March 2023 Update

Thanks for the positive feedback about the Newsletter. This month we cover a range of topics – speakers, Member’s Luncheon, Important dates to include in your diaries and a bit of news from around the traps.

Graham

Speaker Program
Henry Kiss, from the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club, gave a very interesting talk on all matters regarding safety in the surf and other waterways. We learnt of the rather dreadful statistics of drownings, the way to extricate ourselves from a rip, warning signs to be aware of when we take our grandchildren swimming – and many other fascinating facts about waves etc. About 30 members and friends attended and we look forward to hearing our next speaker at our member’s lunch.

Henry with our Secretary, John Crough

Committee of Management (COM)
As a general rule, our CoM meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The third meeting for 2023 was held on 7 March and key issues discussed included our Luncheons and Functions for the year, de-cluttering and rejigging The Hangar to make it a bit more accommodating to our needs, and general shed activities.
Minutes will be added to the Members Login page on our website once the CoM endorses them. 
Next CoM Meeting is on Tuesday 4th April.

New Members
We welcome one new member – Bob Donald – and know you will make him feel very welcome.

Ray Watts
To the Members & Associate Members of the PNMS,
Thank you all very much for your support & thoughtful messages during Erika’s illness.
I am grateful to those who visited Erika in St John of God Centre, attended her funeral on the 2nd of February and have since sent cards.
The number of people at the service was testament to her caring & thoughtfulness, Erika was a beautiful friend to many.
I also appreciate those who have contacted me to check how I am.
Regards to all,
Ray Watts

Members Lunches – Wednesday 29 March at 12.00. Booking is essential
Please come along to our first Members Lunch at The Hanger for 2023. The menu will be a favourite from last year – fish & chips along with a choice of fresh salads, cheese & biscuits plus other offerings.
A free beer will be provided upon arrival, but please BYO wine.
We ask that you pre-pay by bank transfer to our catering account.  We prefer you do not bring cash on the day and booking, via the payment, is essential. Once you have paid, that is taken as your booking.
Payment details:
Bendigo Bank   BSB 633000   A/c 190944371
Name A/c G Wilkinson Lunches
Ref/Description: ‘Surname Fish Lunch’ (e.g. Smith Fish Lunch). All payments through Australian Banking System Pay Anyone Key Only

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 6th April and we look forward to seeing you there

Sorrento schools news
Terry reported that  members working at The Shed @ Stringers created 30+ lino cutting boards for the art teachers at Sorrento Primary and St Joseph’s, using repurposed timber from the Shed. The initial sample board was very well received.

Following an urgent call out, some of our intrepid members undertook an essential repair to one of the Cubby Houses at St Joseph’s to ensure it was safe for the students. Apparently once it was completed. the kids moved in within minutes!!
Thank you David, Laurie, Rob and Terry for replacing that rotten floor in the Cubby, very much appreciated.

In fact, the Bishop dropped by to check out the work, and he was so impressed the boys were invited for a coffee! Good samaritans indeed!

Sorrrento RSL project
50+ memorial crosses are being made for the RSL, for the next Anzac Day ceremony
Thank you Bunnings for the timber.

Activities at The Shed @ Stringer Reserve, Blairgowrie
The Shed is open on Tuesday afternoons from 12.30 and all members are welcome. 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. Arrangements can be made to access the Shed at other times, subject to safety conditions. Drop in the discuss your request – and see how we can assist you.

500 Card Club at The Hangar
Malcolm Barrow convenes our weekly 500 card group and has advised that :-
The 500 Card Club would welcome any interested new members to join by contacting me at 0448056506.
We meet every Tuesday night at The Hangar. Learner’s most welcome! Tutorials offered. This is a great night of cards and we can get up to 20 players some nights from about 7.30 – 9.30.

JacknAndy Op Shop
New cabinets were recently installed at the well known JacknAndy op shop in Sorrento. One very happy community partner is now enjoying their new fittings. I heard on the grapevine that some of the usual ‘colourful banter’ of the lads was slightly restrained by the close proximity of some of the beneficiaries – could that be true?!!

Other Community News
If you are a bike rider – as are some of our members, you may be interested to know that the re drafting Ride Safe Strategy is parked ! There is an immediate opportunity to register your concern about this by talking to or emailing your Councillors. OR you can go to the Council’s Budget consultation for  next year at https://shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/budget-2023-24 . You can respond to the ranking of the various themes (which seem to lack any reference to safe and better bike riding ) and / or go to the bottom RH section “Tell Us Your Ideas” and suggest completion of the Ride Safe Strategy , or the Peninsula Trail or whatever else you want. But it must be done by March 15th.

Stringer Reserve Liaison Volunteer
Member Richard Doery is very involved with Blairgowrie Community Group 3942 and is seeking a committed local PNMSA member who would like to work with  the team to lobby Council for further action on improving the Reserve. They are considering improved vegetation, exercise equipment, parking etc etc. If you would like to be involved as a member of the PNMSA, please contact me, Graham Goudie (0419021900), to discuss.

Key Dates to Pencil in your Diary

March 22 – First Aid Course at The Hangar
March 28 – Clean up working bee at The Hangar – further details later
March 29 – member Fish n Chips Lunch at 12.00
March 30 – Probus using The Hangar
May 18   – Possible member Lunch on SeaRoad Ferry – tbc
July 27   – Mid year Event. Details being developed
December 15 – End of Year Christmas party. Details being developed

We could include more, but I think that’s enough for now.

GG