Meeting notes, April 9/26

Present were:

• John Houston
• John McWilliams
• Roger Jennings
• Pete Kerr
• Layton Engwer
• Graham Hayes
• Gregg Eligh
• Ian Stapley
• Pat Olson
• Doug McLeod
• Mark Pocock

Gentlemen;

Thanks for coming out.

Welcome to Ian Stapley. Ian hails most recently from Sooke. Now retired, Ian worked as a plumber.

Graham reported on his visit to the boiler discussed in recent weeks. Photos circulated showed extensive asbestos lagging on the piping. A quotation for removal and remediation was reported at $5000 – this number dating from 2023. The room in which it sits is at best 20’x20’. Removal of the boiler requires enlarging the doorway. This enlargement would require moving wiring. Doug reported that the space could not function as a workshop. It lacks windows. 

Discussion quickly resolved to step aside and let the calamity pass us by. 

Graham also passed on that Doug Bowen, our connection to the room with the behemoth boiler, asked about the shed building a set of disassembleable corn hole tables, for use at the seniors activity centre. For further discussion. 

Thanks Graham, Doug Bowen and Doug McLeod for checking it out, and reporting back.

Pat offered again to welcome the shed to his stand-alone garage. A couple weeks ago we produced a run of mason bee houses at Pat’s. A thorough success, and fun to boot! Layton moved we accept Pat’s invitation and go forward with making the changes needed to the garage to enable a basic shop. I didn’t count votes, but understood the motion received support from the group. After the meeting I joined Pat at his place to measure the space and talk over the what and the where. The garage space is about 10’x17’ inside. A 10’x15’ space on the driveway could be covered with a tube and tarp carport shelter. Pat also has a shed measuring roughly 6-½ feet square for storage available to us as well. 

Thank you Pat.

Rob pointed out that we have reached the first anniversary of the shed’s existence. Well mentioned Rob. 

Doug M pointed out that the AGM comes on June 26th. This date marks the anniversary of incorporation of the shed as a not-for-profit society. 

Which led us to the business of selecting an interim VP/treasurer. John Houston graciously declined to mess about with the shed’s accounts. 

Doug pointed out that the executive can appoint interim officers, with voting to occur at the AGM. Doug will check with Brian Harvey about treasurer duties for the interim.

Thanks Doug.

After discussion we agreed to register for a space at Vic West Fest; June 6th. Rob will register and negotiate the fee on behalf of the shed.

Thanks Rob.

Our purpose at the Fest will be twofold; to raise funds by vending crafts, and to raise awareness of the shed through engagement, and some giveaway item, such as key fobs, as well as a handbill such as we already have. 

Improved signage can be developed in aid of bringing interest at fairs and markets.

With an eye on marketability, and developing a theme, or several, much discussion of what to build ensued. Layton passed a number of plans and concepts for toys made of wood. A bat box plan circulated. Roger had several 3-D printed toys which would likely sell well at family events. 

Thank you Layton and Roger.

A suggestion emerged to develop a store page on the website for online sales. We have payment capability already. This item remains unassigned. Brian Harvey is our current webmaster, but was absent from the meeting. For discussion.

Whatever we build, Mark reminded the group of the shed principle of working together, team style, as with the mason bee houses at Pat’s. An excellent point. Thank you Mark.  

Roger suggested we set aside some time each week to share and discuss craft/merchandise ideas. Thanks Roger.

Please bring your ideas next week for display/discussion.

Doug M volunteers to research bat box construction. Thank you Doug.

John H volunteers to research bird house construction, and species specific requirements. Thanks John.

Discussion of participation in the Esquimalt Community Picnic resolved as a table of thumbs down. We will pass on that.

We are agreed to schedule the next repair cafe in July – exact date TBD in consultation with Tony DaSilva of Highpoint Community Church in Vic West. Doug M and Tony are in discussion on availability and date.

John M, Doug M and perhaps others will attend the repair cafe in Fairfield April 11th to learn their methods. Thanks Doug for getting that set up. I look forward to learning what I can and reporting back.

Shop tools have been offered for sale (at favourable prices) to the shed following the shed’s CHEK News UpSide appearance. Doug will coordinate with the vendor to arrange a viewing of the tools. Ian, Roger, Graham, and Layton (?) volunteered to look the tools over for suitability.

Thanks gents.

Gregg, Pete and Pat set up and staffed our table at Esquimalt Farmer’s market in Memorial Park Thursday afternoon. On reviewing sales of bee houses, Gregg will decide whether to book us there for a subsequent week. Sales of bee houses to date have covered costs of materials.

Thanks gents for seeing to that.

Thank you for coming, gentlemen.

Please correct these notes if I err.

Best regards,

John McWilliams