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

“It’s a wonderful way to support young people and a great environment in which to learn,” she said.

Minister Morton was visiting the Shed to present a $40,000 grant to disability service provider Therapy Focus and Curtin University for their intergenerational mentoring project, which is being trialled at the Mosman Park Shed.

The project will connect members of the Western Australian Men’s Shed Association with young people with intellectual disabilities, and the men will mentor the young people to increase their work readiness.

“This project is expected to deliver real benefits to the mentee and the mentors,” said Ms Morton.

Ministerial PraiseWA Disability Services Minister Helen Morton was full of praise for the Mosman Park Community Men’s Shed and its mentoring program.

∆ WA Minister Helen Morton with members of the Shed Mentoring project team.

∆ The Minister was impressed with the activities of the Shed and very supportive of our participation in the mentoring project.

∆ Richard Allen and Tony Brown with mentee Timothy Adams.

Chairman’s ReportDuring the month the Shed hosted the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Helen Morton. The researchers conducting the mentoring project were successful in obtaining a grant from the Department to fund the research project. The Department wanted to hold a function at the Shed with the Department provided morning tea for the visitors. The Minister was impressed with the activities of the Shed and very supportive of our participation in the mentoring project.We now have four students we are mentoring with seven members providing mentoring for the boys. The boys are mentored for two hours each week with two on Tuesday and two on Saturday mornings.

We also had a visit from the Hon Graham Edwards AM State President of the Returned Services League, (see separate report), he was most impressed with the work we are doing in the Shed.

We have held two successful busy bees at the Adventure Park and a thank you to all those members who assisted.

I attended the Mosman Park Town Council Technical Services meeting and the full Council meeting and made a presentation to obtain an extension of the Shed lease to extend the Shed by approx. 700 square metres. We intend transferring the lease of the Shed from the Rotary Club to The MPMS and have a consolidated lease. The extension is expected to commence when we obtain Council approval and appropriate funding.

A community bus has been purchased, funded by various community groups. The Shed will maintain the bus. Ultimately it will be housed in the extension together with the Rotary BBQ trailer. We intend moving the metalwork shop and the Rotary storage room to the extension.

I would like to start an archive for the Shed to retain all press clippings and other important documents. If anyone would like to volunteer for this task your services will be welcome

Members are reminded that their annual fees are now due. Fees will be maintained at $100 for this year. I would remind members to pay their fees as soon as possible.

During the month we received another delivery of wheelbarrows from Stratco and we must thank Charlie Smith and Merv Ward for their efforts. Thanks also to Shaun Dubery. We also had the mentees assembling some wheelbarrows. This is an important revenue source for the Shed and more assembly assistants would be welcome.

Next month we will be calling for nominations for the Committee, two members are retiring and nominations will be welcome. We would welcome nominations from members who have accounting and company secretarial experience. It is proposed to hold the AGM in conjunction with the members’ meeting in August.

Sincerely,Brian Millmore

∆ Brian with Helen Morton, Count Me In Ambassador Imran Ariff and Shaun Dubery.

Schools and not-for-profit groups in Mosman Park now have access to a community bus that can tow the community barbecue, which will be stored at and maintained by the Men’s Shed.

The bus was paid for with $15,000 from Mosman Park council, $7500 from the local Rotary club, $3000 from Taskers builder Dempsey Gillespie Construction, a $5000 discount from supplier John Hughes and $350 from the Mosman Park Residents and Ratepayers’ Association.

The 12-seater Toyota Hi-Ace high-top can be driven by any-one with an ordinary driver’s licence.

Bookings can be made via the Shed email: admin@mpms.org.au

Mosman Park Community Bus

Fresh – Butcher – Bakery Deli – Gourmet – Organic

OPEN 7 DAYS 8am–9pm130 Wellington Street

Will that be a Yorkshire or an Australian?David Syminton is an expert at barbecuing steak to perfection but the pressure of cooking perfect Yorkshire puddings for an expectant crowd meant that this old dog had to learn some new tricks.

On Thursday 4 June we had the second of our Wine Tastings with Sommelier David Magnus.

The evening was a presentation of wines from Plantaganet Wine, which very kindly donated four whites and three red for us to taste. We started with a delightful Sauvignon Blanc, with a dry, fruity taste, which lingered on the palate. We then had two wines served from paper bags, so we did not know what it was; the result was interesting with some picking that it was a Chardonnay, from two different years.

We were then shown a short video of the development of the wine industry in Australia. It was very interesting to see how the industry grew rapidly during the 70s and 80s, and the development of the Wine Bladder, which really gave the public the opportunity of drinking wine at reasonable prices.

At this stage the “Chef” had to deviate into the kitchen to put the finishing touches on the meal, which was supposed to be simple, but with encouragement from one who will remain nameless, ended up being quite complicated.

A large rump was cooked on the Weber, with peas and the Yorkshire puddings, served with gravy. After trial runs (having been given some tips from Yorkshireman, Iain Croft, from the Shed) we produced 48 individual puddings which were demolished along with the six kilogram rump (cooked on the rare side) and all the peas, with very little gravy left.

As we had vegetarians in the group, a special, vegetarian gravy was made, so they were catered for as well. My thanks to my wife Terry for her help and support in preparing the meal.

We also had three reds to polish off (I mean taste), all of which was most appreciated.

After the meal David Magnus produced a special Port from Plantaganet (released in November) that went down very easily.

Ian Deaney along with Pete Anderson are responsible for these occasions and our grateful thanks to David Magnus for imparting his knowledge to us.

∆ David inspects the progress of ‘his’ Yorkshire puddings.

ANNUAL FEES 2016Annual fees are now due

This year the Shed Committee has decided to retain the existing annual fee of $100. This has been made possible

by a reduction in the cost of insurance.Our annual costs of running the Shed are over $100,000

per annum and early payment of your annual fees will be much appreciated as this will assist with our cash flow.

We are changing the colour of your name badge each year to indicate that you have paid your

annual membership fees.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN

Men’s ShedA S S O C I A T I O N

CANNINGTON EXHIBITION CENTRE WWW.WAMSA.ORG.AU

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2015

2015 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN

Men’s ShedCONFERENCE

Projects from around the Shed . . .

∆ Droid in his new home in Albany.

Droid MailOriginating from a Galaxy far, far away, Iain Croft got a request from a relative to build an R2D2 replica mailbox for his nephew ‘s birthday.

Undaunted by the complexity of the build, Iain joined the global R2D2 builders’ club and set to work in the metal room.

Many mistakes (err lessons) later and R2 started to take shape.

Made from recycled steel and aluminium the Droid has finally set up home in Albany.

As for Iain’s 30-something-year-old nephew… he is tickled pink.

Iain’s next project will be a Tardis made from an old filing cabinet.

A Bridge Too FarRob Darcy, under strict instructions from the wife, restores and preps for an essential repaint of the bridge that spans his fishpond.

Who You Calling a Doormat?Brett Goodwin gets nifty to create a doormat for home.

‘Projects’ continued next page...

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

∆ Peter and George...

∆ A model of speedy boat building.

∆ Crafting the hull.

∆ Clamping up in the Shed. ∆ At home with finished chairs.

Sculptors in the MetalroomPeter Miles and George Klug contemplating something for Sculptures by the Sea 2016.

Their creation, a series of pedestal sculpture to make you think.

Speedy Boat BuilderPaul Whiting shows the boat build team how to move at speed as he recycles a pair of cedar Venetian Blinds to craft the hull of a 1 Metre Class model radio controlled yacht.

Mackintosh ChairsInspired by the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland’s most celebrated architect, designer and artist, Bill Groves set about making his own pair of ‘Mackintosh ladder-back chairs’.

Starting with a fallen Marri tree on his property, milled and air dried over many years (about as many as “thinking about the project”), Bill enlisted the help of friend, Tasmanian wood craftsman Kevin Perkins. Together they dressed and cut each piece to size and it was left to Bill to complete the task of putting it together. Some 320 holes were drilled to dowel the joints. Each piece had three coats of Japan Black stain with two coats of clear varnish coating. Assembling with dowels, glueing and clamping under expert guidance from Shed hands completed the framework. Upholstering was outsourced.

“The chairs are mostly decorative but are useful to sit on to pull your boots on in the morning”, says Bill.

‘Projects’ continued next page...

∆ Brett and Bob discuss the plans for the possible new extension.

and, err...the sculpture is?

New Extension?

Adventure Park CleanupMembers of the Shed pause for a moment during the six monthly busy bee to replenish the mulch at the Russell Brown Adventure Park.

The raised mulch around the periscope system was an immediate hit with local children.

∆ The Shed Mulching Mob.

∆ Now she can reach that periscope.

Cooking up a StormMembers were reminded to be like a good boy scout and be prepared with notepaper, pen, a broad smile, apron, sharp knife, chopping board and a bottle or two in readiness for the Cooking Group lesson from “JD” of Chez Pierre restaurant.

They were rewarded with an early evening of wine, conversation and great food.

JD, assisted by his sous chef, Sally, demonstrated how to make a Béchamel sauce and Steak au poivre.

For those who missed the evening, sadly nothing was left over for the following day’s lunch.

SHED TALKWEDNESDAY 17 June 4pm

This month’s special talk will be on ‘The Values of the First People’.

Brett Pollock shares a special bond with the Wadjarri People, from the Aboriginal Yamahji Lands in the Mid West.

In his chat Brett will share 60 years of experiences and friendship with the Wadjarri on Wooleen Station, the Cultural

and Spiritual Centre of the Yamatji tribe, in the Murchison.

From 23,000 years ago to todays fight for Native Title recognition, this is a story not often heard nor appreciated.

∆ John Keightley concentrates on his gate.

Your Snapped !

∆ George demonstrates how to grind.

∆ David Goldfinch adjusting the new smoko bell.

∆ Dennis Gavranic strengthens his American White Oak table.

∆ Morning smoko in the sun.

∆ The Shed’s newest member Jonathan Holgate gets straight to work.

∆ Building a new electric bikes.

PLANTING IDEAS (3)

ShrubsWhat is a Garden? It can be described as “a piece of ground adjoining a house, used for growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables” It does not have to reflect the local flora, unless the creator so desires and neither does it have to be entirely planted with exotics.

So, don’t feel guilty if you aren’t inclined to transpose a section of the local bush into your garden space – the land is yours to create what you want. Neither should you be constrained by calls for water conservation in your plant selection, so saying, realism should come to the forefront – I have pulled out more dead Azaleas, Camellias and Gardenias from people’s gardens in the past 15 years than I care to think about.

On to Shrub SelectionFirstly, if you have chosen some trees to start with then you should consider that there is every likelihood that as your chosen tree canopy matures and the resulting micro-climate changes, that you might have to modify the understory in those beds, so it maybe that, in the short term, it is necessary to find some attractive ground covers or daisy bushes that can be transplanted or ripped out as and when. These can be replaced later with shade tolerant plants such as Ferns, Clivia’s, Cordyline’s, Mother-in-law’s tongues and bromeliads to create an almost tropical effect.

Secondly, what survives in Perth in summer? For exotics try hardy plants like:

• Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis sp.). The white (alba) version also makes for a good hedge and it seems resistant to almost everything!

• Yellow Daisy Bush (Euryops pectinatus), very long lasting and is quite happy to be pruned harshly.

• Canna’s, especially the Tropicana variety with their attractive foliage – cut back after flowering.

• Lavenders, but be prepared to replace them in the future as, generally, they do not survive in Perth for that many years. Similarly Rosemary’s & other herbs can also look good when in dispersed with other plants.

• Agave attenuata – a good structural contrast plant that will provide off-shoots on a regular basis.

• Nerium dwarf Apricot (Oleander), long flowering and attractive.

• Statice (Limonium perezii blue), long flowering and attractive.

• Agapanthus sp. Provide striking flowers in a range of blues and different heights – be prepared to dig them up and divide them every 3-4 years.

• Prostrate Lantana – yellow & white flowers most of the year. May be hard to find as the principal Lantana plants have been placed on the prohibited plants list due to their propensity to seed and take over bushland in the eastern states. The prostrate form does not have these issues.

For some extra height try Hibiscus tileaceus rubra (Cottonwood) – red/green leaves and yellow flowers or maybe Magnolia Little Gem – large white flowers. Both of these do not grow as well in shaded areas.

Some of the more attractive natives I have successfully used:

• Acacia Limelight A dwarf version from the Wattle family.

• Dianella sp. A smaller native grass with many cultivars having different coloured leaves and bluish flowers; Use the stronger green varieties in the sunny areas and the variegated or coloured varieties in the shadier areas.

• Grevilleas (they vary in flower colour and dimensions extensively, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing) – G. Robyn Gordon is a popular smaller choice.

• Anigozanthus sp. Kangaroo paws usually survive very well but can be subject to a black fungal infection – cut to ground level and spray with a fungicide at the end of the season (don’t compost the leaves!).

• Callistemon Little John or Mathew Flinders. Dwarf bottle brush bushes with a longer flowering season.

• Cordyline sp. Many different cultivars with varying leaf colours. Mostly they prefer a semi-shade position. Easy to prune and propagate from the off-cuts.

• Silver Cushion Bush (Leucophyta Brownii); a good contrast shrub.

• Eucalyptus caesia Silver Princess makes a very attractive statement tree, very open and not that big but with silvery stems and amazing flowers.

For Climbers where a full wall or screen coverage is required, I usually only recommend Chinese Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) as it is the only climber that retains leaves on its lower canes and does not leave a woody jumble exposed.

GARDEN SHED with Mike Ansell

continued next page...

∆ John’s new E-Bike .

Motorised wheelchairs are restricted to a maximum speed of 10kph on footpaths under current regulations and much work still needs to be done by the team to make them legal in WA. Until approval is obtained this project remains an individual endeavour and the Shed cannot be officially involved for legal and insurance reasons.

It can also be used reasonably successfully as a groundcover. There is a close relative, Trachelospermum asiatica, which makes a better groundcover but does not have such a pleasant scent.

Stephanotis also makes a wonderful climber but is not so dense so is better used as a feature – maybe over an old tree stump, an arch or suchlike.

How to select – well that is personal choice! Check them out, see what you like and then place them together in the nursery to get the effect (they won’t mind as long as you put them back afterwards!). BUT, when planting, be sure to read the label and allow sufficient space for each one to grow into or you probably won’t get the best outcome. Mix up exotics, natives and herbs as you like – even lettuces and onions don’t look totally out of place in a rose bed – just harder to pull!

Work from the back of the bed – plant the larger plants there and then the lower specimens as you work towards the front, so that your favourite specimen is not hidden by a faster and larger growing plant in front of it.

The Hon Graham Edwards AM, WA State President of the Returned Servicemen’s League was suitably impressed when he dropped into the Shed for morning tea last week.

And it wasn’t just the cake and conversation that got Mr. Edwards excited.

“I want one,” said Mr. Edwards, when he got to try Dick Haffenden’s off-road motorised wheel chair.

The off-roader is an individual member project led by Bob Wynn, Mike Newman, Graham Edmonds, James Campbell and Vic Power.

Curtin University has expressed an interest in helping to develop and research the motorised chair development and Mr. Edwards said he’d assist the guys where he can.

Mr Edwards also took time to tour the Shed and its various projects and will be back very soon.

The future – ALL gardens require on-going maintenance in order to keep them at their peak. Unfortunately, plants do die! This outcome may be for a number of reasons:

• Poor specimen to start with (always check the roots and if the pot is root-bound take it back straight away

• Wrong position – make sure you read the label!

• In summer your reticulation may have been blocked by some sand or faster growing plants, or your soil has become water-resistant.

• Something may have decided that this specimen is just what the doctor ordered for it’s lunch! Check for caterpillars, scales and mealy bugs on the top of the plant, Root rot & fungal issues below.

• If plants are in pots then both over-watering and under watering can cause problems.

So, enjoy your garden! Future articles – on request – ask the editor.

Very few pursuits are as enjoyable as the rediscovery of cycling as a pastime. John Keightley is now sharing this renewed experience with his wife, his son and a girlfriend.

John travels some 15 kilometres each way on his E Bike between home and the Shed. On beautiful winter and spring days, a power-assisted bicycle is an enjoyable experience.

E bikes are now proudly owned by 22 Shed members and associates. The comments from the new owners are only complimentary as each owner introduces these clever machines into their daily lives.

Exercise and personal fitness was a driving factor that motivated me to introduce E Bikes to members. Exercise is a common denominator in mitigating many physical and mental health conditions that can beset a sedentary lifestyle.

So now guys “on your bike” from Shed members can be re interpreted as an invitation into a new journey to better health.

Vic Power, Health Rep

Healthier Shed with Vic Power

I want one!

I am taking the opportunity this month to reflect on the previous financial year. The time has come once more to renew our shed membership and square up to another twelve months. From the Shed Boss point of view I place the highest of values on the membership and the support you all give to this Shed and to me as Shed Boss. It is a privilege to be a part of this community and to have met and worked with so many great blokes.

One of the things I constantly notice in the Shed is the willingness among members to accept the many differences between us all as individuals. This ability to get along and share yourself as a person regardless of background or skill level is one of the attributes that make this shed such a great place. We are able to have differences of opinion and sometimes robust debate yet come through it with acceptance and a sense of humour.

This innate ‘Aussie’ attitude has enabled us to come together and achieve so much in our relatively short history. I know that we are now recognised as an important and valuable resource in the broader community. It is through the efforts of the membership in supporting the Shed in a hands on capacity and financially through membership fees and donations that has enabled the Shed to establish itself as such a strong community partner.

As always it is my privilege to perform the role of Shed Boss.

Regards to allDave B, The Shed Boss

From the shed

‘boss’:

SHED SAFETYSafety in the Shed is an absolute priority.As always – Be safe and if in doubt – Ask before use!

∆ Here is Richard Allen creating a new guard for the 15” bandsaw.

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 Keith Malcolm, Committee men: Ian Deany, Lindsay Caughey, Brett Pollock, Bob Peterson, David Syminton, David Goldfinch, Dave Bowman ( ex officio). Ph

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? For your diary

Mens Shed Conference

Monday 21 Sept

SHED TALK

Wednesday 17 Jun