3 and it is being

fairly well supported considering some of our regulars are somewhat indisposed at present.

These events are open to ALL shed members and we would encourage you to join us, we see

lots of interesting things and have some epic happy hours. If you want to join us ring the

caravan park on 0401 548 388 and say you are with the men’s shed group.

We have some good bookings for the “Lady Brisbane“ cruise to Bribie along the “Koopa”

channel, it is being held on 15/4 and a booking sheet is available at the office if you are

interested. We have had up to seventy members go on these cruises. They are good value at

$75.00 pp and that includes an excellent lunch.

Some intrepid sailors are planning to take a day trip on the “South Passage” which is a 100

foot yacht sailed the old way. It will be held on 18/4 and a booking sheet is available in the

Office.

A bus trip to Stradbroke Island is planned for14/5 this will be a great day out to this beautiful

place. We need to fill the bus so please fill in the participation sheet at the office. There may be

some whales running past Point Lookout by then!

WOOD LATHE FOR SALE A used wood lathe in good condition for sale. Included is a set of tools, faceplate, drive centre and live centre. Would suit person who wanted a reasonably cheap lathe to see if woodturning was in their blood.

If interested please call Bruce Meyers on 0412 335 478 who will pass on your interest to Margaret Samuels (wife of the late Keith Samuels)

DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD PAY FOR TRIPS ETC ON THE PHONE TO THE

OFFICE BY PROVIDING YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

SHED TALK

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 SOCIAL MEETING COMMUNITY HALL 10.30 FOR 11.00 $7.00 GUEST SPEAKER: Ms Judith John White Lady Funerals Subject: How to piss off a family when arranging a funeral

2 8.00 Leatherwork 8.00 Guitar (2015 ) 8.00 Guitar (2019) 8.00 Woodworking 8.00 Own Woodwork 8.30 Guitar (2020) 10.00 Jam Session 12.30 Wood Carving 12.30 Guitar (2018) 1.00 Heartfit

3 8.00 Intermediate Woodworking 9.00 Computer Lessons 12.00 Wood Turning

4 8 00 Wood Turning Learners 9.00 Cartooning 1.00 Carpet Bowls

5 8.00 Small Engines 9.00 Art/Painting 1.00 Welding 1.00 Heartfit (Showground Community Hall)

8 8.00 Wood Turning 9.00 Metal Scrolling 9.30 Cards 12.30 3D Group

9 8.00 Leatherwork 8.00 Guitar Lessons (2015 ) 8.00 Guitar Lessons (2019) 8.00 Own Woodwork 8.30 Guitar (2020) 10.00 Jam Session 12.30 Wood Carving 12.30 Guitar Lessons (2018) 1.00 Heartfit

10 8.00 Intermediate Woodworking 9.00 Computer Lessons 9.00 Writers Group 12.00 Wood Turning 1.00 Management Committee Meeting

11 8 00 Wood Turning Learners 9.00 Cartooning 10.00 Native Bee Keep ing 1.00 Carpet Bowls


15 8.00 INDUCTION 8.00 Wood Turning 9.00 Metal Scrolling 9.30 Cards 11.30 SAUSAGE SIZZLE GUEST SPEAKER: BEN MUNFORD-BRISBANE SENIORS ON LINE Digital Legacy


17 8.00 Intermediate Woodworking 9.00 Computer Lessons 12.00 Wood Turning



22 8.00 Wood Turning 9.00 Metal Scrolling 9.30 Cards 12.30 3D Group


24 8.00 Intermediate Woodworking 9.00 Computer Lessons 9.00 Writers Group 12.00 Wood Turning 10.00 HAVA CUPPER WITH ROSS ROBERTSON PRINCIPAL Mt G HIGH SCHOOL



29 8.00 Wood Turning 9.00 Metal Scrolling 9.30 Cards 28 02 21


31 8.00 Intermediate Woodworking 9.00 Computer Lessons 9.00 Writers Group 12.00 Wood Turning

MOVIE ARVO SATURDAY 3 April 2.45 for 3.00pm

PROGRAM FOR MARCH 2021

shed talk - mtgravattmensshed.org.au

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