| President's Report
August 2026
It is with sadness that I start this month’s report. Bill Szczygielski passed away peacefully in the early hours of 19 August. Bill was a well-liked member of the shed and he will be missed. Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family. His funeral will be held at Le Pine, 825 Sydney Road, North Coburg, at 2:00pm on Tuesday 1 September, and I know a number of members will want to be there.
August was another full month at the shed with all workshops and activity groups operating normally.
Guest Speaker
Bryce Gaton spoke to us on Monday 24 August on “all we need to know about buying and owning an electric vehicle”. It was an informative session and generated plenty of questions from the floor. Bryce has since sent through a copy of his slides along with the AEVA “Buying a new BEV?” brochure, which John Cann has circulated to members. Bryce is happy to receive follow up emails from anyone who wants to know more.
Events
- An induction briefing for our new members was held at the shed on Tuesday 4 August. Thanks to Harry Morris for running the session, which I attended.
- The August dine out on Tuesday 11 August was held at Godfathers Restaurant, Briar Hill. Thanks again to John Tenkaten for the organisation.
- Ian organised a group for the Neil Diamond Tribute Concert at the Greensborough RSL on Friday 14 August, with dinner in the bistro beforehand. Jazz by the Green at the Eltham Bowls Club was again held at month end and Ian arranged a table.
- On Tuesday 18 August we delivered and set up 50 chairs for the VV Day service at the Montmorency Eltham RSL. Thanks to Charlie Ball for organising, and to the members who assisted on the day.
- Lou’s Lunch was held on Wednesday 19 August. Thanks again to Roula for the meal and Kevin for his contribution of the wine. Please remember to assist with the clean up where you can.
- The Family Pizza Day on Sunday 23 August was very well attended and it was great to see so many family members at the shed. Thanks to Ian Dwyer for organising.
- Members assisted with the setup of the Rotary Art Show on 25 and 26 August. Thanks to John Skinner for pulling the group together.
- Ian arranged a visit to the Defence Force School of Music at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, on Wednesday 26 August. Thanks Ian.
- Footy Gate has now finished for the year, with our last requirement completed this month. It again brought in useful revenue for the shed and my thanks go to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser over the season.
- The end of month Sundowners was again well attended. Thanks to Jim and the team for organising.
- On Thursday 13 August some of us attended the Nillumbik Community Awards at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre on behalf of the shed.
New Activity Groups
Two new activities have started up this month. Rob Anderson and Ken Huston have formed a fishing group, and Ken will circulate a weekly “Fishy Tales” email to those involved. Rob has plenty of gear to lend for anyone who wants to give it a go, and Ken and Baz McGrath have boats they use from time to time. Mark Dellar is resuming his brewing at the shed, and members are welcome to take part and learn from him. Contact Rob, Ken or Mark directly, or speak to Jim Gundrum. It is good to see members putting new ideas forward.
Wood Workshop and Lalor Men’s Shed
Russell and Neil visited the Lalor Men’s Shed on 20 August to discuss the use of their CNC machine for a couple of our project requests. Lalor’s major fundraising event is on 17 October and, with their wood turners currently unwell, they have asked whether we can help with some turned product. We are looking at our stocks to see what we can contribute. They have also asked whether we could train up a couple of their members in wood turning.
Garage Sale – Date Change
The committee has decided to bring the garage sale forward one week to Saturday 24 October. The original date fell on the weekend immediately before the Melbourne Cup and we did not want to run it when a lot of people would be away. Please update your diaries and start spreading the word.
Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 12 October, with the EMS Open Day on Saturday 10 October. Please put both dates in your diary.
I would also encourage any member who is interested in serving on the committee in the new year to put their name forward. Nominations will be voted on at the AGM.
Coming Up
- Ladies Lunch, Saturday 5 September at 12:00 midday at the shed. The day will run in much the same way as Lou’s lunch, with a meal, wine and a raffle. Cost is $5, with booking and payment at the Monday 31 August briefing so we know how many to cater for. Ladies should bring some loose change for the raffle.
- September dine out, Tuesday 8 September at 6:00pm at KUZINA, 1092 Main Road, Eltham. A three-course banquet at $50 per person including a complimentary drink. Please text John Tenkaten on 0418 177 647 by Tuesday 1 September.
- Nillumbik Community Showcase, Friday 11 September. Booking is essential and can be made through the council’s booking link.
- Australian Model Railway Association exhibition, 12 and 13 September at Caulfield Racecourse. Flyers are available at the shed.
- Website training, Monday 14 September, following the member briefing.
- Lou’s Lunch, Wednesday 16 September.
- Ian is arranging a group for the Beatles Tribute Concert at the Greensborough RSL. Let Ian know if you are interested.
- EMS Open Day, Saturday 10 October. Annual General Meeting, Monday 12 October. Garage Sale, Saturday 24 October.
- November caravan and cabin trip to Moama, 9 to 13 November, at the BIG4 Moama Holiday Park. Please let Colin McGregor know your intentions, including whether you will join the Wednesday evening river cruise and dinner.
See you at the Shed.
Bill Cooper | |
