A reminder to Members regarding CMS Equipment Contributions.

We last updated our contribution chart in May 2019. At that time, we introduced a voluntary equipment contribution for personal use of Shed equipment. The voluntary contribution applied to the personal use of Shed equipment not included in the major equipment list.

To make it simpler for Members, we have now installed a cash box for miscellaneous contributions. The intent being that a daily minimum gold coin contribution be made for the use of minor equipment such hand/power tools for personal use. Member contributions will assist us with cost recovery for miscellaneous use such as power, consumables, wear and tear and breakages. These small contributions may be deposited in the cash box without documentation, unlike contributions for major equipment.

The cash box will be located adjacent to the existing contribution container.

In the past, CMS did have an additional source of income from hosting Max Employment participants. Payments from Max and providers prior, did contribute substantially to our funds. This is no longer the case. Members should also be aware that Channel Men’s Shed Committee make every effort to maintain an annual Membership fee as low as possible so that we do not penalise those social Members who rarely use equipment. The Committee believe that a policy of ‘User Pays” is fair to all Members.

The contribution guide chart for major contributions has been updated – CMS Equipment Use – Contribution Chart July 2021. We ask that you continue as we have in the past for major equipment contributions.

We ask that Members make contributions for the personal use of CMS equipment as follows:

• Documented contributions in the envelope provided for major equipment use.

Or

• Minor, gold coin minimum contribution for general use.

In the near future we will also be installing a card reader, which will allow Members to make contributions by credit or debit card. This method of payment may be used for Membership fees and equipment contributions. The minimum payment amount will be set at $5.

President CMS.

A couple of Shed related bits and a change to the COVID rules that impacts all of us. Use it in good health!

 Non-Cash Payments

We are preparing to install the SQUARE electronic payments process at the front counter which will enable us to collect donations and payments from members who (like most of us since COVID-19) rarely carry much cash. Check in with the coordinator on the day. Apropos of this, to ease the effort involved in making small donations when you use Shed facilities other than the designated machines (angle grinder rattle guns and the like) check out the donation box located adjacent to our existing equipment donation box. The additional box may be used by Members for small undocumented gold coin donations where the member has used Shed equipment for personal but not used major equipment.

Check-in Tas App

Take up in the Shed has been encouragingly good with very few members unwilling or unable to use the App. Under recent changes, from 7 July 2021, each time a person enters a relevant location they must use Check in TAS APP regardless of how long they stay. From 31 July 2021 locations requiring the use of the Check in TAS APP will be expanded. More information here –Tas Govt coronavirus check in Information for organisations and businesses.

Committee Meetings

Following on our Open Meeting last Tuesday, it is timely to remind all members that our Committee Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month and that they are open to any interested member to attend and observe how the Shed is managed.

Visitors to the Shed

On September 21st the Shed will be hosting a Gathering, sponsored by TMSA, of representatives of the Southern Tasmanian based Men’s Sheds. This is an opportunity for representatives of our brother-Sheds to share their experiences in running Men’s Shed and observe how your Shed is set up and operates.

The main part of the Shed will likely be occupied from around 10AM and until early afternoon. If you are in the Shop, expect to be chatted to by our visitors.

Secretary, CMS.

Garden produce

We are approaching the end of the growing season and for sale at the CMS Vegie Patch sales stand (just inside the shed entry) are whole Jarrahdale Pumpkins from this year’s harvest – $2 per kilo total price as marked on each pumpkin.

Any inquiries call Lawrie.

Car Park

With winter now settling in, the mud in the car park is also coming into season.  We, your Shed has guaranteed to Council funding up to $30k for sealing of the Council extension to the car park plus the adjacent area close to our entrance in the hopes that there will be less impact of that horrible red earth on members clothes and cars. And less trekked into the Shed. Work is scheduled to start in June.

$10k will be from CMS funds with the balance to be provided by the State Government.

We will, however, have to suffer some inconvenience while Kingborough Council extends the car park (again, close to our entrance area) and completes the work which will benefit all users of the recreation ground.

More to issue as we are advised when the works will commence.

Barbecues

Members only lunch time barbecue: Third Friday of the month. Members and partners afternoon/evening barbecue: Last Thursday of the month.  More details here.

Skill Sharing

This is, of course, pretty much what the Shed is all about and the success of the MIG welding course — an enthusiastic and quick take up of Peter N’s., offer — illustrates this aspect clearly.

We also have on the table (and always subject to take up) a Writer’s Group and, just to hand, two offers of a slightly more technical nature. See the linked document for details of motorising your wheelbarrow and a digital Bluetooth Barometer. Let the secretary know if you are interested … we have a couple of full colour instruction / explanation sheets available and can put you in contact with our mentor.

Salmon netting

The Shed is able to source used salmon netting suitable for many uses (depending on mesh size) around the garden. We would envisage selling it off in 3-meter lengths. Check out the notice board in the office for more details. Whether we take up this offer and the amount available and price will depend on the level of demand, but it will be a bargain. Get your order in soon.

Acquisitions

The Shed has, because of a suggestion at the AGM, acquired a new VicMarc wood lathe, all Australian made and with variable speed and short bed length. Welded stand for the lathe completed and installation expected momentarily.

Reminder also regarding donations

To allow the Shed to maintain and replace equipment, Members are reminded that contributions for the use of equipment is essential. While we do have a scale of charges for the major pieces of equipment, we do also require donations for the use of miscellaneous power tools. These small discretionary donations help to fund breakages and wear and tear.

Dig deep guys and your co-operation on this is appreciated.

Secretary, Channel men’s Shed.