June 2020 Newsletter

June 2020

Unfortunately, as we are all aware, we have all been confused, and at a loss. Mentally disturbed suffering the worst time in Australia’s history. Or that is what the media tell us. Take it from me those dim dark ages are nearly over.

At the next Committee meeting I am going to arrange a counselling service  at our shed. For a small fee you can sit on the couch and tell me “How the Covid-19 has affected you."

The news is even better. We have decided to postpone the Annual fees for a month. Next year’s subscriptions won’t fall due until the 1st of August.  Unfortunately we have to keep up with inflation and the fees will be $60.00.

We now have a roster system in place and with a little luck that may also finish soon. We have two time slots per day. 8am till 11am, and 11am till 2pm. If you want to attend the shed please phone the day previous and put your name down. You may also phone on the day to see if there is a spot available.

It is imperative.

• On arrival you must fill in an attendance sheet. Each day you attend.
• Answer all questions.
• Print your name at the top of the form. (We must be able to identify you.)
• I believe there was a local restaurant fined on the spot $11,000 for not following Covid-19 rules.
• Don’t forget to sign off when you leave.

I know we a restricted with social distancing but you can still enjoy  time at the shed. There is work to catch up on. We look forward to seeing everyone back.

 
President Tom Skinner

Due to the resignation of Clive Longstaff in February from the position of Shed Treasurer, the Committee is looking for a shed member to fill the position. Interested persons should contact Ken Ryan or Tom Skinner for more details.

Update 9th July 2020 - Position filled by Gart Howard

The DA for the mezzanine upgrade is progressing well through Coffs City Council. This upgrade will see the installation of an elevator capable of taking people in wheel chairs to the mezzanine level. Also the completion of the toilet/bathroom area and floor coverings.

A large number of power tools have been received and can be sold to members. These tools have been checked and will be available to members and through the Garage Sales each month. Be quick to get in first.

SAMPLE TOOLS SHOWN HERE

Tools and items of interest to shedders are available for private sale by contacting Ann on 0418 606 709.

The items are located in Urunga.

Press to call from mobile phone

by Ray Meyer

Firstly I'd like to apologise for my absence the past 12 months. A high blood pressure reading alerted me to possible problems, which turned out to be esophageal cancer. I was diagnosed in October, had radiation and chemotherapy in December, and after 2 months recovery, my esophagus was removed in March this year. Part of my stomach was also removed, and the remainder was reshaped into a new esophagus. I'm happy to report that I am now cancer free, and recovering well. My wife was also diagnosed earlier this year with a lung tumour, which was removed, along with a whole lung lobe, in April. She is still trying to get her breath back, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Interestingly, while in ICU at RPA in Sydney, the ICU was being converted to house Covid-19 patients. I watched on as doctors and nurses were training in how to wear the new protective gear, how to remove the individual parts like gloves and face shields, new isolation rooms were being built, lines marked on the floors, entrances and exits changed to enable the monitoring of foot traffic, and the establishment of testing areas. The pandemic became very real and I wasn't sure if I was in the safest place, or not.

I want to thank all the medical staff and nursing staff both here in Coffs Harbour, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown and The John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The level of Professionalism and care was second to none, and I was always comfortable with the decisions made on my behalf. It's not everyday you get told you have 6 months to live, followed by intense medical intervention, and finally to walk away cancer free. 

As they say, cancer is a word not a sentance.

The Coffs Harbour Community Men's Shed wishes to thank all our supporters, both large and small,
for their ongoing support and generous donations of time and money.