Introduction
Welcome to the slightly new look Monthly PNMSA News. After many years publishing this regular newsletter, Terry Phippen has called it a day and has passed the baton to me. I know all members are extremely grateful for the tremendous job Terry has done keeping us informed since our inception. Fortunately for us, Terry is remaining a very committed and active member of our Shed and will continue to play a vital role for members and the local community.
The aim will be to issue this PNMSA News on the week following our Committee meetings so you are all kept up to date as quickly as possible. We anticipate focusing mostly on our Shed activities, but will continue to include items of community interest as this aspect is appreciated by many members.
We will issue supplementary brief newsletters as the situation requires to keep you all well informed.
I am keen to hear from you for any suggestions to improve our communications – and anyone who can come up with a name for this monthly News issue is encouraged to let us know.
Cheers
Graham Goudie
Speaker Program
Matt McDonald, CEC Searoad Ferries, was our first speaker for 2023 and he provided a very informative session on the history of the changes to the ferry terminals, both sides of the bay, the challenges which have been addressed (including traffic management in Sorrento) and future plans for a new, fully battery operated ferry in a few years. Terrific attendance by members who asked many probing questions.
The next guest speaker in The Hangar will be Henry Kiss from the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club and he will present a very timely talk on all matters regarding safety in the surf. All members and their partners are most welcome. See you on 9 March at 9.30.
The Shedmen
Our in-house band, The Shedmen, performed in the main street of Sorrento on Australia Day, along with other musicians, to an enthusiastic audience. The boys are looking forward to their next gig and will begin contacting Aged Care Residential homes and Retirement Villages to offer some light entertainment to the residents. This community activity was put on hold during COVID, but it is anticipated the band’s offer will be much appreciated. Any member interested in participating with the band is most welcome to come along to rehearsals. Please call Warren Dickens (0419 514 351) for further information.
Committee of Management (COM)
As a general rule, our CoM meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The second meeting for 2023 was held on 7 February and key issues discussed included developing a program calendar for the year, projects for the community, the Speaker program, grants and support for the many activities members undertake within the Shed.
Minutes have been added to the Members Login page on our website.
Next CoM Meeting is on Tuesday 7th March.
New Members
We welcome three new members – Graham Allen, Troy Bennett and Barry Watson – and know you will make them feel very welcome.
Sorrento Bowling Club Evening – drinks and food
On Friday February 24 our Friday Night Drinks will transfer to the Sorrento Bowling Club, from 5PM.
Bar meals are available at very reasonable prices, $10 per meal. We also wish to know if you have special dietary requirements.
Barefoot Bowls is an option if you wish to play at a charge of $16.50 each. All payments to be paid on entry to the Bowling Club.
The Bowling club needs to know the numbers for meals and bowling. Please message Warren Dickins on 0419-514-351 before 17 Feb.
Members Lunches
The lunch group are keen to receive suggested Venue options for 2023 and, depending on the level of interest, the lunches could commence as early as late Feb. Unless we have a better alternative, the 2023 Lunches will be on a Thursday each month or two. Please contact Lino on 0412 344 152 for any suggestions.
Thursday Member Updates
Each Thursday after the monthly CoM meeting, a more formal member session is held at 9.00 at The Hangar to outline what issues have been discussed and seek input and feedback from members.
Next ‘formal’ meeting is on Thursday 9th March and we look forward to seeing you there.
Rye Primary School Bike Program
James Rennie has re-established the highly successful program to support some students in learning how to repair their bikes, work together as a team and generally have a fun, practical and informative hands-on session each Friday. The sessions commence next Friday 17 Feb and Jim would be very pleased to hear from you if can can spare an hour or two. Currently Alan S and Mark F are assisting, but a few more are needed. please call Jim on 0417 449 296 for more information.
Sorrento schools news
Terry reports that Our schools are back and looking to reconnect with the Men’s Shed. We are waiting on more detail on the proposed inter-generational Craft Program at Sorrento Primary.
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, “Spirit of Sorrento” and Sorrento Rotary are all looking to promote more local community involvement.
We have supplied small timber offcuts and 4 sawhorses for the Sorrento Primary Craft Program.
Work is underway on converting pallets and unwanted kitchen sinks into “Mud Stations” for Sorrento Primary and St Josephs.
We are looking at creating additional book box kits for the Sorrento Primary Craft program. We found a kit online and are using this as our template.
The Buddy Benches installed at Sorrento Primary and Sorrento PreSchool have been a big hit with teachers and kids. The plan is to add an indigenous theme as the artwork.
Projects Committee
Marcus has prepared an update for the team, listing all registered projects under consideration.
PNMSA_Projects_240123.pdf
Have a project in mind? Fill out one of these documents and contact Marcus on 0439 119 368.
Project_Option_Template.01.docx
Activities at The Shed @ Stringer Reserve, Blairgowrie
The Shed is open on Tuesday afternoons from 12.30 and our Shed Captain, Phil Robinson, welcomes all members. There is usually lots to do if you like working on cars, or woodwork or other ‘hands-on’ projects – or just drop in for a chat.
If you have a project/activity that you would like to introduce, or like some help with, come and discuss it with Phil or give him a call on 0408 034 769. Current projects include making benches for Parks Vic and benches to be placed along the Whitecliffs foreshore area. This pic shows some of the boys (Paddy, Robin, Yves and Rob) in the process of completing the first Foreshore bench – and we have more to come.
Local community activities you might be interested in?
Kevin Sheedy will be speaking at a Breakfast at RACV Cape Schank on Feb 26 – an event sponsored by the MPSC. For more information, contact the link below. The tickets are on sale at a cost of $75 ph.
www.bit.ly/rotarykevinsheedy