Noises from your ShedMosman Park Community Men’s Shed Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2015

Gentlemen,

On behalf of RSLWA, I am writing to thank you for your support for the 70th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day. VP Day celebrates the end of the Second World War for Australia and commemorates the 40,000 Australians who died in places most Australians will never visit or see.

I have received nothing but positive feedback regarding the event.

Having the wooden bases which held the Australian flags that we had on the tables, really added to the sense of occasion and the Veterans were very appreciative of the effort and the quality.

I would be most grateful if you would convey our gratitude to your team.

Once again, thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Yours sincerely, Graham Edwards AM President Returned and Services League WA

Shed men wave flagThe Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed have received a letter of thanks from RSL WA president Graham Edwards, for the 55 jarrah flag holders we made for the RSL, as part of its Victory in the Pacific commemorations.

Shed Chairman Brian Millmore said most of the Shed members were Baby Boomers born after the war but they had a real sense of pride that they could contribute in a small way to the 70th anniversary.

“Without the sacrifices of their fathers and mothers we would not be able to enjoy the lifestyle we lead today,” he said.

Chairman’s ReportThe Shed extensions are progressing with the survey of the additional land completed. The proposal was submitted to the Town of Mosman Park during August for approval.

We operated a sausage sizzle at Bunnings at Claremont on Saturday 22 August and raised about $300 for the Shed. It was a great opportunity to promote the Shed. Many thanks to the members who participated in the promotion and assisted with the cooking and sales during the day. Bunnings are also holding a family night to promote Father’s day. We have been invited to demonstrate how make tool boxes similar to the ones we made in the mentoring project. Volunteers are invited to assist with both projects.

The next Craft Market will be held 1 November and we are hoping that more members will be able to assist on the day and with delivering brochures to letter boxes in their area. More information will be available next month. In the meantime we need more members to assist with production of toys for sale on the day.

The annual General Meeting was held on 19 August 2015. Two new members of the Committee have been elected; Bruce Wright and Richard Allan. Thank you to Ian Deany and Keith Malcolm for all the work they have done whilst on the Committee.

Thank you to those members who have paid their annual fees. Members who haven’t paid their annual fees are reminded that their annual fees are now overdue. Fees have been maintained at $100 for this year. Those members who haven’t paid are reminded that they are no longer insured.

We have received payments from Taskers, Curtin University and Stratco this month which has assisted in maintaining our finances.

Sincerely,Brian Millmore, Chairman

SHED TALK - WED 16th SEPT 4pm

This month’s special talk will be on: “The impact of physical activity on heart and brain health”

With Daniel John Green, BSc(Hons) PhD (UWA) NHMRC Principal Research Fellow and

Winthrop Professor, School of Sports Science, Exercise and Health

The University of Western Australia

Sedentary lifestyles are a common factor in many health and mental problems but what is the best simple exercise to improve our whole health?

Professor Daniel J Green, from UWA, leads a team researching exercise for human health – to see if they can improve memory and brain function.

Professor Green said many people became concerned about their memory as they aged.

“Recent studies have suggested that exercise can prevent cognitive decline and may even increase the number and function of nerve cells in the brain,” he said. “But we still haven’t been able to identify the best type of exercise to achieve this result in humans.”

Join us for an enlightening and potentially life-changing talk from Professor Green on 16 September at 4pm.

Pedal power with a difference is helping a young boy do what he thought he would never be able to do – ride a bike.

Many take it for granted, but 11-year-old Tommy Andrews of Cottesloe has mitochondrial disease, a debilitating condition that causes delayed physical development, loss of muscle coordination and muscle weakness. As a toddler Tommy simply didn’t have the strength or coordination to ride, unlike his sporty twin sister, Dimity.

But an article in The Post about another youngster, Charlotte Braden, who needed help with her wheels inspired close family friend Janet Birtwistle to contact the Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed whose members got Charlotte on the road in style.

“I contacted the Shed and there were amazingly supportive,” said Janet.

All Tommy wanted was to be able to ride a bike like his sister.

Ready to help was former London Double Decker Bus driver Tony Willerton-Lowe, an expert welder. Taking time out from caring for his disabled wife, Mr Willerton-Lowe fitted special training wheels and a push handle, for when Tommy gets tired, to Tommy’s Captain America bike.

“It was no bother,” said Mr Willerton-Lowe. “I first leant to weld over 50 years ago so it was simple process to give Tommy his freedom.”

Tommy loved the bike so much he dropped into the Shed with a donation and a box of choccies to say ‘thank you’.

“It’s great,” said Tommy. “I will soon be able to catch up with my sister.”

“Tommy never had the strength or coordination to ride a bicycle before so the blokes at the Men’s Shed are true marvels,” said Janet.

Tommy gets on his bike

∆ Tony and Tommy

The 2015 Beyond Tools Men’s Shed Conference, to be held at the Cannington Exhibition Centre on Monday 21 September 2015, is a designed to inform Sheds about current events and future ideas.

You will have the opportunity to share the experience of the leaders of some established Men’s Sheds, to build and connect to a rapidly growing Men’s Shed community and obtain information that will help you to establish and further develop your Men’s Shed.

The Western Australian Men’s Shed Association (WAMSA) now has 162 sheds on the database, which includes committees that are planning a Shed.

The program will provide you with the opportunity to get connected to the strategies, tactics, and solutions you need to successfully establish, operate and maintain a successful Men’s Shed in your community. It offers you the chance to update your skills, reunite with friends and acquaintances and meet new colleagues.

The registration fee is $60.00 for representatives from Men’s Sheds that are financial members of WAMSA.

You can register online via: www.wamsa.org.au/conference-registration/

We can organise the Community Bus if enough members need it.

I look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Mike Wiggin, Chairman WAMSA

Brett Pollock and Glad (his 1930 Model A Ford) have just returned from a successful trip on the 2015 Dongara to Dampier Variety WA Bash.

Glad and Brett completed the 5500km Bash in one piece, and returned home to Mosman Park and the Shed in great spirits.

The pair raised $17,300.

In total, the Bash raised $556,000 for kids’ charity, Variety WA.

Glad’s next fundraising drive will be in early October, when Brett, Glad and Merv (a 1928 Model A Ford) will set out across the desert to Alice Springs in a fundraising event for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Glad to be home

∆ Photo Mark Thornton and Brett get in character as they prepared for the Bash with 85-year-old Glad.

(Picture courtesy Variety WA ~ www.variety.org.au/WA)

∆ End of Bash photo

∆ Tony and Tommy

GEORGE NEEDS YOU!

Metalwork Assistants Skills required:

2 arms, 2 legs, decent brain and good humour

To assist in the funding of your Shed, we undertake some projects for which we get reimbursed. George Klug and the metalwork team are currently building 24 steel tables for the ‘Friends of Kings Park’. And they could do with some help. We need members to undertake such arduous tasks as:-

! Measuring steel tubing ! Cutting steel tubing ! Welding (if you are qualified) ! Holding, Lifting and Carting, ! etc, etc.

Have a word with George Klug or a supervisor or leave your name in the Shed Bosses office and include availability times, or phone your Shed on 9383 3354. Please note: Ear protection is essential when working with George.

GEORGE NEEDS YOU!

Metalwork Assistants Skills required:

2 arms, 2 legs, decent brain and good humour

To assist in the funding of your Shed, we undertake some projects for which we get reimbursed. George Klug and the metalwork team are currently building 24 steel tables for the ‘Friends of Kings Park’. And they could do with some help. We need members to undertake such arduous tasks as:-

! Measuring steel tubing ! Cutting steel tubing ! Welding (if you are qualified) ! Holding, Lifting and Carting, ! etc, etc.

Have a word with George Klug or a supervisor or leave your name in the Shed Bosses office and include availability times, or phone your Shed on 9383 3354. Please note: Ear protection is essential when working with George.

∆ A smiling George Klug as Robin Mckay looks on astonished

∆ Sparks fly as Shaun Dubery cuts steel tubing

www.mpms.org.au

BISCUIT BAN for Shed Mascot!

A senior dementia consultant says that being an active member of the Men’s Shed can help those with dementia.

Dementia Consultant with the Bethanie Group, Michelle Harris, dropped into the Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed to give last month’s special talk to members on “Living Well with Dementia.”

She was so impressed with the facilities that she declared them dementia friendly, and said the Mosman Park Shed is a model of what society needs.

One person every four seconds is diagnosed with some form of dementia across the globe and Ms Harris told the shedders that “the rise is so significant that I don’t believe there will be enough care homes in 2050 in Australia to cope with the dramatic rise in dementia.”

Ms Harris explained that part of the problem is that funding is based on disability rather than ability.

“We need to support people’s abilities rather than focusing on pills and potions.

“The Men’s Shed is therapy. It is brilliant, and we need more of them around the world.”

Ms Harris was particularly impressed by the signage, photos and accessibility of the Mosman Park Shed.

“Every person with dementia has a different experience so our approach to communication must be person centred,” Ms Harris said.

“We need to build a dementia friendly community with services that support a person to maintain their autonomy.

The Men’s Shed fan explained that dementia is a shift in the way a person experiences the world.

“As a society we must become more dementia aware and friendly by changing our minds about people whose minds have changed,” she said.

With the support of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association (WAMSA) Bethanie has recently opened four Sheds in their lifestyle villages in Busselton, Capel, Rockingham and Yanchep.

Where can I get Assistance?

* Support is available 131 151

* National Dementia Hotline 1800 100 500

* Memory Nurture.com.au

* Alzheimer’s WA – wa.fightdementia.org.au

Advance Health Directive

Andrew Allsop (Michelle’s husband also explained the procedure in preparing an Advanced Health Directive (AHD).

This is a document that contains your decisions about future treatment. Treatment includes medical, surgical and dental treatment and other health care.

You can make an AHD in which you either provide consent, or refuse consent, to future treatment. For example, you may say you want or do not want a certain treatment.

An AHD comes into effect only if you are unable to make reasonable judgments about a treatment decision at the time that the treatment is required. In these circumstances, the AHD acts as your ‘voice’.

To make an advance health directive, you must be 18 years of age or older and have full legal capacity.

Peter Dring has put his Border Collie, Charlie, on a biscuit ban until further notice.

It seems the lovable 12-year-old was enjoying a few too many smoko treats.

Bred by Peter’s eldest son Gary, Charlie’s parents were ‘top drawer’ working sheep dogs at Bibbakine Farm in Eneabba.

Charlie had a short spell as a working dog before he followed his master into retirement to become the Men’s Shed mascot.

Charlie and Vic Power are both said to be unhappy about the bikky situation, but Peter is adamant.

“Anyone who gives Charlie a biscuit from now on will be in the doghouse,” he said.

∆ Vic Power with a forlorn looking Charlie

Dementia Friendly Shed

∆ Don Truscott, David Goldfinch, Philip Zeid with Michelle Harris

You can download an Advance Health Directive form from: www.health.wa.gov.au/docreg/education/population/HP11536_advance_health_directive_form.pdf

More information is available at: www.health.wa.gov.au/docreg/education/population/OA004251_preparing_an_advance_health_directive.pdf

∆ Andrew and Peter Boyne at work

Art GumThe job seemed simple; cut as many rounds of wood as possible from a piece of fallen gum.

Christina Van Waardenburg, from CISV, commissioned the Shed to cut the rounds for an upcoming community art project in Mirrabooka.

CISV International is a global organisation dedicated to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding.

The main man to take on the task was David Syminton, who cut most of the rounds using the large band saw.

In total the Shed made 191 rounds, which will now be decorated for the community art project.

Projects from across the Shed . . .

∆ Mike Wiggin, Christina and David Syminton load up the SUV

Father and son Andrew and Peter Boyne work on fixing up the hatch for Andrew’s 26 foot Stratus 747 racing yacht.

‘Dawn Treader’, named after the ship in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, is moored at Mounts Bay Yacht Club.

“Next on the agenda is fixing up the interior,” said Andrew.

Claremont Dental gets a new staff memberClaremont Dental, on Stirling Highway, has just taken on a new member of staff thanks to Iain Croft.

The Minion mailbox on wheels was made from recycled steel and has been named Clarry by the young patients.

Iain made the special box in the Shed metal room, for his nephew who is one of the dentists at the practice.

Got an interesting project that we could feature in ‘Noises from your Shed?’

We’d love to hear from you.

Email: iain@magswest.com or call/text: 0487 320 041

Young Joshua Abbondanza takes a shine to Minion Clarry

ESTABLISHPROPERTY

∆ Despite recovering from hand surgery, Norm Clough still manages to get down to the Shed

∆ Good to see James Campbell in full safety gear as he sprays his old trailer

You’re Snapped!

∆ Separated at birth? Bill Murray and Mike Ansell

∆ Hamish Thompson creates a jarrah and cedar wine rack

∆ Bob Grocke completes a pair of letterboxes for a customer

On Saturday 22nd August we had our first “Bunning’s Sausage Sizzle” held outside Bunnings in Claremont. Bunning’s allocate this event to Community Groups to raise funds, with Bunning’s providing the BBQ, gas and Marquee for the event.

We had three “shifts “ for the day who were as follows:

Keith Malcolm plus his Rotary Exchange Student, from Thailand, who was very helpful in setting up, Peter Dring, Jack Griffin and Tony Brown, followed by Iain Croft, Mike Graham, Kerry McAuliff and Marcus Blacklow, followed by Tom Styles, Tony Barr, Colin Carpenter and David Syminton.

Things were a little slow in the early part of the day as there was a strong cold wind with occasionally rain, which dampened things down.

By about 10am things started to improve, and by the time we finished for the day at about 2pm, we had sold all 200 sausages/buns which were brought for the day.

Cool Drink sales were naturally slow, with only about 20 sold.

Events such as this are limited by Bunnings to $2.50 for a Sausage in a bun and $1.50 for the drinks, so we didn’t make loads of money, but it was really good PR for the Shed as we handed out many Men’s Shed brochures and Membership forms.

Our grateful thanks to those who helped on the day, which made the overall effort worthwhile.

SAUSAGE SELL-OUT

∆ Mike Graham, Kerry McAuliff and Marcus Blacklow on the middle sausage shift

Annual fees 2016 are now overdue, so only current paid-up blue named badges are now displayed on the badge rack.

The Shed Committee has retained the annual fee of $100, when you consider the membership benefits its money well spent.

With the cost of running the Shed at over $100,000, per year payment of your fees is much appreciated, to function as a shed we need your financial and personal involvement for a greater experience for all the members.

For those members that have already renewed membership, well done and thank you for your participation.

If you have any new ideas on how to improve your participation in the Shed with special interest groups, Group outings, (now that we have a bus) card games, or even wild parties?

Let’s hear your thoughts,

Bruce Wright

Acting Shed Treasurer

Is your Shed membership overdue?

The Shed Solar panels are saving $300 – $350 a month according to Keith Malcolm former Shed Treasurer.And that was through the winter!Thank you once again to the Rotary Club of Mosman Park for the grant covering the cost of the solar panels.It is expected that the panels will pay for themselves within two years.∆ Solar system installed in May now paying dividends

∆ Bruce balancing the books

As a member over most of the time the Shed has been open I have observed many members and activities. Remembering it is a “Community Men’s Shed” I have asked myself “Do the members treat it like a community facility?” and essentially they do. Compared with say a public library or a park or a sports ground it is pretty clear that the Shed is treated in the same way.

But those community facilities are serviced by personnel who are paid for from our rates and taxes. Our Shed has to be serviced by us the members and the cost is nearly $100,000 a year. Now we pay $80 membership ($20 for insurance) per year so with say 250 members that is $20,000 which leaves us with a shortfall of $80,000! Where does this come from? It comes from a lot of voluntary effort by a small group of members.

May I steal and modify a famous quote from JFK:

My fellow Shedders, ask not what your Shed can do for you, ask what you can do for your Shed.

I hear you ask “What can I do?” There is a multitude of tasks that you can do to help and it does not have to be on a Tuesday morning, you can contribute on any day of the week. Just ask Dave Bowman or one of the overseers, there is always something to do. Just to name a few: sorting and dusting the library books, vacuuming the meeting room floor, cutting up timber for toys, holding up a metal frame for welding, clearing and rearranging benches, keeping track of the items that come through the shed for repair, contacting people to come a collect items, making pieces for sale

at the Craft Fair, give your time to helping at the Craft Fair set up an archive reflecting the history of the Shed, helping with some of the building and repairing of many of the money earning project that come through the door and the list goes on and on.

Consider this. Income earning activities need to cover a cash shortfall of $50,000. Spread over 250 members this equates to $200 per member. This means each member needs to generate $200 of revenue in addition to their membership.

Try it! To be an active contributing member of our Shed is a very rewarding experience.

MEMBER’S COMMENT AND PLEABy Tony Brown

∆ Ask not what your Shed can do for you... ask what you can do for your Shed

Craft Market and RaffleAs you will be aware our next Market will be held on Sunday 1st November, 2015, from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the “Shed”. At this Market we will also be running our first “Antiques Roadshow” style event (Name still to be finalised) so please pass this news onto all your friends and acquaintances so that there is plenty of time for them to look out items of interest (art/jewellery/pottery/whatever) to be valued on the day.

How can you help?We always need help with the letterbox drop; Shed preparation on the Saturday plus on the day: manning stalls, selling raffle tickets cooking and food distribution and then the general clear up – but if you are feeling creative why not donate some of your work to the Shed Raffle.

Please speak to Mike Ansell (mike.ansell@bigpond.com) or one of the supervisors to put your name/phone number down in the Shed Office.

Thanks.

It is great to see that we are still getting new members joining the Shed on a regular basis. It continually adds new skills and fresh ideas and is a clear indication of the need for facilities like Men’s Sheds.

Please remember that all members need to be inducted so if you have not been inducted yet contact myself, or one of the overseers to arrange a time.

Please also remember to name any projects or materials that you leave in the shed. Anything not named runs the risk of being used for something else. This is not intentional but we receive a lot of donations of both project material and tools and it is easy to mix up unidentified goods. Some of these donations are delivered anonymously so there is a constant challenge of identifying what’s what.

Naming personal projects removes the risk of losing them to other jobs.

Thank you to all members for maintaining the Shed in a tidy state. This also helps to avoid mix ups with private projects and material.

Regards to all, Dave Bowman, The Shed Boss

From the shed

‘boss’:

Contact Details Shed Boss: Dave Bowman

Mobile: 0437 357 648 Email: admin@mpms.org.au

PO Box 4373 Mosman Park 6012. Tel: 9383 3354

The Men’s Shed Committee Chairman Brian Millmore, Vice Chairman George Klug, Secretary Neil Faneco, Treasurer Bruce Wright, Committee men: Ian Deany, Lindsay Caughey, Brett Pollock, Bob Peterson, David Syminton, David Goldfinch, Dave Bowman (ex officio), Richard Allen. Ph

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? SHED TALK

Wed 16 Sept - 4pm

Craft Market & Raffle

Sunday 1 Nov

For your diaryFresh – Butcher – Bakery

Deli – Gourmet – Organic

OPEN 7 DAYS 8am–9pm130 Wellington Street

∆ Safety in the Shed is an absolute priority

SHED SAFETYHere is a piece of sound

advice from Mike WigginThe see-through blade guard with

splitter on the carba-tec table saw is locked in place to protect your safety.

Only cut without the guard under supervision.