Picton Mens Community Shed

Category: Newsletter

  • NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2025

    We hope you enjoy our new logo, designed by Hans and including our mission statement

    “Adding value to the community”. 

    The new kitchen project is forging ahead with Mike as Project manager.  Be very careful moving around this area as there are a lot of trip hazards.  The sink plumbing will be rerouted under the new floor, and this should solve the poor drainage of the sink.

    On 27th August we hosted five third year medical students who were on their community visits.  Hans had made them Laser engraved Name badges and during morning smoko it was great to see Members engaging with the students.  They send a report on their visit, and I will circulate this in due course.

    Social Program
    This is a new initiative hosted by Don, Chris Davies and me.  All members are welcome, and we were specifically targeting those members who do not normally attend our normal open days.  So far, we have had a mixture of events-talks on Monday nights as well as visits to interesting museums and workshops.  Here are some of the events coming up:

    Mark Colson Veterinarian Highlights

    James Wilson Inventions

    On Thursday 16th October we have booked the library from 7-9pm for a presentation on Internet Safety, scams and security.  This will be hosted by us, and the guest speaker will be IT Specialist Eli Kennedy.  The plan is to aim for 40 people and ask for a donation of $2 to cover the $75 fee for the library.

    On November 13th at 1100 at Marina Cove, there will be a presentation by the Public Trust on Estate Planning, wills and enduring powers of attorney.  Once again, we will cover the $50 fee by asking for a gold coin donation.

    Health and Safety
    If regular members are noted to be absent, please let me know and I can follow up by phone and help where needed.

    Don and I are drafting an instruction sheet for the new kindling splitter.  Once accepted by the Committee, training will be conducted and members signed off to operate this machinery.  Hearing and eye protection will be mandatory.

    On a general note, I think we can do better with the use of Protective gear such as ear defenders and safety glasses.  Tim leads by example, but some members seem reluctant to protect their hearing, perhaps in the belief that as they are already deaf it can’t be helped. 

  • March Newsletter

    Good Morning Sheddies.

    Well another month has passed and lots of stuff has been happening in your shed.

    First, is great news from Don who has been working on a grant for funds from the Pub charity’s group who have

    Made a grant to us for our new roof of Ten Thousand Dollars, only need to raise another Seven to complete the job

    Yaaa, so put your thinking caps on for some ideas to fundraise.

    Also we have a technology grant for a laptop and some projection gear, the old saying” if you don’t ask you don’t get”applies here, thanks again to Don.

    We still have some outdoor projects to complete before winter, so if you can help talk to one of your committee

    Members, many hands make light work.

    Thanks to Hans for our new sign on the back wall, which makes our presence very obvious.

    Remember to tell your friends about Roberts Plant shop, every dollar counts.

    Happy Shedding

    Kind Regards

    Gavin

  • November Newsletter

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    Hi Sheddies.
    This will be the last letter before Christmas, so here are some dates to remember.
    The last Wednesday of the year will be the 13th of December, this will also feature
    our end of year Bar B Q and Wives are welcome as we celebrete what has been a busy and exciting year.
    The shed will open again on the 31st of January 2018.
    Your committee had their last meeting for the year and plans for the new year were discussed.
    Remember to tell yours friends about our gardening centre as Roberts has a great
    stock of plants for sale.
    Last but not least have a Happy Christmas and a happy and safe new year.
    Kind Regards
    Gavin

  • Havelock Visit

    On Wednesday 15th November seven of us from Picton Shed, visited Havelock Men’s Shed, where we were made most welcome, checked out their current project (a large set of chimes destined as part of a makeover to the school playground), had a cuppa, a slice of very nice chocolate cake and a good chat with our fellow “Sheddies”.

    We then went on to visit a man who can only be described as a “craftsman extraordinary”.

    Lionel Jefcoate welcomed us into his not only his workshop, but also his home, showing us his unique skills not only in wood, but also in metal – he makes all his own hinges and locking devices for small boxes, up to large cabin trunks. If you go through Havelock, take time to visit the Havelock Gallery and see many samples of his work – boxes, chests, bowls and furniture,

    Lionel singlehandedly has designed and built 67 wooden boats of all types, up to 45ft, but at the age of 85 has now slowed to pace that would challenge people half his age. We saw exquisite and ornate, wood turned bowls, sea chests made from exotic timbers and salvaged ship wrecks, all carefully historically documented, lamp shades emphasising nature’s artwork.

     

    Just a small sample of Lionel’s work and the fortunate people who made the trip, sitting on Lionel’s Colonial style cottage, (which we were not surprised to find that he just happened to rebuild and refurbish from roof to foundations and interior, himself)