The meeting started at 7.30 am;
Members Present:
Twelve members were present for the second official meeting of the new year. It was good to see Greg back after his travels in Trumpland and good to see that Rick is now properly orientated.
President:
Malcolm welcomed all attendees, He raised the following issues:
1. Kiribati Nurses Training: The club is considering a contribution to this worthy charity. Details have been sent to members by email. The intention is to train a group of about 30 nurses at a total cost of some $7.5k. Parnell's contribution is proposed as $500. The members were supportive.
2. Breakfast costs: The new charge of $30 applies as of today. (No limitation on helping size - yet!)
3. Curtains: The Scribe updated members on curtains for Habitat for Humanity. After the hiatus due to construction activities at Selwyn Village, the supply has resumed. Two car-loads have been delivered to H4H and a third is pending. Avis joined the Scribe on the first of these trips.
4. Epsom Lodge: Currently the Club does two breakfasts each year plus Christmas presents. The manager has recently departed and there is doubt about the ongoing breakfast programme.
Three-Minute Speaker:
The Scribe fronted up for a little test on tables. (Times tables) A random three-digit number was put in the calculator and repeated so that it became a six-digit number. The Scribe then applied the 13x table, the 11x table, and the 7x table and magically got back to the original number. How did he do that? A chocolate fish for the first correct answer.
Sargeant Colleen:
Members were challenged to a Manu competition in the Bay. David was confused by this sudden switch to an alternative language. (Ironic as he was a candidate for the biggest splash)
The Mangawai tornado was mentioned! Anyone who had preceded the tornado was fined, as was anyone who traveled on Anniversary weekend. Bit desperate! The Sargeant's husband turned 80 - a notable milestone (millstone?) and worthy of a fine by the Sargeant. Stephen owned up to forgetting the new breakfast charge - so pay up Stephen.
We learned that the longer we live, the more Earth seems like a lunatic asylum for aliens! Is there no end to this font of wisdom?
Main Speaker:
David Jones introduced the speaker.
Mat Clennan presented the Men's Shed, in particular the Orakei-based East Auckland chapter.
Men's Shed was started in Australia, which now has over 1000 sheds, and has spread throughout the world. There are 125 Men's Sheds in New Zealand with 11 in Auckland.
the Eastern branch has 210 members with new applications being received continuously. New members are given an orientation programme covering essentials, such as H&S.
There is a huge range of equipment and activities. These include woodwork, metalwork, electrical systems, and a host of crafts and hobbies. High-tech equipment includes welders, 3D printers laser cutters, and circuit-bord production.
There is a big emphasis on environmental projects such as vermin traps, critter accommodation units, and nursery boxes.
The Shed is open six days a week including public holidays. The Lockdown period was a time of great stress (No kidding!). Wives were desperate for the Shed to reopen so Hubby could get back to his "happy place". There is always a Duty Manager and Safety Manager on site during open times.
Members come from all walks of life including many professionals. The youngest is 26 and the oldest checks in at 99 years young. There is a thriving social life with barbeques, speaking events. and family gatherings including fun challenges for young children.
There are some women involved, although the Men's Shed name has endured to date. (The growth of Community Sheds suggests that this may not last forever.)
Funding is from charity grants such as Lotto with a modest annual membership fee of $75.
The speaker was thanked by acclaim.
There is a Gizmo garden working bee this week.
Kathy has procured Starlight pendants for the Mental Health Unit ( A photo is to hand, but unfortunately attachments do not stick to the Bulletin)
The meeting closed at 8.30 am.
