President's Report - JULY 2025
In August
On Saturday 9 August the Eltham Lions & Reconciliation Group Tree planting is scheduled. The shed has been asked to assist with the provision of some chairs and assistance with he parking and marshalling arrangements. Thanks, Leon, for organising.
The Dine out this month, Tuesday 12 August, is being organised by Ross Montalto as John is away. Thanks Ross! Ross has also stepped in to assist with the Singing Group nights so he will be busy.
Footy Gate (Saturday, 2 August). David Johnson has stepped up to assist Ray Carrol for this month. Thanks David!
July Highlights
Guest Speakers
- Mr Andrew Lemon provided an interesting insight into shipwrecks on the South-West coast of Victoria. Andrew is an established author and historian, and his talk was most interesting and entertaining.
Events
July saw a variety of successful events:
- Lou’s Lunch: Lou had Neil McCoy on hand to assist with the lunch this month. It was a most enjoyable afternoon and thanks again to Kevin for his contribution of the wine for the lunch and the raffle.
- On the 1st of July, I attended the 10-year celebration of Eltham Aged Care Services (St Vincents) alongside a group from the shed, including past Presidents. This event holds significant importance due to the shared history between our organizations. It was great to see Yars and listen to his well-prepared historical talk on the centre.
- The Walker's had their "Breakfast in July" (15 July). This event was well attended and our thanks to John Tenkaten for his organisation.
- The Bunnings Sausage Sizzle (26 July) was again organised by Max Lee. Thanks Max and the other shed participants. These events bring in valuable contributions to the shed every time they are run.
- Nillumbik Shire Tree Planting BBQ (27 July) went well and thanks to Mark Deller for organizing. Thanks also for all those who turned up and assisted with the event.
- The Lions Club Changeover Evening is scheduled for the 21st of July. This was attended by John Cann, Neil McCoy and me. This event was enjoyable and good to get to know the new Lions management group.
- Dine Out at Montmorency Eltham RSL: Attendance was again well over 60 and the venue catered for the evening very well. Thanks again to John for his organisation. We were also provided with a donation to the shed of $300. I gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the shed. Our work for the RSL over many years was highlighted and very much appreciated.
- Footy gate was again a great day out and brings in useful revenue for the shed. Thanks to David who stepped in for Ray as the principal organiser.
- Monthly Sundowners: The end-of-month sundowners were well attended even with several of the usual group not able to attend.
Security
We had to find a new lock for the gate on Dansey’s Paddock this month. Max is also finalising the detail of the key holders. Thanks Max, this is an important task, and we continue to ask our shedders to be conscious of the security of the shed.
Computers and Technology
Work on the server continues and the committee has been asked to approve a small cost overrun on the original budget approved. This will be an important step to move records into a safe and accessible place.
Committee
Many thanks to John Cann for stepping into the role of secretary on the departure of Chris Saines. Alan Lyall has agreed to take over as Secretary from the end of September. He is travelling now and so I will try a phone link up so he can participate in this month’s committee meeting.
We are working on getting information together for the Annual Report in preparation for the Annual General Meeting. I hope that all committee members will be able to prepare a brief report on their responsibilities so that the work for the secretary is limited to compiling and lodging the documents.
Bill Cooper | 
