Esquimalt Men’s Shed Meeting Notes June 18th, 2026

Gentlemen thank you for coming out

Present were:

• Mark Nicoll
• Nicholas Balikci
• Pete Kerr
• Ian Stapley
• Jan Woo
• John Houston
• Ian Horridge
• Rogers Jennings
• Layton Engwer
• Gregg Eligh
• Graham Hayes
• Tuyen Nguyen
• Levi Chase 
• John McWilliams

First off we discussed Doug’s resignation. 

How to acknowledge Doug’s contribution, and how to welcome him back to the shed were the principal themes. In particular, Mark N, Graham H and Levi C each offered kind, sensitive suggestions. Thanks to all for considering Doug’s wellbeing.

Pete K organized a work session at his place for Saturday June 20th 9:30 am to finish the beanbag toss game sets for Doug Bowen’s group. Thanks Pete, and crew, for getting to grips with that.

John M summarized progress on the partition wall at Pat’s shop. The wall is framed, sheathed, and a locking passage door installed. Some blocking, fastening and finishing still to come. Thanks Jan and Pat O and John M for getting that done.

Pete K, Layton E & John M met Wednesday; 17th June at the shop to sketch out workshop design. John M passed around a drawing depicting the proposed layout. A short list of items derived from that discussion. A budget for mobile workbenches will be ready for the next meeting. Kitchen cabinets for storage can be found on Marketplace. Finding shop tools will be an ongoing project. Layton E mentioned a possible source for tool donations; funeral directors sometimes have knowledge of items ready for a new home. 

Nicholas Balikci made a presentation regarding the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Ass’n. Nicholas volunteers at their ranch on the peninsula. Volunteer labour is needed there for upkeep of the facility.   A short list of building or maintenance items mentioned;

• Replacing tack room doors
• Rebuilding barn doors
• Building a wheelchair ramp
• Fence building and maintenance
• Building shelving
• Many other building maintenance items

Nicholas passed on the invitation to visit the ranch for a tour for those interested in this.

Contact Liz Gagel, Exec. Director VTRA at;

liz.gagel@vtra.ca

778-426-0506

Thanks Nicholas for passing on this information.

Gregg E will take photos of the robin nest platform for inclusion on the website. Thanks Gregg.

John H asked about headshots of members for the website. This has yet to be organised. Gregg E will photograph members. Thanks Gregg, and John.

Layton E offered to review draft policy as it is generated. Thanks Layton.

Levi Chase asked about, then made a motion to institute a check-in around the table to begin the weekly meeting. Seconded by Gregg Eligh. Motion passed with majority assent.

Levi brings long experience as a facilitator working with men’ s groups. I look forward to learning from you Levi.

Thank you Levi for asking the question, and for suggesting we formalize the practice. Thanks to all for supporting the initiative. 

John Houston moved to adjourn. 

Thanks to all for attending.

If I missed something, please point it out.

Best regards,

John McWilliams