MARCH 2007

PRESIDENT'S DRIVEL, 3/07: Our Club has seen much activity in recent weeks. We have been busy with a number of events and improvements to our facilities.

Our bus trip last month to GTR Abrasives, Woodworking Warehouse and Carbitool was a most enjoyable day thanks to Terry’s organisation, our bus drivers and Lillian’s extensive food and refreshments. Woodworking Warehouse provided a $50 voucher to one lucky member and they have also offered to donate a raffle prize for our November Inter-club Day. With receipts exceeding expenses by about $2, it was a profitable day for all concerned. Frank A. Graeme and Lindsay repaired the ramp/landing to the Coach House; John Tosin made two very smart looking safety screens for our small wood lathes; Laurie’s cupboard for our library is nearing completion; Bob C. with Frank A. brought in a load of Cyprus pine and a load of firewood was removed; Dave Sarg. donated two pedestal fans. Well done and thanks to all for your efforts

Braeside College (Woodend/Sunbury/Mt Macedon area) visited the Park on the 5th March. Ken and Frank A demonstrated their turning skills and Brian his precise scroll saw work. Frank N and Lindsay also helped out on the day with the 100 odd year 8 students who came through the clubrooms.

Moe Jazz Festival: Saturday’s Street Parade saw Ken, Frank A and Harold covering the footpath with wood shavings outside John Kerr Real Estate. The Moe and Narracan NEWS report shows one photogenic member behind the wheel of a 1928 Studebaker plus one or two others (faces hidden) playing trombones whilst managing to march at the same time. Sunday’s jazz breakfast also saw several members present. Unfortunately due to the cancellation of the Moe Races on Monday our efforts in repairing the stage went untested.

Weekend Roster: We are about to move to a roster which mans the Clubhouse on Sundays only. This does not preclude members using the facility on a Saturday provided they can organise a minimum of 2 Club members to be present for safety reasons. In addition, we have agreed to assist the Park Management whenever possible on special event days (like the Braeside College visit mentioned above) given appropriate advance notice. This seems a more practical arrangement for all and one which is favoured by our landlord.

At our March meeting, A good turn up of twenty members saw Alan Vernon speak on turning a pepper grinder. Alan was well prepared and brought along samples in various stages of completion to illustrate his presentation. Copies of a dimensioned drawing were supplied. Alan’s excellent talk and his offer of future assistance has, hopefully, inspired some of us to make one. Many thanks Alan.

April 3rd Meeting: Eugene Dimitriadis (from the International Wood Collectors Society) will speak to us on Wood Identification. This is a most timely opportunity for us to improve our knowledge in preparation for our forthcoming cleanup and reorganisation of our stored wood. Eugene is a wood scientist who has researched and written extensively in the field. We are fortunate to secure him as our next guest speaker and we look forward to a huge turn up of members and, please bring an interested friend.

Wood Collection Respite: Until we sort out just what we have already, please don’t encourage us to accept any more recently sawn up trees. Much of what has been collected in the past has dried out and split in the summer sun. Recently, some was found to have deteriorated to a less than firewood condition. We desperately need to look at what we have and cut and stack/store it into ready to use pieces - before we throw more in on top of what we have forgotten is there. A wood re-organisation weekend and BBQ is planned in the cooler weather. Finally, members will be pleased to hear that Ken Morrison is now home after successful open heart surgery on 5th March. We wish Ken a speedy recovery and look forward to his cheerful presence on Tuesdays. Remember, some good jokes will promote the healing of his sternum.

Cheers, Kevin

We have a few ditties that may be relevant to this time of the year.

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn’t find a parking space. Looking up to heaven he said” Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking space I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up Irish Whisky! “ Miraculously, a parking space appeared.

Paddy looked up again and said,”Never mind, I found one.”

Or,

Paddy was in New York and patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, “Okay pedestrians.” Then he would allow the traffic to pass. He did this several times and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.

After the cop had shouted, “Pedestrians!” for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, “Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?”

Thanks Frank.

Wagga Wagga Turnabout. Lillian and I attended this on the Labour Day weekend along with approx 85 other enthusiasts. The weather was great, the company accommodation and food were terrific, the camaraderie and atmosphere, you have to be there to understand what it is all about. Make an effort some day and attend one of these weekends that are taking place in most states.

Do not forget our guest speaker Eugene Dimitriadis on April 3 at 2:00 P.M., straight after our general meeting. I am sure that there is a lot to be learnt that even some of us are unaware. Visitors and or friends are most welcome. This seems too good to miss. Members, do us proud. Some members appear to be a bit slow getting back into the swing of things, this is your chance.

Weekend Roster.

The roster has been made up until the end of April. If you are unavailable, please make your own alternative arrangements as soon as possible.

March 24-25 to 30. Sat. 24. K. Camm. L. Keyhoe. Sun. 25. F. Ameerbeg. A. Franks.

March 31 & April to 6. Sat. 31. K. Cale. G. Turner. Sun. 1. F. Nicholls. D. Shaw.

April 7-8 to 13. Sat. 7. J. Tosin. V. Toon. Sun 8. B. Calhoun. ------------.

April 14-15 to 20. Sat. 14. M. Poot. A. Vernon. Sun. 15 B. Pigdon. A. Kilby.

April 21-22 to 27. Sat. 21. T. Diaz . R. Petesic. Sun. 22. H. Bagnall. D. Shaw.

Your executive and committee:

President: Kevin Cale. Vice President: Frank Ameebeg. Secretary: Harold Bagnall. Treasurer: Terry Pavey.

Lillian Keyhoe, Vic Toon & Ken Morrison, Maarten Poot & Ken Heppleston.

Responsible Members.

Lillian Keyhoe. Kitchen. Showroom. Catering.

Kevin Cale. Workshop. Machinery.

Ken Heppleston. Wednesday Instruction. Wood Supplies.

Frank Ameerbeg. Building Maintenance & Surrounds.

Maarten Poot / Keith Camm. Tools. Supply, care, maintenance.

Dave Sargenson. Projects. Plans & Materials.

Terry Pavey. Trip & Guest Speaker Organiser.

Laurie Keyhoe. Newsletter. Roster. Show.

These members appointed by you can be called on to help perform tasks relevant to their responsibility as required. Any fault, problem, safety issue or any other concern should be reported to the responsible member for action or further consultation with the committee.

Have a good one, Laurie.

YEW TURN

MARCH 2007