by Frank Jelliff, Winchelsea Men’s Shed Secretary
The AGM for the year 2023-2024 was held on 5th July 2023. All Office bearers from 2022-23 were re- elected for the 2023/2024 year. Ray Atkinson continuing as Co-ordinator. Bill Walters continuing as Workshop Manager, Ray King as Treasurer, Clyde Stephenson as Garden Manager and Frank Jelliff as Secretary.
The Winchelsea Men’s Shed continues to provide a friendly and inviting meeting place for men in the Winchelsea and surrounding areas. The Shed has a well equipped workshop and welcomes anyone who wants to drop in for a chat and a cuppa. The Shed was repainted earlier in the year by one of the local tradesmen.
The Shed is open every Wednesday and holds monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month. We appreciate the support of the community and our sponsors whose contributions help to keep the Shed a thriving environment.
Building on from last years’ foundations we continued running “Women’s Workshops”. With regular attendance from ladies wanting to learn new skills. Ably led by Stuart Forbes who has given generously of his time in running these workshops.
The continued upkeep of the Winchelsea Community garden is overseen by the Men’s Shed and made functional and productive by the continued hard work of our members. A special mention for Clyde Stephenson who spends many hours tending to the garden. Unfortunately, as with previous years, we had to add further security to the garden fencing due to damage and theft. This is unfortunate as the purpose of the garden is to provide a free and open environment for all who visit.
The ongoing sale of timber offcuts, kindly supplied by a Geelong business, continues to earn the Shed a steady income through the colder months. Pick-ups when the Shed is open and deliveries on other days maintains a steady turnover.
We have also, where possible, helped with small jobs around the town as well as attending to people who come to the shed with things to be repaired. Although we would like to take on more and larger jobs we are restricted by our small membership. Income from activities and projects goes towards maintaining the machinery and replacing it where necessary. The sale of items handmade by Shed members also contributes to overall income.
The Shed continues to run sausage sizzles at the Winchelsea monthly market and, less regularly, at Torquay Bunnings to raise further funds for the group.
We thank The Surf Coast Shire for co-ordinating quarterly meetings for the Sheds under their jurisdiction. Terri Hannan co-ordinates these meetings which sees the leaders of the four Surf Coast Men’s Sheds, Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea gather for what is called “Heads of Sheds” meetings. These meetings are held at the different sheds on an alternating basis. They are a great source of information as well as for sharing ideas and resources across the region. These help to foster a good working relationship for all involved. We appreciate the work Terri puts in co-ordinating and chairing these catch-ups.
Thanks to The Bendigo Bank who continue to support us with grants and assistance. We cannot thank them enough.
Thanks to our co-ordinator Ray Atkinson who continues to be the first port of call for the Shed. Many thanks to Ray King who controls the purse strings as Treasurer and to Bill Walters who oversees the running and maintenance of the workshop ably assisted by Stuart Forbes and a further thanks to Clyde Stephenson our Garden Manager.
The Winchelsea Men’s Shed currently has 17 registered members.