The Covid constraints now allow the workshop to be open. Masks must be worn
Category Archives: Club Activity
Wosp’s 25th birthday
It is 25 years since a group of men gathered around a table to start the club. It was prior to the establishment of “Men’s Sheds”. From a home garage to an unused council gardeners shed to the fully equipped workshop the club has today is every reason why all members should celebrate the club’s birthday.
The club prides itself on the number of toys it has made for disadvantaged children & in doing so for the opportunity of seniors to socialise & make new friends.
The club has always welcomed men & women through its doors. While it is easy for a retired person to attend sessions the club has tried to make it easier for the 9-5 worker to join the club by opening Saturday mornings.
So a luncheon will be held on Sunday April 11th at the Rye Hotel to celebrate WoSP’s 25th birthday.
tentative date for Re-Opening
Currently the committee is planning to tentatively open on the Monday 9th November.
Naturally all the plans are dependent on the confirmation of the state government.
When the workshop does open the club’s attendance procedures need to be COVID 19 safe.
Expected procedures are:
Signing in will include the addition of adding your contact phone number & having your temperature taken. Members with temperatures above 380 will be advised to seek medical assistance. Members will also need to sign out.
Masks will need to be worn
The number of members in attendance is unclear. It could be either 10 or 20 but we believe this will be clarified in the near future.
For those needing to complete projects the committee has agreed to extend the closing date to 24th December 2020 & re-open 5th January 2021
Sessions will be:
Monday 1.00pm – 4.00pm Ron Higgins / John Feeley
Tuesday 9.00am – 12.00pm Brian Jones
Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm Gaven Davis
Wednesday Set aside for making toys
Thursday 9.00am – 12.00pm Rod Bew
Thursday 1.00pm – 4.00pm Rob Oram
Friday 9.00am – 12.00pm Greg Knox
Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm Tony Haigh
Saturday 9.00am – 12.00pm Colin Dobson
Interactive Remote Demonstrations
Like most workshops in Melbourne, WoSP has been closed since the COVID lockdown started. So the only thing you can do if you do not have a workshop at home is browse through YouTube reviewing numerous videos.
Our club has been informed about Theo’s ‘Interactive Remote Demonstrations’ (IRD’s).
His sessions are a Live event using ZOOM, available each Saturday at 10.30am.
This week Theo demonstrates how to master spindle gouge control, to create the delicate coves and beads on the handle of an elegant letter opener. He will show how to form the flat surfaces, and keen edges evenly on both sides of the blade using the lathe!
Theo will cover:
- Wood selection and grain orientation
- Fine spindle gouge control
- Setting up and using a disc sander on your lathe
- Hand sanding techniques
- Finishes
You can reserve your place at this live event by emailing miked@recordpower.co.uk with a Subject line of “RSVP” requesting to attend the 10.30am session & stating where you are from. You will then be sent your ZOOM meeting login details.
WE’re back
After the late May government announcements, John Bayliss followed up the council to confirm and clarify the guidelines that still need to be followed.
So after 76 days the workshop doors will be open for normal sessions on Monday 1st June.
The following rules must be followed:
- Social distancing must still be maintained so the number of chairs around the kitchen table will be reduced accordingly. Another table will be placed in the entrance area of the workshop to cater for extra-large groups.
- Bring your own mugs for coffee and then take them home when you leave. Disposable cups will be available.
- Food preparation in the kitchen is not allowed. If you are coming for the day bring your own sandwiches
- Hand sanitizer & wipes will be available to wipe tools & equipment after use.
- It is important that if you are unwell, stay at home.
- Each toilet needs to be cleaned after sessions.
- Currently there must be no more than 20 in the workshop.
wosp closed until further notice
I hope you have the opportunity to do some wood work at home.
For a start I plan on cleaning up the garage and then look at the timbers I have at hand & start preparing future projects .
Successful Intarsia demonstration
Cathy Wise, International Intarsia artist, was well received last week. She made the platypus with such speed the audience were blown away. It is exciting watching a skilled expert. Wether members take up the art or not she had lots of useful tips that could be used in other areas.
Cathy prepared well for her tour as she designed plans for many Australian animals.
Intarsia Demo
American wood artist, Kathy Wise will be giving a demonstration at the WOSP workshop this Friday the 28th of February from 10.00am till 1pm. Kathy is on a national tour demonstrating her amazing talent. Do not miss this free session.
The club will also be putting on lunch and there will be wood available to purchase on the day.
Wood Sale
The Club has been lucky enough to be given a large amount of various timbers. This wood has been generously donated by a local family. We have also been given a quantity of turned segmented bowls. Over the next few weeks, you will see these timbers stockpiled at the workshop. The wood includes Huon Pine, Silky Oak, Nectarine and a large range of other exotic timbers.
This wood is for sale now until sold out to all members at an extremely low cost. Money raised from sales will go directly to the club to buy more equipment for the members to use.
Timber Available
At the recent WoSP working bees the workshop & container has had a real clean up. An excellent job has been achieved by the volunteers. Thanks for the time you contributed to help.
The container has been cleaned up and a lot of timber not required for toys has been discarded and has been dumped by the container. You are invited to review what is there at any time and take what you need.