Picton Mens Community Shed

Category: Mens Shed

  • April Newsletter

    April Newsletter

    Hi Everyone, we hope you are enjoying the Newsletters, please let us know what you think. Don’t forget the Questionnaire forms that are in the kitchen for you to give us your thoughts and ideas. Drop them in the Suggestion Box and be in the Draw for $50 voucher at Le Cafe. If you are not able to pick up the form at the Shed, let us know and we will email one to you.

    It’s Been a Moving Time at the Shed

    We had some excitement at our Shed on April 1st (not a joke) When the big unit arrived to shift our “Container Shop” from one side of the Kindling Shed to the other (We like shifting things around don’t we)

    The Big Lifter arrives

    The Big Lifter arrives to shift the Container Shop along a couple of blocks.

    Everyone is on Full Alert
    The A Team lined up
    Some sat in the Stalls
    The Big Lifter arrives
    Others in the Front Row
    Some in the Side Stalls
    Some walked in front of the Camera

    Spectators gathered, some in the Side Stalls some in the Front Stalls and some walked in front of the Camera

    Experts and commentators all played their part in getting the shift completed without too many problems – though I did hear Mike using some strong language the following Saturday when the electrical re-connection was not going too well.

    Shed Social Update

    We had two outings one day apart.

    The first on the 18th March to David Jone’s train project at Cooks Ridge, overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound

    Then on the 19th March eight of us had an enjoyable game of Social Bowls at Picton Bowling Club. It was a warm day and after one and a half hours on a fairly warm day, we were made welcome at the Clubrooms Bar where we shared a drink and a few yarns with our hosts.

    Some Words on Health and Safety

    Injuries

    There were no significant injuries reported over the last month. Long may it continue!

    Planer damage.  This will cost $100 plus labour to repair and the machine will be unavailable during this time.  It is unknown when this occured but the likely reason is using it for: second hand timber, painted timber and denailed timber.

    Noise control is very important for members hearing.  John Welch recently had his hearing checked and was very surprised to discover marked hearing loss.  This has likely been present for some time. Once this has started, continued noise exposure causes an even more rapid loss of hearing.  Please use the provided hearing protection.  If there are insufficient ear defenders let the Committee know and we will buy more.

    Dust is another problem and is known to cause lung damage long term.  Even when doing a “short job” please use the extractor system.  The Committee is considering rewiring the tablesaw, thicknesser, buzzer and compound mitre saw so that the extractor is automatically turned on when the device is used.

    Now is the time to be checking your Covid and Influenza immunity. Free shots are available at the High St Pharmacy. You could also consider Shingles vaccination although it is quite expensive. If any members need help with booking online Don and I can offer IT assistance including the use of smart phones. Another option is free lessons through the Picton Library.

  • February-March Newsletter

    Kitchen Grand Opening

    Well there’s no doubt the the highlight since our last Newsletter was the grand opening of our new kitchen by our Mayor Nadine Taylor who, far from a rushed visit, spent a couple of hours with us, during a walk around with Tim

    On the her arrival Tim took Mayor Nadine on a walk around. She showed a lot of interest in our site and our activities.

    Our Chair Tim welcomed visitors and members gathered in the kitchen, before inviting the Mayor forward to do the honours.

    Prior to the unveiling, Mayor Nadine commented that she had opened Bridges and Buildings, but this was the first time she had opened a Kitchen!

    Mayor Nadine invited Mike to assist her with the unveiling where they both took hold of the strap and removed the Four Square Tea Towel from the plaque.

    Following on was a very nice Morning Tea enjoyed by all.

    Mike with his right hand man Sam

    It is rumoured that Greg spoke to the Mayor about a rates rebate (for the Shed of course)

    Members Project this Month

    Neville Payne is building another Drum – remember the one he built last year – this one is being built for a young Autistic person. Good on you Neville, a nice thing to do.

    Shed Social News

    Firstly, there are some Questionnaire forms in the Kichen and a new Suggestion Box. We would like you to pick one up, write up your thoughts and ideas and place them in the Box.

    These will go in the draw for a $50 Le Cafe voucher, Closing date will be Wednesday 8th April

    Its been a slow start to the Social Year, but we have an interesting programme lined up for you.

  • January 2026 Newsletter

     Welcome to our first edition for the year and we hope a successful one for our Shed and all our Members.

    Our New Kitchen

    What a treat it was to sit down in our New Kitchen (No. 4) A big THANK YOU to Project Manager Mike, his sidekick Sam and the many others who put their shoulder to the wheel over the past few months, we look forward to the Shed Chefs putting on a dinner sometime, as well as the space we now have for chat evenings & slideshows.

    Scenes and Jottings from our Christmas Lunch

    Plenty of Food
    Some of our Guests
    Bruce and his Buddy
    Conversation

    Sheddies Projects – We will make this a monthly feature, so put your project forward

    Always good to see a Shed Members project completed, up and running – or in this case standing.

    It’s a Red Letterbox Day for John and his 5 neighbours.

    Remembering

    Kerry Eagar

    One of our past members, Kerry was Secretary from 2016 to 2022 and along with Rex Green, Chairman and Hugh Fredricks, Treasurer, managed the move from the Powerhouse Shedsite to our current location.

    Kerry passed away at Hospice Marlborough, on December 28, 2025, aged 76 years.

    Activities Coming Up

    • Feb 13th Shed Outing to Renwick Shed 9am to 2pm
    • March 2nd Shed Chat 10.30 to 12noon
    • March – Visit to Ward Heritage Centre – Date to follow

  • December 2025 Newsletter

    Health and Safety

    The kitchen project remains an active construction zone so please take care and make sure all visitors are properly escorted. One injury reported was a finger tip contacting an electric planer. The First Aid kit was found to be lacking the right items for the job so this is currently being upgraded. There is a quick use kit hanging near the doorway to the kitchen and another in the Kindling shed. Once the kitchen project is finished we can look at rehanging the Main First Aid cabinet along with the AED. I have started a medium term project to collate all of our machine Safety rules into a single booklet which can then be issued to all new members.

    The Shed Christmas Party will be held at midday on 10th December. Partners welcome. Please bring a plate. The Shed will provide some beer, wine and soft drinks along with sausages, meat patties and onions. The BBQ will be available.

    Closing Date will be 17th December which will be dedicated to cleaning up the shed.

    Opening Date will be 7th January 2026. This was a Committee decision as we felt that last year there was quite a long period of closure. We will probably have a roster for the Committee to be present for those members who are around and would like to attend.

    Shed Social

    The last activity of the year was a presentation at Marina Cove by the Public Trust on the subject of estate planning, wills and EPOA’s. There are some useful pamphlets on these subjects in the Office area. Please ensure you have a current will as well as your extended family knowing who is your NOK. I have modifed our membership application form to add an extra detail for NOK and contact details.

    2026 Outings

    Early 2026 we will plan a visit to the newly opened Ward Museum and may combine this with a visit to Ward Beach in time to see recovery of the Cray boats.

    Wednesday 19th November

    Remembering Bill

    Remembering Bill was attended by around 45 people, our shed and members of the Triumph Owners Club along with some of his friends from the Picton community

    Bills achievements and activities were recalled during the event which was followed by lunch along with a quiet drink and chat.

    Type your email address below and this should link you to future newsletters

  • November 2025 Newsletter

    The next Shed Event is a talk at Marina Cove at 1100 on Thursday November 13 by the Public Trust covering wills, estate planning and enduring powers of attorney (EPOA). All welcome. Gold coin donation.

    On behalf of the Men’s Shed Tim accepted a cheque from Z Energy Promotions.

    These funds will be a great help with the ongoing renovation of the kitchen under the able direction of Mike and his team. The new window has been fitted and we are still searching for ranchsliders. The plan is to hold a remembrance function for Bill Rogers on 19 November with a BBQ and we will invite Averil, Bill’s girlfriend.

    Health and Safety

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    There is a small notebook (pictured) with the First Aid Kit and this is for recording any injuries at the Shed. There has only been one fall reported since the last Committee meeting but ironically today I was walking past a wooden frame and two nails gashed my forearm. The kitchen project is an ongoing hazard with risks of tripping and falling as well as causing congestion inside the work area so please take care and make sure all visitors are properly escorted.

    The Shed Christmas Party will be held at midday on 10th December. Partners welcome. Please bring a plate. The Shed will provide some beer, wine and soft drinks. The BBQ will be available.

    Closing Date will be 17th December which will be dedicated to cleaning up the shed.

    Opening Date will be 7th January 2026. This was a Committee decision as we felt that last year there was quite a long period of closure. We will probably have a roster for the Committee to be present for those members who are around and would like to attend.

    We welcome the following new members: Howard Hudson, Robert Hoyle and Brett Matthews. We are in the process of changing our membership application form to add a new section for next of kin (nok) which can be especially important for single members. In the meantime please check you have a valid will and feel free to email me with your nominated nok and a phone number.

    Shed Social

    Your Shed Social Committee have endeavoured throughout the year to provide activities outside the workshop environment.

    Monthly Evening Chats.

    Over the course of the year he have had interesting talks from 

    Greg Childs, John Welch, Chris Davies, Neville Payne, Don Millar, Don McDonald, Mark Colson, James Wilson.

    We’ve been to the Czech Republic, Japan, The Bounty Islands, Chatham Island, Been on Police Patrol and Car Chases, Myanmar, crossed the Sahara in a Mini ans been regaled by local poets.

    While these chat evenings have been small gatherings, we’ve had good feedback from those attending and intend to continue next year.

    Visits to Interesting people and Sheds in Marlborough.

    A Classic Car Collection

    A model railway on the side of a hill (No Photos Sorry)

    We’ve visited a Motor Bike Museum

    Conducted a Cooking Class

    Visited a Wood Artists Gallery Workshop

    We would like to hear your thoughts on what we are doing and welcome suggestions for events and visits to interesting people who are doing something different, along with offers to maybe tell an aspect of a special event or adventure in your life. We can help with the various aspects of putting a presentation together, so have a talk to any of us at any time. Or more likely you may get a tap on the shoulder from one of us who’ve heard something of interest.

  • Z Promotion

    Tim accepted a “cheque” for $1250 for the recent Z promotion. This will be very helpful for our kitchen extension project.

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  • October 2025 Newsletter – John Welch, Editor

    RIP William James (Bill) Rogers
    born 1945 Riverton
    Died Picton 27/9/25

    It is with great regret we report the death of our long serving member Bill Rogers. Bill passed away suddenly on 27th September following a short illness. He was 80 years of age and had only just relinquished the post of Secretary and been awarded life membership of our Shed. Our condolences to his family and to Avril.

    The Police had a great deal of difficulty tracking down Bill’s next of kin (nok) and the Committee have realised that it is a good idea that we record nok in our members datebase, particularly for those members who are single. If you are happy to have these details recorded please email Greg or John.

    Don and I have rediscovered our webpage which is free and sponsored by WordPress. We are trying a new way of disseminating the newsletter via a link and it will take you to the page on the website. When you have finished reading the newsletter have a look around the website and we welcome your suggestions.

    Following our Committee meeting on 1 October, Jan Weber has been appointed as Property Manager with an extensive job description. The key point is that we are all expected to help with keeping the place tidy, sweeping the floor and keeping the kitchen clean and tidy.

    I am the Health and Safety rep and each Committee meeting I will file a report. Please report any accidents or mishaps to me and if you know of any members who are unwell I will contact them.

    The new kitchen was discussed and there was a robust discussion about the future layout. Mike remains Project Manager so please refer any suggestions to him. In summary, the cupboards along the wall under the window will be removed and the existing stainless steel bench will move to the back wall of the new area. In the course of time the existing outside door will disappear and be replaced by ranch sliders to the patio area. Tim is applying for a grant to reclad the outside of the building which is showing some serious deterioration.

    Please note these dates for the forthcoming Social Program

    Shed Chat

    Monday 13th October

    7-9 pm

    James Wilson

    “Inventions, Startups & a Silver Spoon”

    Wives and Partners welcome

    RSVP

    Please tell all your friends. The Presenter is a Picton resident Eli Kennedy who is an IT Engineer and will be giving real examples of current scams and Internet frauds. The Library hire fee is $75 so we are asking a gold coin donation and this is an opportunity for us to showcase the Picton Community Mens Shed and perhaps attract some new members.

    On November 13th 1100 there will be a presentation at Marina Cove on estate planning, wills and enduring power of attorney. There will be another reminder for this in the November newsletter.

  • 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)