Thursday, December 15, 2011
Date: 3rd December 2011
Saturday Session
• Small group today >10. As previously stated this is not unusual as the weather improves and people have more work to do around their own properties.
• People very busy on individual projects. There seems to be more freedom for members to pursue these today.
• Spent the majority of my time working on the nail/screw organizer. Found I did not need help to find tools now starting to know my way around the workshop.
• N still hard at work on planter boxes (Heritage Rose Conference). Enjoys having work ahead of him. J noted he has been struggling with his health of late not making it to walking groups.
• N insisted I take saw dust home for garden which I have done adding it to an area of vegetation I have cleared and wanted mulched. N explained that the wood was all untanalised so would not affect my garden. I also had to make sure the wool fadge was returned on Wednesday.
• Tearoom had been decorated for Xmas (see photos).
• Talked with blokes about Christmas do and where to meet (see photos to be transferred from iPhone when I can figure out how to do this).
• Person came to pick up garden trolley really impressed with the work done. Looking to put this into one of the local rest homes.
• Small group today >10. As previously stated this is not unusual as the weather improves and people have more work to do around their own properties.
• People very busy on individual projects. There seems to be more freedom for members to pursue these today.
• Spent the majority of my time working on the nail/screw organizer. Found I did not need help to find tools now starting to know my way around the workshop.
• N still hard at work on planter boxes (Heritage Rose Conference). Enjoys having work ahead of him. J noted he has been struggling with his health of late not making it to walking groups.
• N insisted I take saw dust home for garden which I have done adding it to an area of vegetation I have cleared and wanted mulched. N explained that the wood was all untanalised so would not affect my garden. I also had to make sure the wool fadge was returned on Wednesday.
• Tearoom had been decorated for Xmas (see photos).
• Talked with blokes about Christmas do and where to meet (see photos to be transferred from iPhone when I can figure out how to do this).
• Person came to pick up garden trolley really impressed with the work done. Looking to put this into one of the local rest homes.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Photos of the smoko room decked out for christmas
D's Xmas decorations
A small group for smoko. members dogs welcome if well behaved.
More photos
Painting the renovated garden trolley
Shed from the front door
Inside of the adjoining hanger
Plane being washed a typical activity happening outside the shed door on any given session
Some photos community projects and hangar area
Planning the days work for planter boxes
The organized loft area
N working on planter boxes
J and E working on children picnic tables for Green Island Play Center
E testing the final product outside the shed
Saw horse being painted for Green Island Play Centre
Date: 26th November 2011
Date: 26th November 2011
Saturday Session
• Started working on my own project (screw organizing tray). I have been prompted to do this in past weeks
• Took photos of other members working on a range of community projects that had been brought to the shed. Green Island Play Center tables, garden trolley, planter boxes. Discussed these projects with them
• Xmas Do discussions and reminders
• Visitor from Alexandra Men’s Shed
• Smoko Elton John reviews
• Cleaning up after smoko tidying benches and clearing out wood shavings. Discussed cleaning roles with shed members and historical approaches to shed cleanliness
• Put my project in a safe place for next week.
• Discussed P latest woodworking project. Plan to bring him in some Oak next week from under my house.
Started working on my own project (screw organizing tray). I have been prompted to do this in past weeks by a number of the members. This was a project I thought would be helpful at home in my own shed, one of those things I’d been meaning to get around to. I’d brought all the materials from home as I’d done with previous project. I’m still unsure about how the sheds materials are used for individual projects. I worked on my project independently stopping at times to talk with the other shed members.
N was working on planter boxes, this was an ongoing project for an upcoming heritage rose conference. N was particularly enthusiastic about the planter boxes been used instead of cheap conference bags. The are to be used to collect materials and can then be taken home to use in potting sheds. Given they were to be reused in the future N wants to be very particular about the workmanship. Ha is planning to work outside of the shed hours on this project. He and J will access the shed as key holders.
P told me about a project he was working on at home, a shelving unit for his beer steins. He is a joiner and wanted to make this shelving unit out of oak. E was having some difficulties sourcing the wood and had started stripping back old bed heads. I told him I had a oak plank at home I’d bring in for him as it would be put to good use. It was also a way of saying thanks for helping me with the chisels the previous week.
I took photos of other members working on a range of community projects that had been brought to the shed. Ed P and L were completing kids picnic tables and saw horses for the Green Island Play Center. This was a request that had come after the delivery of the workbench they had made the previous week. Ed had brought in a template/example he had from one of his children’s friends. There was a good deal of consideration given to the materials and whether to add any extra bracing. Ed was very please at the cost of materials as the timber had been on special.
At smoko the group talked about the Elton John concert the night before. After a number of members heard I’d gone they were interested in hearing how the stadium worked rather than hoe Elton John performed. One member noted that the only thing wrong with Elton John is he’s a big poof.
I reminded everyone about the Xmas event. Numbers are starting to firm up for this. I told me they had about 30 coming.
We had a visitor from the ‘Alexandra Men’s Shed’ for the first part of the morning. He caught up with I and from what I heard they discussed the management of the shed including insurance, security, council consents. I had a chance to formally meet with him after smoko and discuss progress on their shed. We talked about the following
• B the representative has been the main driving force behind the Alex shed after initial support form Phil Bradshaw. Other members have assisted but he stated he didn’t know if he would have taken on the project if he knew how much work it would be or how frustrating it would become.
• The length the project has been going. The Alex shed has been an ongoing project for the past four years. They have a good deal of community supporting the area and early on had a building provided for them at minimal cost, this however needed to be located to a suitable site. There have been a number of issues with gaining a site as well as consent. The council had offered sections but there had been complaints upon notification. Currently they are investigating sharing a site with the BMX/Cycle club where there building could be located and used by the BMX/Cycle club in return for the space and use of their existing toilet and plumbing facilities. This would not only meet the needs of both groups but would also take care of consents for plumbing and gray water (a previous barrier and cost)
• The shed has secured funding from local groups and the lotteries foundation and has this money ear marked for renovation of the building.
• The shed has members and have already undertaken small community projects
• They are actively talking to the Blossom festival about working together on the production and storage of festival floats. There was a degree of enthusiasm about this working out in the long term future.
• B was not at all opposed to the creation of a national shed association as a way of sharing ideas especially around help with organizational matters (insurance, consents, project advertisement etc). He did not see this as a treat accepting it as a community of assistance rather than a authority to impose rules on the shed.
• B was interested about my project and I gave him my contact details if he wanted copies of my article searches or materials.
After our discussion it was 11.30. I didn’t feel I had enough time to finish my project so decided to clean up some of the machinery and benches. It didn’t look like this had been done for a while. D suggested I use the industrial vacuum cleaner after I started with brush and shovel. I managed to clean most of the benches as well as emptying out the ripsaw and compound mitre saw. My efforts were appreciated by a number of the other members. D and N gave me a hand with the rip saw clean out. During my tidy up I had an interesting discussion with J about historical approaches to shed cleanliness where as a n apprentice he said they rarely swept up the floor as the wood shavings helped collect the split oil and dirt. I am unsure if there are protocols for shed cleaning it appears there is a general rule about cleaning up after oneself.
I put my project in a safe place under the bench for next week.
Left shed 12.20 most members also leaving then.
Saturday Session
• Started working on my own project (screw organizing tray). I have been prompted to do this in past weeks
• Took photos of other members working on a range of community projects that had been brought to the shed. Green Island Play Center tables, garden trolley, planter boxes. Discussed these projects with them
• Xmas Do discussions and reminders
• Visitor from Alexandra Men’s Shed
• Smoko Elton John reviews
• Cleaning up after smoko tidying benches and clearing out wood shavings. Discussed cleaning roles with shed members and historical approaches to shed cleanliness
• Put my project in a safe place for next week.
• Discussed P latest woodworking project. Plan to bring him in some Oak next week from under my house.
Started working on my own project (screw organizing tray). I have been prompted to do this in past weeks by a number of the members. This was a project I thought would be helpful at home in my own shed, one of those things I’d been meaning to get around to. I’d brought all the materials from home as I’d done with previous project. I’m still unsure about how the sheds materials are used for individual projects. I worked on my project independently stopping at times to talk with the other shed members.
N was working on planter boxes, this was an ongoing project for an upcoming heritage rose conference. N was particularly enthusiastic about the planter boxes been used instead of cheap conference bags. The are to be used to collect materials and can then be taken home to use in potting sheds. Given they were to be reused in the future N wants to be very particular about the workmanship. Ha is planning to work outside of the shed hours on this project. He and J will access the shed as key holders.
P told me about a project he was working on at home, a shelving unit for his beer steins. He is a joiner and wanted to make this shelving unit out of oak. E was having some difficulties sourcing the wood and had started stripping back old bed heads. I told him I had a oak plank at home I’d bring in for him as it would be put to good use. It was also a way of saying thanks for helping me with the chisels the previous week.
I took photos of other members working on a range of community projects that had been brought to the shed. Ed P and L were completing kids picnic tables and saw horses for the Green Island Play Center. This was a request that had come after the delivery of the workbench they had made the previous week. Ed had brought in a template/example he had from one of his children’s friends. There was a good deal of consideration given to the materials and whether to add any extra bracing. Ed was very please at the cost of materials as the timber had been on special.
At smoko the group talked about the Elton John concert the night before. After a number of members heard I’d gone they were interested in hearing how the stadium worked rather than hoe Elton John performed. One member noted that the only thing wrong with Elton John is he’s a big poof.
I reminded everyone about the Xmas event. Numbers are starting to firm up for this. I told me they had about 30 coming.
We had a visitor from the ‘Alexandra Men’s Shed’ for the first part of the morning. He caught up with I and from what I heard they discussed the management of the shed including insurance, security, council consents. I had a chance to formally meet with him after smoko and discuss progress on their shed. We talked about the following
• B the representative has been the main driving force behind the Alex shed after initial support form Phil Bradshaw. Other members have assisted but he stated he didn’t know if he would have taken on the project if he knew how much work it would be or how frustrating it would become.
• The length the project has been going. The Alex shed has been an ongoing project for the past four years. They have a good deal of community supporting the area and early on had a building provided for them at minimal cost, this however needed to be located to a suitable site. There have been a number of issues with gaining a site as well as consent. The council had offered sections but there had been complaints upon notification. Currently they are investigating sharing a site with the BMX/Cycle club where there building could be located and used by the BMX/Cycle club in return for the space and use of their existing toilet and plumbing facilities. This would not only meet the needs of both groups but would also take care of consents for plumbing and gray water (a previous barrier and cost)
• The shed has secured funding from local groups and the lotteries foundation and has this money ear marked for renovation of the building.
• The shed has members and have already undertaken small community projects
• They are actively talking to the Blossom festival about working together on the production and storage of festival floats. There was a degree of enthusiasm about this working out in the long term future.
• B was not at all opposed to the creation of a national shed association as a way of sharing ideas especially around help with organizational matters (insurance, consents, project advertisement etc). He did not see this as a treat accepting it as a community of assistance rather than a authority to impose rules on the shed.
• B was interested about my project and I gave him my contact details if he wanted copies of my article searches or materials.
After our discussion it was 11.30. I didn’t feel I had enough time to finish my project so decided to clean up some of the machinery and benches. It didn’t look like this had been done for a while. D suggested I use the industrial vacuum cleaner after I started with brush and shovel. I managed to clean most of the benches as well as emptying out the ripsaw and compound mitre saw. My efforts were appreciated by a number of the other members. D and N gave me a hand with the rip saw clean out. During my tidy up I had an interesting discussion with J about historical approaches to shed cleanliness where as a n apprentice he said they rarely swept up the floor as the wood shavings helped collect the split oil and dirt. I am unsure if there are protocols for shed cleaning it appears there is a general rule about cleaning up after oneself.
I put my project in a safe place under the bench for next week.
Left shed 12.20 most members also leaving then.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Date: 16th November 2011
Wednesday Session
• Discussed my plans to officially finish with I, thanks for involvement
• Started approaching members about interviews
• Being taught about sharpening chisels
• Reconditioning plane
• Visit from local childcare center to thank shed for recent trolley project. Morning tea provided
• Further plans for Christmas Do at smoko (cost issues)
This was the first Wednesday session I had attended for a few weeks. Numbers at the shed were reasonable today (approx 20 members). As the woodshed and loft project were at an end or being worked on by someone else I had brought along a plane of mine that needed to be reconditioned as well as my set of chisels that needed to be sharpened. These are chisels that had been passed on to me by my late father in law and from his father in law in turn. I’d always wanted to get them sharpened but was reluctant to do this myself as I did feel I had the knowledge skill and experience. I was hoping to get one of the experienced tradesmen at the shed to help me/ teach me.
At the beginning of the session I talked with I about when I would finish up my data collection. This would officially be on the day of the sheds Christmas trip. I also discussed with him the people I had in mind to do theme checking interviews with, himself being one of these people. We talked about my taking more photos as well as getting permission to use some of the sheds photos and records which include the community project work and newspaper clippings. My interviews as well as theme checking would also look to record an accurate account of the sheds history and development. I informed I that I planned to interview BB as one of the official members of the steering committee. I thought this was a good idea.
After talking with I I also talked with J as a person I planned to interview. J said he would be happy to oblige. J voiced some frustration about ongoing projects and the multiple views of members which got in the way of things progressing. This has been commented upon on numerous occasions by J.
I talked with some of the other members about what they had planned for the day John was going to remow the parking area. I noticed he also got precise instructions from I about this. Colin was starting work on a woodworking bench for a local kindy and other members were working on individual projects. I then started to recondition the plane I’d brought along this involved dismantling it and using a fine sand paper to remove the surface rust. After completing this I planned to oil all parts and reassemble the plane. I checked this plan with Peter a retired joiner with many years of experience and he agreed. Peter was sharpening some of the sheds chisels so I showed him my set and asked him if he could help me sharpen them after smoko. He agreed and also offered to sharpen the plane blade as well. I observed him working on the shed chisels and he talked me through the processes involved in cooling the blade in water, removing any chips from the cutting edge and grinding to a straight and even angel. All of this required skill which was obvious in his work. Other members later noted that this isn’t an easy job but it would be easier if the shed had wider grinding stones or fixed guides on the grinders.
After smoko Peter sharpened all my chisels and the plane blade. Originally I was keen to have a go at this myself but realizing the skill involved and the preciousness of the chisels I was happy for Peter to take charge here. He showed me how to smooth off the gowned edges on the soak stone so I took on this role and tidies up all chisels and the plane blade. I then reconstructed my plane using one of the shed planes as a guide. Peter assisted me at the end to set the height of the cutting blade.
After working with Peter I thanked him for all his help. He told me to practice on older blades at home. He said that the steel in my chisels was of high quality and they should be looked after. I was impressed that he could make this distinction. We then got talking about old woodblock planes he used to work with and I told him about my great great grandfather who was the builder and coffin maker in Akaroa. Peter said that this was common practice in the small villages of Holland where he came from. Where builders and joiners were expected to ‘lend their hands’ to a number of tasks. He then told me an amusing story about one builder who got the coffin dimensions wrong and the lid would not shut properly when the body was inside. He had me laughing at his account of the men trying to force the lid shut which resulted in the body dropping through the bottom of the coffin. I talked with I and C about how much I appreciated P help. They were both quick to note that this was one of the functions of the shed. Something I duly acknowledged.
Just before smoko I introduced a lady from the local childcare centre. She had come to thank the shed for a trolley they had built for the centre and I was giving her a tour of the workshop. At smoko we found she had also shouted baking as a thank you for the shed members. Talking with the members it was evident that this was not an out of the norm event and had happened before. To me it further evidenced the strong ties the shed has with groups in the local community and how these are of reciprocal benefit. Colin noted that he vary rarely gets complains about the cost of projects with the vast majority of groups being extremely thankful.
At smoko I raised the ongoing plans for the Christmas do. He explained the costs of the mine tour and the bus hire. Both were more than originally expected. The bus costing $500, the meal $27 and the mine tour $25 per person. This would not be covered by the social fund. A discussion followed about the costs and it was decided not to go to the mine instead having a meal in Palmerston with visits to the Orakanui sanctuary on the way. I was also going to look into one or two other spots to stop at that would be free of charge. This would reduce the bus cost and most of the meal would then be covered by the social fund. I put my name down to attend as this would mark the formal end of my participant observation at the shed.
I left the shed at 12.15.
• Discussed my plans to officially finish with I, thanks for involvement
• Started approaching members about interviews
• Being taught about sharpening chisels
• Reconditioning plane
• Visit from local childcare center to thank shed for recent trolley project. Morning tea provided
• Further plans for Christmas Do at smoko (cost issues)
This was the first Wednesday session I had attended for a few weeks. Numbers at the shed were reasonable today (approx 20 members). As the woodshed and loft project were at an end or being worked on by someone else I had brought along a plane of mine that needed to be reconditioned as well as my set of chisels that needed to be sharpened. These are chisels that had been passed on to me by my late father in law and from his father in law in turn. I’d always wanted to get them sharpened but was reluctant to do this myself as I did feel I had the knowledge skill and experience. I was hoping to get one of the experienced tradesmen at the shed to help me/ teach me.
At the beginning of the session I talked with I about when I would finish up my data collection. This would officially be on the day of the sheds Christmas trip. I also discussed with him the people I had in mind to do theme checking interviews with, himself being one of these people. We talked about my taking more photos as well as getting permission to use some of the sheds photos and records which include the community project work and newspaper clippings. My interviews as well as theme checking would also look to record an accurate account of the sheds history and development. I informed I that I planned to interview BB as one of the official members of the steering committee. I thought this was a good idea.
After talking with I I also talked with J as a person I planned to interview. J said he would be happy to oblige. J voiced some frustration about ongoing projects and the multiple views of members which got in the way of things progressing. This has been commented upon on numerous occasions by J.
I talked with some of the other members about what they had planned for the day John was going to remow the parking area. I noticed he also got precise instructions from I about this. Colin was starting work on a woodworking bench for a local kindy and other members were working on individual projects. I then started to recondition the plane I’d brought along this involved dismantling it and using a fine sand paper to remove the surface rust. After completing this I planned to oil all parts and reassemble the plane. I checked this plan with Peter a retired joiner with many years of experience and he agreed. Peter was sharpening some of the sheds chisels so I showed him my set and asked him if he could help me sharpen them after smoko. He agreed and also offered to sharpen the plane blade as well. I observed him working on the shed chisels and he talked me through the processes involved in cooling the blade in water, removing any chips from the cutting edge and grinding to a straight and even angel. All of this required skill which was obvious in his work. Other members later noted that this isn’t an easy job but it would be easier if the shed had wider grinding stones or fixed guides on the grinders.
After smoko Peter sharpened all my chisels and the plane blade. Originally I was keen to have a go at this myself but realizing the skill involved and the preciousness of the chisels I was happy for Peter to take charge here. He showed me how to smooth off the gowned edges on the soak stone so I took on this role and tidies up all chisels and the plane blade. I then reconstructed my plane using one of the shed planes as a guide. Peter assisted me at the end to set the height of the cutting blade.
After working with Peter I thanked him for all his help. He told me to practice on older blades at home. He said that the steel in my chisels was of high quality and they should be looked after. I was impressed that he could make this distinction. We then got talking about old woodblock planes he used to work with and I told him about my great great grandfather who was the builder and coffin maker in Akaroa. Peter said that this was common practice in the small villages of Holland where he came from. Where builders and joiners were expected to ‘lend their hands’ to a number of tasks. He then told me an amusing story about one builder who got the coffin dimensions wrong and the lid would not shut properly when the body was inside. He had me laughing at his account of the men trying to force the lid shut which resulted in the body dropping through the bottom of the coffin. I talked with I and C about how much I appreciated P help. They were both quick to note that this was one of the functions of the shed. Something I duly acknowledged.
Just before smoko I introduced a lady from the local childcare centre. She had come to thank the shed for a trolley they had built for the centre and I was giving her a tour of the workshop. At smoko we found she had also shouted baking as a thank you for the shed members. Talking with the members it was evident that this was not an out of the norm event and had happened before. To me it further evidenced the strong ties the shed has with groups in the local community and how these are of reciprocal benefit. Colin noted that he vary rarely gets complains about the cost of projects with the vast majority of groups being extremely thankful.
At smoko I raised the ongoing plans for the Christmas do. He explained the costs of the mine tour and the bus hire. Both were more than originally expected. The bus costing $500, the meal $27 and the mine tour $25 per person. This would not be covered by the social fund. A discussion followed about the costs and it was decided not to go to the mine instead having a meal in Palmerston with visits to the Orakanui sanctuary on the way. I was also going to look into one or two other spots to stop at that would be free of charge. This would reduce the bus cost and most of the meal would then be covered by the social fund. I put my name down to attend as this would mark the formal end of my participant observation at the shed.
I left the shed at 12.15.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Date: 5th November 2011
Saturday session
• Lacked something to do so started on project for Ed
• Numbers low today 13 in total
• J and John still working on loft area clean up
• I got talk with D about why he came to the shed, little nervous? Memory and impairment?
• Smoko update on shed meeting with Areo club. I positive more information to come in writing. Found out the root of the concern was person parking petrol truck.
• Lots of joking about members large catch of whitebait
• After smoko mowed lawn area as trucks where not parked there and we had cleared up the area. Got instructions from I about they boundaries to mow to as this designated our area.
Today was a reasonable cold and overcast day. This may have been the reason for a limited turn out at the shed. Only 13 members in attendance today. I had brought a small project to work on but was prepared to help out on any of the ongoing projects (woodshed, loft clearance). None of these projects required help today. John and Jim were working on the loft and with limited space it was not practical to have other assist. I found a bench area and started sanding up a old kitset model I’d picked up from a second hand store in town. It was partially started and need the old glue taken off it so I could work on it at home with my son. It was a model Trebuchet (catapult). This was of interest to a number of the members who passed comment about whether the model was well designed and if it would work. I said I’d bring it in if we managed to make it work.
I got talking with D a member for the past 6 months who has been an intermittent attendant. He appeared a little nervous when talking and often repeated information and stories he had previously told. He appeared to have issues with his short term memory. We started talking about the old bench grinder, which in turn lead him to discuss the tools e worked with in his previous vocation as a metal mechanist. He had a number of stories about the quality of the different tools he worked with as well as how he liked to problem solve and find ways of mending machinery. In his retirement he has started purchasing budget power tools from the large hardware chains. It finds these have been, for the most part, reliable but when a part has broken he has been surprised that shops don’t stock parts instead recommending it being cheaper to purchase a whole new tool. Rather than find this frustrating he has enjoyed the challenge of fixing these tools and finding replacement parts from other broken tools on trademe. He can’t see the rational for not fixing these tools. After talking for a good 30 minutes he decided to start stripping down the bench grinder to see if he could make it operate more efficiently. I worked alongside him on my project and we continued to talk mostly about the deconstruction of the grinder and the reasoning for the repairs he was making.
Other shed members were busy on their individual projects. These included renovating an old garden trolley, constructing a wind chime and making planter boxes.
Over smoko I talked with I about how things were progressing with the Areo club. He was very positive about the progress here but would not disclose an information about decisions as this was to be put into writing and then presented formally to the group. He did say that the source of the complaints about parking came from the owner of the trucks who parked near the sheds. This has been an ongoing dispute and after I talk with the Areo club he has replayed to the members that the vast majority are happy with, and supportive of the sheds continued involvement. At smoko plans were also discussed with members about the Christmas function. This is planned for the 8th of November and I is still investigating cost. One member was the source of constant good humored jibes over the break. It took me a while to find out that this was due to the large whitebait catch he made in the previous few days. Many of the members felt whitebait patties should have been on the morning tea menu.
After smoko I packed away my project and offered to mow the lawns at the side of the shed as there were no truck s parked there. I agreed this was a good idea. He was very particular about the boundary I should mow to as this would help define our parking area. I spread the grass clippings on the trees planted as a shelter belt to help retain moisture and promote their growth. After finishing the lawns I noted most members had cleaned up and departed.
Left shed 12.15.
• Lacked something to do so started on project for Ed
• Numbers low today 13 in total
• J and John still working on loft area clean up
• I got talk with D about why he came to the shed, little nervous? Memory and impairment?
• Smoko update on shed meeting with Areo club. I positive more information to come in writing. Found out the root of the concern was person parking petrol truck.
• Lots of joking about members large catch of whitebait
• After smoko mowed lawn area as trucks where not parked there and we had cleared up the area. Got instructions from I about they boundaries to mow to as this designated our area.
Today was a reasonable cold and overcast day. This may have been the reason for a limited turn out at the shed. Only 13 members in attendance today. I had brought a small project to work on but was prepared to help out on any of the ongoing projects (woodshed, loft clearance). None of these projects required help today. John and Jim were working on the loft and with limited space it was not practical to have other assist. I found a bench area and started sanding up a old kitset model I’d picked up from a second hand store in town. It was partially started and need the old glue taken off it so I could work on it at home with my son. It was a model Trebuchet (catapult). This was of interest to a number of the members who passed comment about whether the model was well designed and if it would work. I said I’d bring it in if we managed to make it work.
I got talking with D a member for the past 6 months who has been an intermittent attendant. He appeared a little nervous when talking and often repeated information and stories he had previously told. He appeared to have issues with his short term memory. We started talking about the old bench grinder, which in turn lead him to discuss the tools e worked with in his previous vocation as a metal mechanist. He had a number of stories about the quality of the different tools he worked with as well as how he liked to problem solve and find ways of mending machinery. In his retirement he has started purchasing budget power tools from the large hardware chains. It finds these have been, for the most part, reliable but when a part has broken he has been surprised that shops don’t stock parts instead recommending it being cheaper to purchase a whole new tool. Rather than find this frustrating he has enjoyed the challenge of fixing these tools and finding replacement parts from other broken tools on trademe. He can’t see the rational for not fixing these tools. After talking for a good 30 minutes he decided to start stripping down the bench grinder to see if he could make it operate more efficiently. I worked alongside him on my project and we continued to talk mostly about the deconstruction of the grinder and the reasoning for the repairs he was making.
Other shed members were busy on their individual projects. These included renovating an old garden trolley, constructing a wind chime and making planter boxes.
Over smoko I talked with I about how things were progressing with the Areo club. He was very positive about the progress here but would not disclose an information about decisions as this was to be put into writing and then presented formally to the group. He did say that the source of the complaints about parking came from the owner of the trucks who parked near the sheds. This has been an ongoing dispute and after I talk with the Areo club he has replayed to the members that the vast majority are happy with, and supportive of the sheds continued involvement. At smoko plans were also discussed with members about the Christmas function. This is planned for the 8th of November and I is still investigating cost. One member was the source of constant good humored jibes over the break. It took me a while to find out that this was due to the large whitebait catch he made in the previous few days. Many of the members felt whitebait patties should have been on the morning tea menu.
After smoko I packed away my project and offered to mow the lawns at the side of the shed as there were no truck s parked there. I agreed this was a good idea. He was very particular about the boundary I should mow to as this would help define our parking area. I spread the grass clippings on the trees planted as a shelter belt to help retain moisture and promote their growth. After finishing the lawns I noted most members had cleaned up and departed.
Left shed 12.15.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Date: 29th October 2011
Saturday session back after two week on holiday.
• Caught up with members, many of whom had time off over the past 2 weeks.
• Outside woodshed blinds had been modified after high winds
• Rip saw had been reconditioned and needed to be partly dismantled to move into the main work area
• Wood loft had been cleared of more wood and Jim had started constructing a storage rack
• Continued to sort and dismantle wood in the loft area.
• Differences of opinion about what wood to keep and which to use as fire wood.
• No progress made on meeting with the areo club around issues of contention.
Caught up with members, many of whom had time off over the past 2 weeks. Some had been on trips overseas and others had time off in central or pursing other activities. This highlighted to me how full a number of the members lives where outside of the blokes shed attendance.
Outside woodshed blinds had been modified after high winds. The blinds we had fixed to the woodshed had broken loose in the high winds we had in the previous weekend. Jo had fixed these in my absence by securing additional nail pins to the bottom brackets of the blinds. This seems to have solved this problem with the blinds having been tested by subsequent days of high winds.
The old rip saw that had been donated to the shed had been reconditioned when I was away and needed to be partly dismantled to move into the main work area. Myself I and M worked on this and ended up removing the motor and belt casing so as it would fit through the workshop door. Others removed shelving and storage units. This took a bit of trial and error but eventually we shifted what was a very heavy unity by using sack barrows and manual lifting. I was called on to do the lifting as one of the young guys in the group. Other members played more specialist roles here. The rewiring of the motor being left for the electrician member of the shed. The rip saw was not tested on the day as the shed was very crowded with other people completing projects. This is the 3 time I’ve attended when space or the availability of it has been an issue.
After moving the rip saw I asked J if he needed any more help in clearing the loft of wood. In the time I was a way he had been cleared of more wood and constructing a storage racking. I joined N and M in taking wood outside to be either sorted for storage or dismantled and used for firewood. What wood was kept and what wood was dismantled was an are of conjecture amongst member. Some members were reluctant to throw away any rimu even though it was cracked and needed a good deal of work to de-nail. Talking with I and J this was an ongoing issue. Although there is a common theme appreciated amongst members of recycling and not wasting materials there were often differences in opinion about the reality of materials being used in the future.
I worked with M to dismantle 2 storage units and sort the wood for I who had been asked to construct a dog kennel for a neighbor. He wanted to make good use of the wood we could salvage as the dog was old and in his opinion it would be a waste to use new materials. We managed to denial and save enough wood for this project and the rest were taken away by J for firewood. He noted that some members passed comment about him receiving free firewood. From his point of view it would be easier to buy firewood rather than cutting up and denailing the wood but he’d rather do this than see it go to waste. I also noted other members would negotiate the private use of scrap wood for projects. N took some to stake up his beans. The use of scrap materials was usually checked amongst members.
Over smoko I asked I if any progress had been made about on meeting with the areo club around issues of contention. I said they had had not luck as yet but himself and MO where continuing to work on it.
I departed and made my goodbyes at noon after finishing dismantling the storage units. Talked with J about continuing this work next week.
• Caught up with members, many of whom had time off over the past 2 weeks.
• Outside woodshed blinds had been modified after high winds
• Rip saw had been reconditioned and needed to be partly dismantled to move into the main work area
• Wood loft had been cleared of more wood and Jim had started constructing a storage rack
• Continued to sort and dismantle wood in the loft area.
• Differences of opinion about what wood to keep and which to use as fire wood.
• No progress made on meeting with the areo club around issues of contention.
Caught up with members, many of whom had time off over the past 2 weeks. Some had been on trips overseas and others had time off in central or pursing other activities. This highlighted to me how full a number of the members lives where outside of the blokes shed attendance.
Outside woodshed blinds had been modified after high winds. The blinds we had fixed to the woodshed had broken loose in the high winds we had in the previous weekend. Jo had fixed these in my absence by securing additional nail pins to the bottom brackets of the blinds. This seems to have solved this problem with the blinds having been tested by subsequent days of high winds.
The old rip saw that had been donated to the shed had been reconditioned when I was away and needed to be partly dismantled to move into the main work area. Myself I and M worked on this and ended up removing the motor and belt casing so as it would fit through the workshop door. Others removed shelving and storage units. This took a bit of trial and error but eventually we shifted what was a very heavy unity by using sack barrows and manual lifting. I was called on to do the lifting as one of the young guys in the group. Other members played more specialist roles here. The rewiring of the motor being left for the electrician member of the shed. The rip saw was not tested on the day as the shed was very crowded with other people completing projects. This is the 3 time I’ve attended when space or the availability of it has been an issue.
After moving the rip saw I asked J if he needed any more help in clearing the loft of wood. In the time I was a way he had been cleared of more wood and constructing a storage racking. I joined N and M in taking wood outside to be either sorted for storage or dismantled and used for firewood. What wood was kept and what wood was dismantled was an are of conjecture amongst member. Some members were reluctant to throw away any rimu even though it was cracked and needed a good deal of work to de-nail. Talking with I and J this was an ongoing issue. Although there is a common theme appreciated amongst members of recycling and not wasting materials there were often differences in opinion about the reality of materials being used in the future.
I worked with M to dismantle 2 storage units and sort the wood for I who had been asked to construct a dog kennel for a neighbor. He wanted to make good use of the wood we could salvage as the dog was old and in his opinion it would be a waste to use new materials. We managed to denial and save enough wood for this project and the rest were taken away by J for firewood. He noted that some members passed comment about him receiving free firewood. From his point of view it would be easier to buy firewood rather than cutting up and denailing the wood but he’d rather do this than see it go to waste. I also noted other members would negotiate the private use of scrap wood for projects. N took some to stake up his beans. The use of scrap materials was usually checked amongst members.
Over smoko I asked I if any progress had been made about on meeting with the areo club around issues of contention. I said they had had not luck as yet but himself and MO where continuing to work on it.
I departed and made my goodbyes at noon after finishing dismantling the storage units. Talked with J about continuing this work next week.
Date: 28th October 2011
Meeting with Linda for supervision
I met with LHW and we discussed the following points
• What themes I was starting to identify
• Further developing some of the themes I am starting to label (noted above). Applying an occupation lenses to frame these theme in relation to concepts and literature within the Occ Sci domain (concept matching). Linda suggested consulting Johansson work on engaging occupation.
• In discussing the theme of place we talked about the conflict that has been noted between the areo club and the blokes shed. In particular the sheds occupying of an area traditionally owned if not actively used by the areo club and the lack of security felt by some of the members as tenants in a share space.
• Occupational transition is one theme that is becoming apparent in the members who join and commit to the shed. Linda made connections here with classic ethnographic study, who does what, how. We discussed my possible choices for interview subjects where I am already having thoughts about how people choose to engage in the shed, and what previous skills, values and attitudes may have been brought with them from previous vocational experiences.
• Linda suggested I record more of my thoughts and observations about the work place politics of the bloke shed. Given that this is not a paid workplace and contributions and membership are voluntary.
I met with LHW and we discussed the following points
• What themes I was starting to identify
• Further developing some of the themes I am starting to label (noted above). Applying an occupation lenses to frame these theme in relation to concepts and literature within the Occ Sci domain (concept matching). Linda suggested consulting Johansson work on engaging occupation.
• In discussing the theme of place we talked about the conflict that has been noted between the areo club and the blokes shed. In particular the sheds occupying of an area traditionally owned if not actively used by the areo club and the lack of security felt by some of the members as tenants in a share space.
• Occupational transition is one theme that is becoming apparent in the members who join and commit to the shed. Linda made connections here with classic ethnographic study, who does what, how. We discussed my possible choices for interview subjects where I am already having thoughts about how people choose to engage in the shed, and what previous skills, values and attitudes may have been brought with them from previous vocational experiences.
• Linda suggested I record more of my thoughts and observations about the work place politics of the bloke shed. Given that this is not a paid workplace and contributions and membership are voluntary.
Date: 8th October 2011
Tool Auction
Arrived at 9am but set up completed Friday by members who volunteered. I is very organized and logical in his planning of these task. We talked about how the auction would be run and the timeframes we needed to keep to so as people could have morning tea while it was still hot and goods could also be removed before lunch and the hanger tidied.
Around 45 people present
Well organized system of registrations and ordering and labeling of lots. Members had assumed tasks related to morning tea prep, displaying goods, registering buyers, helping people take goods to cars, explaining H and S (I).
Morning tea organized by wives and members. Evident that members wives and families were happy to contribute here. Food and effort appreciated by all who were there. Nice meeting wider families and partners. All interested in ongoing activities of the shed.
I introduced auction set rule about hanger, toilets, morning tea, as is where is nature of the good sold and bidding and collection processes. I made a special effort to thank people involved.
A local real-estate agent who sponsors the shed L ran auction. He is an experienced auctioneer and had humorous way of encouraging people to bid. He often referred to I as to the reserve price of goods and whether they could be sold. Some items went very cheaply while others had good competition. Comments about auction being good for members in those equipment/tools get used and money gets raised, even if prices were not as high as expected.
I purchase three items a bike hook, a brassier, and an old wooden shipping trunk which I saw as a potential future project (maybe one I could do at the shed). A number of those present were happy with the bargains they purchased.
Goods all paid for and collected by 12 hanger cleared.
Themes
• Place and the ability to make, maintain, and take ownership when sharing with others
• Transition and the incorporation of skills, knowledge, values, beliefs from previous occupations. Fit of membership and attendance within a busy weekly schedule for meany members one of many other activities.
• Shared knowledge, skills, values and beliefs
• Community norms and what it means to be a member (requirements stated or otherwise)
• Connections outside the meeting time, friendships, place of BS in weekly schedules
• Connection with the community (projects, promotions, advice giving/sharing with other organizations)
• Collective verses individual production
• Organization, red tape, associations with other (national movement)
• Recycling and waste not want not.
Arrived at 9am but set up completed Friday by members who volunteered. I is very organized and logical in his planning of these task. We talked about how the auction would be run and the timeframes we needed to keep to so as people could have morning tea while it was still hot and goods could also be removed before lunch and the hanger tidied.
Around 45 people present
Well organized system of registrations and ordering and labeling of lots. Members had assumed tasks related to morning tea prep, displaying goods, registering buyers, helping people take goods to cars, explaining H and S (I).
Morning tea organized by wives and members. Evident that members wives and families were happy to contribute here. Food and effort appreciated by all who were there. Nice meeting wider families and partners. All interested in ongoing activities of the shed.
I introduced auction set rule about hanger, toilets, morning tea, as is where is nature of the good sold and bidding and collection processes. I made a special effort to thank people involved.
A local real-estate agent who sponsors the shed L ran auction. He is an experienced auctioneer and had humorous way of encouraging people to bid. He often referred to I as to the reserve price of goods and whether they could be sold. Some items went very cheaply while others had good competition. Comments about auction being good for members in those equipment/tools get used and money gets raised, even if prices were not as high as expected.
I purchase three items a bike hook, a brassier, and an old wooden shipping trunk which I saw as a potential future project (maybe one I could do at the shed). A number of those present were happy with the bargains they purchased.
Goods all paid for and collected by 12 hanger cleared.
Themes
• Place and the ability to make, maintain, and take ownership when sharing with others
• Transition and the incorporation of skills, knowledge, values, beliefs from previous occupations. Fit of membership and attendance within a busy weekly schedule for meany members one of many other activities.
• Shared knowledge, skills, values and beliefs
• Community norms and what it means to be a member (requirements stated or otherwise)
• Connections outside the meeting time, friendships, place of BS in weekly schedules
• Connection with the community (projects, promotions, advice giving/sharing with other organizations)
• Collective verses individual production
• Organization, red tape, associations with other (national movement)
• Recycling and waste not want not.
Date 5th October 2011
Wednesday AGM.
The following observation were made of the Bloke Shed AGM.
Meeting started at 9.30am and followed a set structure. 16 members of the shed were present for the length of the meeting
Minutes from the last AGM were reviewed (read aloud) and passed by the membership. No matter arose from the minutes.
The yearly financial statement was presented by the treasurer D. D explained points of significance to the membership this included the return of funding to Aged Concern which was incorrectly diverted from the Kings shed.
B addressed the membership as the outgoing president. He praised the efforts of the group over the last 12 months noting the positive developments in the sheds growth both physically in the development of the container and woodshed as well as in membership and recognition of community projects. B noted he was standing down from the position of President due to poor health. He noted he would still be willing to stay on in the position of vice president to help mentor the new president in his role.
B nominated I for the position of President this was moved by M and uniformly agreed upon by the membership. B was nominate as vice president and this was also passed.
B reminded the membership of the steering committee which still meet as required to assist the organization of this and other shed. B is one of my intended interviewees and I intend to question him further on the roles of the steering committee. B noted the potential shed developments which have sprung up in the past 12 months including Oamaru, Alexandra, Port Chalmers and Nth East Valley. He again mention the need for sheds to develop independently and was not supportive of national associations.
I nominated MO as the new secretary of the club. This was passed and M spoke briefly about being a new members and wanting to follow the established processes of the group. He referred to himself as the new note taker.
D was reelected as treasurer. A number of members made good humored comments about his efficiency in the role. D is a member who I’ve observed to be well liked by the rest of the membership.
Executive committee retained with active membership from the Areo Club.
Subs moved and kept at $10 per year. The membership is conscious that this be an affordable level.
Name badge and keg charges (detailed discussion)
• D suggested that the shed formalize the criteria for members receiving name badges.
• Name badge costs would be charged to the members at a cost of $8 and would be supplied after a minimum of 10 visits from the paid up member (self monitored).
• Name badges would be handed in on departure as members of the shed are eligible for a 10% discount at Bunnings by showing their badge and this should not be granted to non members.
• These new criteria would save the BS money as badges would not be paid for out of subs and it would be a way of rewarding those who attend regularly.
• D will supply a membership list to Bunnings as to who is eligible for discounts
• Currently there are 20 keys that have been issued to members (numbers allocated to individual). D suggested these cost be charged to members upon application and refundable on departure.
• A number of members queried the need for more keys as there seemed to be enough in circulation to allow all access at set times.
This discussion raised wider points about monitoring the membership. Who is on the list of membership and how many regularly attend. D noted that on the list there are about 6 members who have only attended once or twice in the past 12 months but when contacted still want to be involved and pay subs. Themes around how to judge active membership of the community.
General Matters
• Publicity Officers. Jim and I happy to continue in these roles
• Workshop Section Heads. This had been raised at a previous meeting. I asked that a decision be discussed at another meeting. M is keen to follow this up.
Areo club membership requirements
• The Areo Club charter needs to be made available to all new members
• Only paid up members are allowed in the shed area to work on machinery. Don will remind none paid members about this. Visitors to the shed are still permitted but they are not allowed to operate any machinery.
AGM Closed. I reiterated that it had been another good year with the shed going from strength to strength.
General Monthly Meeting
Minutes skipped
D presented accounts
• Order book system to track expenditure on projects. Members reminded about this and the need to keep track of expenses. There were 2 discrepancies that D asked the members to explain. Present t members were able to link these to project work.
• Payments made for repairs and monthly rentals
I advertised AGM in ODT not a requirement anymore and will not repeat next year.
General Issues
• M wheelie Bins: M had research the availability of wheelie bins through the council and justified the monthly payments based on the limited waste disposal the shed had. Accepted by the group and contract to be entered into.
• Upcoming projects noted. Roadside planter boxes were noted as a possible future job.
• Christmas meal. I presented the possibility of a trip to the Mcrays mine, with partners, stopping at Ranfurly for a meal on return. The membership was generally positive about this idea especially the trip to the mine site. I will investigate costs further and report back.
Saturday Auction planning
I reported the following points
• Over 70 items for sale
• Members are asked to invite others. ‘the more the merrier’
• Areo club will provide space in hanger, requirements come with this. We need to stick to the provided area.
• Registration details. M volunteered to print auction numbers and D will register participants and collect payments.
• Morning tea provided by the wives and members. Participants will be asked for a gold coin donation to cover costs.
• Up to 60 attendants expected. Numbers difficult to gauge.
I explained the progress of my study and timeframes for finishing
Feedback about woodshed from Areo Club Members
I noted that the feedback he had from the Areoclub was not what the membership would want to hear. Having worked to the shed and container with the members I become aware that they believe they have done a very good job to make the space presentable and that it is a significant improvement on its previous condition. The following comments had been passed on by the representative of the areo club during his last visit.
• Covering up concrete foundations on the woodshed. They had been warn that concreted posts could constitute a permanent structure which would need consent. There were a number of comments pasted by members about the lack of sense in this given the stability required and the ease with which the structure could be removed in the future, regardless of the posts being concreted in. J suggested covering the concrete with dirt to conceal it. No one was in favor of removing the concreted pots. Themes here about perceived common sense of the lack of it in applied regulations without specific knowledge or context.
• Complaint about parking on and around the tarmac area but the shed. Members were adamant that no one had ever parked on the tarmac as this was a known obligation of sharing the space. This was an anonyms complaint made by a areo club member. M offered possible solutions including mapping agreed parking areas. I informed/reminded the group of the historic issues around parking and the solutions they had sort with little agreement or response from the areo club.
• Various niggles and issues continue to surface with the sharing of space. I and other suggested this may have originated from the fire in the tearooms others thought there were a group of areo club members who have never wanted them to share the space. Because the complaints from the areo club have never been presented to the shed directly or owned by the complainant it has been difficult to find a resolution.
• Theme of place, control and ownership (shared interests)
• Possibilities of looking for a new base was raised by one member. Many though that, although a possibility, this would be a great shame given the work and development put into the shed by members.
• General agreement that a meeting is required with the areoclub to work through issues. I and M willing to be representatives. I will contact the areo club to try and make this happen.
J wanted to apply to the group to purchase trees as a correct shelter for the container. Previous plantings had not taken and he had received advice from one of the gardeners in the group and the correct trees to plant. Further costing investigations to be carried out.
Photos circulated from presentation of pet enclosure to the local kindy. I talked to I about using these in my study. This will be discussed with the membership at a further date.
Meeting closed and morning tea served at 11pm. I departed at 11.30.
The following observation were made of the Bloke Shed AGM.
Meeting started at 9.30am and followed a set structure. 16 members of the shed were present for the length of the meeting
Minutes from the last AGM were reviewed (read aloud) and passed by the membership. No matter arose from the minutes.
The yearly financial statement was presented by the treasurer D. D explained points of significance to the membership this included the return of funding to Aged Concern which was incorrectly diverted from the Kings shed.
B addressed the membership as the outgoing president. He praised the efforts of the group over the last 12 months noting the positive developments in the sheds growth both physically in the development of the container and woodshed as well as in membership and recognition of community projects. B noted he was standing down from the position of President due to poor health. He noted he would still be willing to stay on in the position of vice president to help mentor the new president in his role.
B nominated I for the position of President this was moved by M and uniformly agreed upon by the membership. B was nominate as vice president and this was also passed.
B reminded the membership of the steering committee which still meet as required to assist the organization of this and other shed. B is one of my intended interviewees and I intend to question him further on the roles of the steering committee. B noted the potential shed developments which have sprung up in the past 12 months including Oamaru, Alexandra, Port Chalmers and Nth East Valley. He again mention the need for sheds to develop independently and was not supportive of national associations.
I nominated MO as the new secretary of the club. This was passed and M spoke briefly about being a new members and wanting to follow the established processes of the group. He referred to himself as the new note taker.
D was reelected as treasurer. A number of members made good humored comments about his efficiency in the role. D is a member who I’ve observed to be well liked by the rest of the membership.
Executive committee retained with active membership from the Areo Club.
Subs moved and kept at $10 per year. The membership is conscious that this be an affordable level.
Name badge and keg charges (detailed discussion)
• D suggested that the shed formalize the criteria for members receiving name badges.
• Name badge costs would be charged to the members at a cost of $8 and would be supplied after a minimum of 10 visits from the paid up member (self monitored).
• Name badges would be handed in on departure as members of the shed are eligible for a 10% discount at Bunnings by showing their badge and this should not be granted to non members.
• These new criteria would save the BS money as badges would not be paid for out of subs and it would be a way of rewarding those who attend regularly.
• D will supply a membership list to Bunnings as to who is eligible for discounts
• Currently there are 20 keys that have been issued to members (numbers allocated to individual). D suggested these cost be charged to members upon application and refundable on departure.
• A number of members queried the need for more keys as there seemed to be enough in circulation to allow all access at set times.
This discussion raised wider points about monitoring the membership. Who is on the list of membership and how many regularly attend. D noted that on the list there are about 6 members who have only attended once or twice in the past 12 months but when contacted still want to be involved and pay subs. Themes around how to judge active membership of the community.
General Matters
• Publicity Officers. Jim and I happy to continue in these roles
• Workshop Section Heads. This had been raised at a previous meeting. I asked that a decision be discussed at another meeting. M is keen to follow this up.
Areo club membership requirements
• The Areo Club charter needs to be made available to all new members
• Only paid up members are allowed in the shed area to work on machinery. Don will remind none paid members about this. Visitors to the shed are still permitted but they are not allowed to operate any machinery.
AGM Closed. I reiterated that it had been another good year with the shed going from strength to strength.
General Monthly Meeting
Minutes skipped
D presented accounts
• Order book system to track expenditure on projects. Members reminded about this and the need to keep track of expenses. There were 2 discrepancies that D asked the members to explain. Present t members were able to link these to project work.
• Payments made for repairs and monthly rentals
I advertised AGM in ODT not a requirement anymore and will not repeat next year.
General Issues
• M wheelie Bins: M had research the availability of wheelie bins through the council and justified the monthly payments based on the limited waste disposal the shed had. Accepted by the group and contract to be entered into.
• Upcoming projects noted. Roadside planter boxes were noted as a possible future job.
• Christmas meal. I presented the possibility of a trip to the Mcrays mine, with partners, stopping at Ranfurly for a meal on return. The membership was generally positive about this idea especially the trip to the mine site. I will investigate costs further and report back.
Saturday Auction planning
I reported the following points
• Over 70 items for sale
• Members are asked to invite others. ‘the more the merrier’
• Areo club will provide space in hanger, requirements come with this. We need to stick to the provided area.
• Registration details. M volunteered to print auction numbers and D will register participants and collect payments.
• Morning tea provided by the wives and members. Participants will be asked for a gold coin donation to cover costs.
• Up to 60 attendants expected. Numbers difficult to gauge.
I explained the progress of my study and timeframes for finishing
Feedback about woodshed from Areo Club Members
I noted that the feedback he had from the Areoclub was not what the membership would want to hear. Having worked to the shed and container with the members I become aware that they believe they have done a very good job to make the space presentable and that it is a significant improvement on its previous condition. The following comments had been passed on by the representative of the areo club during his last visit.
• Covering up concrete foundations on the woodshed. They had been warn that concreted posts could constitute a permanent structure which would need consent. There were a number of comments pasted by members about the lack of sense in this given the stability required and the ease with which the structure could be removed in the future, regardless of the posts being concreted in. J suggested covering the concrete with dirt to conceal it. No one was in favor of removing the concreted pots. Themes here about perceived common sense of the lack of it in applied regulations without specific knowledge or context.
• Complaint about parking on and around the tarmac area but the shed. Members were adamant that no one had ever parked on the tarmac as this was a known obligation of sharing the space. This was an anonyms complaint made by a areo club member. M offered possible solutions including mapping agreed parking areas. I informed/reminded the group of the historic issues around parking and the solutions they had sort with little agreement or response from the areo club.
• Various niggles and issues continue to surface with the sharing of space. I and other suggested this may have originated from the fire in the tearooms others thought there were a group of areo club members who have never wanted them to share the space. Because the complaints from the areo club have never been presented to the shed directly or owned by the complainant it has been difficult to find a resolution.
• Theme of place, control and ownership (shared interests)
• Possibilities of looking for a new base was raised by one member. Many though that, although a possibility, this would be a great shame given the work and development put into the shed by members.
• General agreement that a meeting is required with the areoclub to work through issues. I and M willing to be representatives. I will contact the areo club to try and make this happen.
J wanted to apply to the group to purchase trees as a correct shelter for the container. Previous plantings had not taken and he had received advice from one of the gardeners in the group and the correct trees to plant. Further costing investigations to be carried out.
Photos circulated from presentation of pet enclosure to the local kindy. I talked to I about using these in my study. This will be discussed with the membership at a further date.
Meeting closed and morning tea served at 11pm. I departed at 11.30.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Date: 1st October 2011
Saturday session
• Unloading and sorting latest Bunning’s products for auction with Ian
• Talking to J about sorting wood for racks to make room up top (my instigation)
• Working with N (pencil, footwear store)
• Recycling products and making order in the woodshed
• Smoko and continued work
• Unloading and sorting latest Bunning’s products for auction with Ian
I arrived a little earlier this week as I noticed other members had been arriving before the start time of 9.30. This maybe related to the improving weather and daylight savings. When I arrived I was also pulling up to the shed with another load of donated goods from Bunnings. I help unload these with other members of the shed. I provided various members with tasks of assembling and sorting the equipment for the Auction next Saturday. During the unload a good amount of time was spent examining the goods and making decisions about whether to keep it for the shed or add it to the auction. I was able to help out with some advice about a Dremal Drill having used one before I could describe possible uses for the shed. I also noticed some members had their eyes on certain goods and seemed to be prioritizing about which items they would bid on next week. I informed those around that there were a good number coming next week including members of the Aero club, The Kings Shed, neighbors, friends and partners. I was particularly keen to have partners attend as he thought they may be interested in the gardening products and outdoor furniture. The auction will also have a catered morning tea for those who attend and a chance to look around the shed.
• Talking to J about sorting wood for racks to make room up top (my instigation)
After helping with unloading the trailer and talking to the members about the auction I found J to have a talk about moving some of the wood from the workshop to the woodshed. J was busy with a project but we had a quick discussion about stacking wood by length and sizes as far as possible. We also decided to move wood from one area of the loft first so as to give us access to the water piping where we may tee off a connection for an outside tap in the near future. J went back to his work and N came and offered to help me with the clear out. He told me I had to be the young fella up the ladder and he’d stack the wood as I passed it down.
The first load we brought down was a collection of old rimu shelves and draws. These needed to be de-nailed and screwed so as we could keep the usable wood. We decided to do this outside in the sun. It required a bit of time and patience to find the correct tools to use on the old and rusted screws. Man needed CRC to loosen them up.
Recycling and waste not want not. Once we finished dismantling the timber myself and N rolled up the woodshed covers and began figuring out where we would store the wood. We both noted one of the roofing iron shelves was bending under pressure. N suggested we prop this up another supporting beam. We had a discussion about what wood to use and N collected a saw and square from the work shop. N has a very dry sense of humor referring to me as the skilled trades man and playing down his own skills and experience.
He was very happy to see I’d kept the pencil he gave me last week, and we spent some time talking about the shoe store he owned in Mosgiel as well as my Poppa who worked for Suckling’s in Chch a footwear firm who N had dealt with a lot. After fixing the shelf we restacked the timber and went to morning tea smoko.
At smoko I caught up with the members and a number of their projects. E had been working all morning on a mobile library unit on wheels for a local rest home. This was progressing well thanks to the similarity to previous projects as well as his experience. E seems to be a go to member for community project and often works on these with his son. The other members reported their successes and frustrations in sorting and assembling the equipment for the auction (this was proving mostly successful). I updated everyone about the auction plans and also acknowledged G birthday. This was toasted by the group.
After smoko N and myself continued to remove timber from the loft and stack it in the wood shed. We found some rough sawn pallet wood (untreated). N was very happy about this as it was ‘perfect’ for the planter boxes they make for a local community group. He though this wood would disappear very quickly now that it has been made more available.
I helped N pack up the tools we’d used and close up the blinds for the woodshed. I departed at 12noon. Before the rest of the group as I had to meet my Mother and family for lunch. Plan to attend the AGM next Wednesday.
• Unloading and sorting latest Bunning’s products for auction with Ian
• Talking to J about sorting wood for racks to make room up top (my instigation)
• Working with N (pencil, footwear store)
• Recycling products and making order in the woodshed
• Smoko and continued work
• Unloading and sorting latest Bunning’s products for auction with Ian
I arrived a little earlier this week as I noticed other members had been arriving before the start time of 9.30. This maybe related to the improving weather and daylight savings. When I arrived I was also pulling up to the shed with another load of donated goods from Bunnings. I help unload these with other members of the shed. I provided various members with tasks of assembling and sorting the equipment for the Auction next Saturday. During the unload a good amount of time was spent examining the goods and making decisions about whether to keep it for the shed or add it to the auction. I was able to help out with some advice about a Dremal Drill having used one before I could describe possible uses for the shed. I also noticed some members had their eyes on certain goods and seemed to be prioritizing about which items they would bid on next week. I informed those around that there were a good number coming next week including members of the Aero club, The Kings Shed, neighbors, friends and partners. I was particularly keen to have partners attend as he thought they may be interested in the gardening products and outdoor furniture. The auction will also have a catered morning tea for those who attend and a chance to look around the shed.
• Talking to J about sorting wood for racks to make room up top (my instigation)
After helping with unloading the trailer and talking to the members about the auction I found J to have a talk about moving some of the wood from the workshop to the woodshed. J was busy with a project but we had a quick discussion about stacking wood by length and sizes as far as possible. We also decided to move wood from one area of the loft first so as to give us access to the water piping where we may tee off a connection for an outside tap in the near future. J went back to his work and N came and offered to help me with the clear out. He told me I had to be the young fella up the ladder and he’d stack the wood as I passed it down.
The first load we brought down was a collection of old rimu shelves and draws. These needed to be de-nailed and screwed so as we could keep the usable wood. We decided to do this outside in the sun. It required a bit of time and patience to find the correct tools to use on the old and rusted screws. Man needed CRC to loosen them up.
Recycling and waste not want not. Once we finished dismantling the timber myself and N rolled up the woodshed covers and began figuring out where we would store the wood. We both noted one of the roofing iron shelves was bending under pressure. N suggested we prop this up another supporting beam. We had a discussion about what wood to use and N collected a saw and square from the work shop. N has a very dry sense of humor referring to me as the skilled trades man and playing down his own skills and experience.
He was very happy to see I’d kept the pencil he gave me last week, and we spent some time talking about the shoe store he owned in Mosgiel as well as my Poppa who worked for Suckling’s in Chch a footwear firm who N had dealt with a lot. After fixing the shelf we restacked the timber and went to morning tea smoko.
At smoko I caught up with the members and a number of their projects. E had been working all morning on a mobile library unit on wheels for a local rest home. This was progressing well thanks to the similarity to previous projects as well as his experience. E seems to be a go to member for community project and often works on these with his son. The other members reported their successes and frustrations in sorting and assembling the equipment for the auction (this was proving mostly successful). I updated everyone about the auction plans and also acknowledged G birthday. This was toasted by the group.
After smoko N and myself continued to remove timber from the loft and stack it in the wood shed. We found some rough sawn pallet wood (untreated). N was very happy about this as it was ‘perfect’ for the planter boxes they make for a local community group. He though this wood would disappear very quickly now that it has been made more available.
I helped N pack up the tools we’d used and close up the blinds for the woodshed. I departed at 12noon. Before the rest of the group as I had to meet my Mother and family for lunch. Plan to attend the AGM next Wednesday.
Date: 24th September 2011
Saturday session
• Very quiet day, no more than 6 shed member present.
• Personal project to see what sort of advice I’d get. Chance to prove skills
• Good discussion with J about clearing out the wood stack above machines
Very quite day, no more than 6 shed member present. I unsure why there were so few members in attendance today. J and N said it just sometimes happens that way. J and N as well as F also noted it was good for a change to have room in the workshop which is often very crowded.
N and F spent their time working on preparing wood for planter boxes. J was working with another member to weld and install brackets in the container. As this was a two person job I asked F if there was anything else he needed doing. We talked about moving wood from the loft to the woodshed however when he heard I had a project of my own I could work on he encouraged me to do this. I’m currently renovating the kitchen in my home and had a mantle piece I was constructing in the back of the car. It was nice to get a chance to work on this as it was my first individual project at the shed.
For the rest of the session I worked by myself on this with occasional queries from F, J and N. F and N were very complimentary about the progress of the construct where as J wanted to hear what my plans were about joints and fixings. It was satisfied and complimentary once he heard I had a justifiable plan.
Left at 12.30 with the other members. (photos to follow of piece and wood in loft)
• Very quiet day, no more than 6 shed member present.
• Personal project to see what sort of advice I’d get. Chance to prove skills
• Good discussion with J about clearing out the wood stack above machines
Very quite day, no more than 6 shed member present. I unsure why there were so few members in attendance today. J and N said it just sometimes happens that way. J and N as well as F also noted it was good for a change to have room in the workshop which is often very crowded.
N and F spent their time working on preparing wood for planter boxes. J was working with another member to weld and install brackets in the container. As this was a two person job I asked F if there was anything else he needed doing. We talked about moving wood from the loft to the woodshed however when he heard I had a project of my own I could work on he encouraged me to do this. I’m currently renovating the kitchen in my home and had a mantle piece I was constructing in the back of the car. It was nice to get a chance to work on this as it was my first individual project at the shed.
For the rest of the session I worked by myself on this with occasional queries from F, J and N. F and N were very complimentary about the progress of the construct where as J wanted to hear what my plans were about joints and fixings. It was satisfied and complimentary once he heard I had a justifiable plan.
Left at 12.30 with the other members. (photos to follow of piece and wood in loft)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Date: 17th September 2011
Saturday session
• Talked with I and person enquiring about setting up a shed in Port Chalmers
• Meet with J and M to discuss end shed cover plans
• Worked with M on shed cover
• Difficulties working with materials and producing an end product we were happy with
• Smoko and rugby talk, caught up with volunteer who met visitors at airport. Discussed numbers at the shed and workshop space.
• Finished cover project for the day with M
• Cleaned up work area
When I arrived I was talking with a person who was visiting and making enquiries about setting up a shed in Port Chalmers. I joined this discussion and I comments reaffirmed a number of foundation point of the shed that had been mentioned on previous occasions these being
• The making of place through renovating and constructing the shed and it facilities.
• A clear focus on what the shed does both community and individual projects. I acknowledged this was a difficult balance and one which had been discussed amongst the members as noted in last week’s journal entry.
• The need to have the support of others (organizations and communities) and a critical mass of people who organize and drive shed structure and progress. These points were seen as vital by I. The visitor from Port was currently in the process of holding community meetings. He wanted to orientate the shed at Port to the community and discussed using the label ‘Community Shed’ rather than blokes shed. The plan being to involve as many sectors of the community as possible. My thoughts are that this would be a difficult balancing act as there would have to be a degree of management of which groups used the shed and when. It may also transpire that in meeting with the community that there is a defined group who would benefit most from the shed and it may be more productive to meet this need rather than trying to cater for all. Catering for a distinct group such as the Blokes Shed does helps enable community and place through familiarity, similarity and a degree of commonality of purpose. Some of the literature reviewed indicates that sheds work best if they cater for this.
• The Port visitor said he’d keep the Blokes Shed informed of progress. I also plan to keep an eye on the local papers and media for developments.
Meet with J and M to discuss end shed cover plans. We looked at the tarp which a member had purchased for the end. A shared concern was that the quality of the material was nowhere near the same as the other blinds. Give the relatively low cost of the tarp and the availability of other materials we decided to fit the blind and see how well it lasted. Myself and M worked on the cover following steps from the previous week. We struck a number of minor difficulties and frustrations around using and fitting the material. We had to double over the tarp as cutting it to fit would have weakened it. This made the blind less tidy the front side. Neither M and myself were happy with the final product and other members commented that although it was functional it didn’t match the other blinds and wouldn’t be a s durable. After consulting with J we decided to revisit the cover fitting next Saturday. This highlighted to me the balance between making do a the shed and also producing a result that meet purpose.
Smoko comprised more rugby talk about the progress of teams in the world cup. I caught up with volunteer who met visitors at airport last week and he talked about how much he’d enjoyed directing the English visitors to local bars and night spots. I also got talking to P and E about how things were going in the workshop that morning. This lead to discussion about how busy the space was becoming and the difficulties of working around each other. To me this raises safety and productivity issues around how many can attend on any set day. Today was fine so a number of members worked outside, thus alleviating the problem however this is not always the case. Space and popularity of the shed had been noted in the Wednesday meeting and plans are being discussed to open on additional days.
Finished cover project for the day with M
Cleaned up work area. I noticed many of the member had departed by 12 noon and not all areas we as clean as at the beginning of the day. I have observed that I and J often are the last to leave and do lock up and tidy up. I’m unsure if this is a frustrations for them, something they see as their role or something the shed needs to reinforce as a shared responsibility.
• Talked with I and person enquiring about setting up a shed in Port Chalmers
• Meet with J and M to discuss end shed cover plans
• Worked with M on shed cover
• Difficulties working with materials and producing an end product we were happy with
• Smoko and rugby talk, caught up with volunteer who met visitors at airport. Discussed numbers at the shed and workshop space.
• Finished cover project for the day with M
• Cleaned up work area
When I arrived I was talking with a person who was visiting and making enquiries about setting up a shed in Port Chalmers. I joined this discussion and I comments reaffirmed a number of foundation point of the shed that had been mentioned on previous occasions these being
• The making of place through renovating and constructing the shed and it facilities.
• A clear focus on what the shed does both community and individual projects. I acknowledged this was a difficult balance and one which had been discussed amongst the members as noted in last week’s journal entry.
• The need to have the support of others (organizations and communities) and a critical mass of people who organize and drive shed structure and progress. These points were seen as vital by I. The visitor from Port was currently in the process of holding community meetings. He wanted to orientate the shed at Port to the community and discussed using the label ‘Community Shed’ rather than blokes shed. The plan being to involve as many sectors of the community as possible. My thoughts are that this would be a difficult balancing act as there would have to be a degree of management of which groups used the shed and when. It may also transpire that in meeting with the community that there is a defined group who would benefit most from the shed and it may be more productive to meet this need rather than trying to cater for all. Catering for a distinct group such as the Blokes Shed does helps enable community and place through familiarity, similarity and a degree of commonality of purpose. Some of the literature reviewed indicates that sheds work best if they cater for this.
• The Port visitor said he’d keep the Blokes Shed informed of progress. I also plan to keep an eye on the local papers and media for developments.
Meet with J and M to discuss end shed cover plans. We looked at the tarp which a member had purchased for the end. A shared concern was that the quality of the material was nowhere near the same as the other blinds. Give the relatively low cost of the tarp and the availability of other materials we decided to fit the blind and see how well it lasted. Myself and M worked on the cover following steps from the previous week. We struck a number of minor difficulties and frustrations around using and fitting the material. We had to double over the tarp as cutting it to fit would have weakened it. This made the blind less tidy the front side. Neither M and myself were happy with the final product and other members commented that although it was functional it didn’t match the other blinds and wouldn’t be a s durable. After consulting with J we decided to revisit the cover fitting next Saturday. This highlighted to me the balance between making do a the shed and also producing a result that meet purpose.
Smoko comprised more rugby talk about the progress of teams in the world cup. I caught up with volunteer who met visitors at airport last week and he talked about how much he’d enjoyed directing the English visitors to local bars and night spots. I also got talking to P and E about how things were going in the workshop that morning. This lead to discussion about how busy the space was becoming and the difficulties of working around each other. To me this raises safety and productivity issues around how many can attend on any set day. Today was fine so a number of members worked outside, thus alleviating the problem however this is not always the case. Space and popularity of the shed had been noted in the Wednesday meeting and plans are being discussed to open on additional days.
Finished cover project for the day with M
Cleaned up work area. I noticed many of the member had departed by 12 noon and not all areas we as clean as at the beginning of the day. I have observed that I and J often are the last to leave and do lock up and tidy up. I’m unsure if this is a frustrations for them, something they see as their role or something the shed needs to reinforce as a shared responsibility.
Date: 10 September 2011
First Attendance on a Saturday continued with cover for the woodshed
• Meet with Jim to discuss moving shed cover to main wall not wanting to waste material
• Met M young member 14 years, members really seemed to enjoy having him around
• Starting to feel confident in putting my point of view across with the cover project
• Some dissention about J role amongst other members I work with
• Smoko and rugby talk, one member volunteering to meet visitors at airport
• Finished cover project for the day with M
• Took Photos
I arrived at 9.30 today the first Saturday session I’ve attended. As I arrived I meet with Jim to discuss moving the shed cover we had tacked to the side wall at the end of the last session to the main wall. Both myself and J had been thinking about this since last Wednesday and were not wanting to waste material. We untacked the sheet and laid it out and measured the length against the front wall (see photos). It turned out we had enough length to cover all of the front three bays.
In starting this project we were joined by M, the young member (14 years) who I heard the other members talking about at the August monthly meeting. We were also joined by IH a regular Saturday attendee who I meet at the Bunnings stock take. The members really seemed to enjoy having him M around and he appeared keen to be involved and learn off the members.
During our work around building the binds for the front three bays J came and went he said he wanted to leave it over to us, but he did return periodically to check on progress and question why we were doing thing as we were. I felt confident taking on the task and working with the other two who started to look to me for advice in leading the project. I tried to follow J lead and ask M and IH for their thoughts. IH was happy to suggest small things like doubling up saw horse as a mobile work bench. He however often differed to my judgment with good hearted comments like ’I know a trades man when I see one’. Other members came and went over the morning many commenting on how good the cover looked. During this task I felt my point of view and judgment were respected and I felt like a valued member of the shed.
During smoko I got talking with M about why he came to the shed. He was looking to get work experience in the engineering field and hadn’t had much luck until a family member suggested he approach the shed. He has been a regular attendee for the past few months and was becoming an official paid up member that day. M told me he really enjoyed attending and learning off the Men. To me he appears very mature in his approach to the work. He quickly asked for advice and made suggestions for example fixings for the blinds. A number of the other members like giving M a ‘hard time’ joking that they would write a report for his teacher or analyzing his work and making good humored comments. M seemed to respond well to this and even made comments on the work of other members.
During the mornings work and at smoko I noted some dissention about J and the way he offered advice on projects. IH sarcastically called him the ‘shed boss’ and ‘he who’s in charge’ to other members. I feel I’ve started to build a nice relationship with J through the work we’ve done together. This is the first time I noticed other members might hold different views to mine. This is something I plan to keep monitoring as a relationship dynamic in the shed.
At smoko there was a lot of rugby talk given the start of the world cup the night before, one member told me about his volunteering for the cup, meeting visitors at the airport. He was off there after the shed to meet some English visitors.
Myself and M finished the cover project for the day at 12.30 and talked with J about fixing plans for the blinds next session.
After tidy up I took photos of the sheds and surrounding environments See below) making sure not to capture any members as I’ve not yet had official ethics approval yet.
• Meet with Jim to discuss moving shed cover to main wall not wanting to waste material
• Met M young member 14 years, members really seemed to enjoy having him around
• Starting to feel confident in putting my point of view across with the cover project
• Some dissention about J role amongst other members I work with
• Smoko and rugby talk, one member volunteering to meet visitors at airport
• Finished cover project for the day with M
• Took Photos
I arrived at 9.30 today the first Saturday session I’ve attended. As I arrived I meet with Jim to discuss moving the shed cover we had tacked to the side wall at the end of the last session to the main wall. Both myself and J had been thinking about this since last Wednesday and were not wanting to waste material. We untacked the sheet and laid it out and measured the length against the front wall (see photos). It turned out we had enough length to cover all of the front three bays.
In starting this project we were joined by M, the young member (14 years) who I heard the other members talking about at the August monthly meeting. We were also joined by IH a regular Saturday attendee who I meet at the Bunnings stock take. The members really seemed to enjoy having him M around and he appeared keen to be involved and learn off the members.
During our work around building the binds for the front three bays J came and went he said he wanted to leave it over to us, but he did return periodically to check on progress and question why we were doing thing as we were. I felt confident taking on the task and working with the other two who started to look to me for advice in leading the project. I tried to follow J lead and ask M and IH for their thoughts. IH was happy to suggest small things like doubling up saw horse as a mobile work bench. He however often differed to my judgment with good hearted comments like ’I know a trades man when I see one’. Other members came and went over the morning many commenting on how good the cover looked. During this task I felt my point of view and judgment were respected and I felt like a valued member of the shed.
During smoko I got talking with M about why he came to the shed. He was looking to get work experience in the engineering field and hadn’t had much luck until a family member suggested he approach the shed. He has been a regular attendee for the past few months and was becoming an official paid up member that day. M told me he really enjoyed attending and learning off the Men. To me he appears very mature in his approach to the work. He quickly asked for advice and made suggestions for example fixings for the blinds. A number of the other members like giving M a ‘hard time’ joking that they would write a report for his teacher or analyzing his work and making good humored comments. M seemed to respond well to this and even made comments on the work of other members.
During the mornings work and at smoko I noted some dissention about J and the way he offered advice on projects. IH sarcastically called him the ‘shed boss’ and ‘he who’s in charge’ to other members. I feel I’ve started to build a nice relationship with J through the work we’ve done together. This is the first time I noticed other members might hold different views to mine. This is something I plan to keep monitoring as a relationship dynamic in the shed.
At smoko there was a lot of rugby talk given the start of the world cup the night before, one member told me about his volunteering for the cup, meeting visitors at the airport. He was off there after the shed to meet some English visitors.
Myself and M finished the cover project for the day at 12.30 and talked with J about fixing plans for the blinds next session.
After tidy up I took photos of the sheds and surrounding environments See below) making sure not to capture any members as I’ve not yet had official ethics approval yet.
Date: 7 September 2011
September’s monthly meeting and cover for the woodshed
I arrived late for the start of the sheds monthly meeting due to work commitments. I put in my apologies as I arrived. Below is an outline of the issues raised at meeting.
Tool wish list and maintenance: I has told me that one of the regular agenda items is to look at tool maintenance and consider which tools and equipment are required. It arose a number of issues around the development of the shed and how members viewed the purpose of the shed. At this meeting members noted that the shed has a number of duplicate tools, ‘more than is needed’, one member stated. A number agreed that with the donation of tools during the sheds first year of set up and the willingness of the shed to take all and any donations there was now an oversupply of tools, many of which required maintenance and were of poor quality. Two members commented the tools should be thinned out and that elected members should judge how many are required and whether we need to buy or look for better quality. This raised discussions that the committee should revisits past notions of having elected members who oversee the woodwork shed, the machine shed, and the welding shed. This was noted as being a potential AGM agenda item. A number of the members commented that the shed had developed very quickly with community projects coming in from the very beginning. Comparison was made this the Kings shed who had approx 12 months to plan and fit out their shed. Those who had been to the Kings shed spoke about the organization of their spaces being more purpose/project focused where as this shed had developed as members renovated spaces and set up areas as they went working around community projects.
The discussion then shifted to the balance between individual and community project. A number of the members openly talked about the focus on community projects being at the expense of their own projects. Members did not appear anti community projects but a number appeared to have more time on their own work. It was noted by I as the meeting chair that a lot of the shed development and community project were coming to an end and there may well be time for more individual projects in the near future. The discussion came to a close then but it is a theme that I intend to follow up in discussions with members and in individual interviews.
Ongoing cost and funding application: This was the first time I seen BB at the shed who was my original contact for the shed and founding member. BB struck me as being very opinionated in the meeting discussion around funding applications and invitations to join the Men’s Shed association. M one of the newer member with a job history in project management and planning offered suggestions around planning application for funding based on project and equipment requirements. BB was reasonable short in his response that this was under control at present. This to mean seemed like a lost opportunity as M indicated he would be willing to help with funding.
BB and I indicated that they had again been approached to join the Men’s Shed movement but had declined and were dismissive of the idea. Although, as previously stated a number of members have been reasonable negative towards joining this association I do want to check this is a prevailing view with all members
I introduced myself to BB once the meeting had concluded but did not manage to have a long talk.
Bunning’s Equipment Auction: the shed had been donated another load of ‘as is’ equipment from Bunnings. There was a good deal of discussion about how this equipment could be sold to make money for the shed. Two members noted to general agreement from the majority of members that if goods are to be sold again this needs to involve more than just the shed members. It was suggested by M that TradeMe is an option but this was discounted as the responsibility of selling goods through Trademe would fall on individual members and not the shed as a whole. A decision was made after discussion to invite King Shed members, The Areo Club and Partners of Shed members.
Smoko
After the meeting conclusion we had smoko and I talked with I about my impression of the meeting. I stated that I was pleased to see so many members engaged in the conversation. My other impressions not shared with I were that along with many members being involved in the discussion it was also interesting to see members passionate about the topics discussed and willing to share opinions. My opinion here is that this indicates strength of this community as members care about the shed operations.
Shed cover and talk with J
After smoko I meet with J who had not been at the meeting to discuss continued work on the wood shed. J seemed agitated at first with organizing other members I overheard him talking about members ‘wasting his time’. I’m unsure what this comment was about. We got talking about the cover I’d brought in last week and how to best use it. Jim was impressed by the quality of the cover and we both wanted to make sure it wasn’t wasted. We spent a lot of time discussing ideas for covering the end of the shed with a blind that could be rolled up (this can be seen in photos). In the end we tacked it to the end of the shed uncut. The plan being to look at cutting the sheet next week and re attaching the remaining material to the front side of the shed. This was how the project was left at the end of the day.
I also had a long talk with J after he asked me about my study and my time at the shed. After explaining the structure of the study J made the following comments about why he comes to the shed.
• He was not wanting to be part of committee organization just wanting to do and help out. He stated that he’d had enough management of people in his previous jobs and didn’t need the hassle. He was happy to provide planning advice and guidance but not wanting to take on the responsibility of a leadership role. He see it as the shed responsibility to make do, keeping cost down and not taking short cuts by buying materials and taking the easy way out. He talk about showing M how to fuse PVC piping for the woodshed spouting a skill he had learnt from a fellow worker and was proud to pass on.He was also concerned about the tidiness of the outside area, a current focus. He noted that the cover over should improve the look here.
Finished at 12.30 with a plan to attend this coming Saturday to work on the cover
I arrived late for the start of the sheds monthly meeting due to work commitments. I put in my apologies as I arrived. Below is an outline of the issues raised at meeting.
Tool wish list and maintenance: I has told me that one of the regular agenda items is to look at tool maintenance and consider which tools and equipment are required. It arose a number of issues around the development of the shed and how members viewed the purpose of the shed. At this meeting members noted that the shed has a number of duplicate tools, ‘more than is needed’, one member stated. A number agreed that with the donation of tools during the sheds first year of set up and the willingness of the shed to take all and any donations there was now an oversupply of tools, many of which required maintenance and were of poor quality. Two members commented the tools should be thinned out and that elected members should judge how many are required and whether we need to buy or look for better quality. This raised discussions that the committee should revisits past notions of having elected members who oversee the woodwork shed, the machine shed, and the welding shed. This was noted as being a potential AGM agenda item. A number of the members commented that the shed had developed very quickly with community projects coming in from the very beginning. Comparison was made this the Kings shed who had approx 12 months to plan and fit out their shed. Those who had been to the Kings shed spoke about the organization of their spaces being more purpose/project focused where as this shed had developed as members renovated spaces and set up areas as they went working around community projects.
The discussion then shifted to the balance between individual and community project. A number of the members openly talked about the focus on community projects being at the expense of their own projects. Members did not appear anti community projects but a number appeared to have more time on their own work. It was noted by I as the meeting chair that a lot of the shed development and community project were coming to an end and there may well be time for more individual projects in the near future. The discussion came to a close then but it is a theme that I intend to follow up in discussions with members and in individual interviews.
Ongoing cost and funding application: This was the first time I seen BB at the shed who was my original contact for the shed and founding member. BB struck me as being very opinionated in the meeting discussion around funding applications and invitations to join the Men’s Shed association. M one of the newer member with a job history in project management and planning offered suggestions around planning application for funding based on project and equipment requirements. BB was reasonable short in his response that this was under control at present. This to mean seemed like a lost opportunity as M indicated he would be willing to help with funding.
BB and I indicated that they had again been approached to join the Men’s Shed movement but had declined and were dismissive of the idea. Although, as previously stated a number of members have been reasonable negative towards joining this association I do want to check this is a prevailing view with all members
I introduced myself to BB once the meeting had concluded but did not manage to have a long talk.
Bunning’s Equipment Auction: the shed had been donated another load of ‘as is’ equipment from Bunnings. There was a good deal of discussion about how this equipment could be sold to make money for the shed. Two members noted to general agreement from the majority of members that if goods are to be sold again this needs to involve more than just the shed members. It was suggested by M that TradeMe is an option but this was discounted as the responsibility of selling goods through Trademe would fall on individual members and not the shed as a whole. A decision was made after discussion to invite King Shed members, The Areo Club and Partners of Shed members.
Smoko
After the meeting conclusion we had smoko and I talked with I about my impression of the meeting. I stated that I was pleased to see so many members engaged in the conversation. My other impressions not shared with I were that along with many members being involved in the discussion it was also interesting to see members passionate about the topics discussed and willing to share opinions. My opinion here is that this indicates strength of this community as members care about the shed operations.
Shed cover and talk with J
After smoko I meet with J who had not been at the meeting to discuss continued work on the wood shed. J seemed agitated at first with organizing other members I overheard him talking about members ‘wasting his time’. I’m unsure what this comment was about. We got talking about the cover I’d brought in last week and how to best use it. Jim was impressed by the quality of the cover and we both wanted to make sure it wasn’t wasted. We spent a lot of time discussing ideas for covering the end of the shed with a blind that could be rolled up (this can be seen in photos). In the end we tacked it to the end of the shed uncut. The plan being to look at cutting the sheet next week and re attaching the remaining material to the front side of the shed. This was how the project was left at the end of the day.
I also had a long talk with J after he asked me about my study and my time at the shed. After explaining the structure of the study J made the following comments about why he comes to the shed.
• He was not wanting to be part of committee organization just wanting to do and help out. He stated that he’d had enough management of people in his previous jobs and didn’t need the hassle. He was happy to provide planning advice and guidance but not wanting to take on the responsibility of a leadership role. He see it as the shed responsibility to make do, keeping cost down and not taking short cuts by buying materials and taking the easy way out. He talk about showing M how to fuse PVC piping for the woodshed spouting a skill he had learnt from a fellow worker and was proud to pass on.He was also concerned about the tidiness of the outside area, a current focus. He noted that the cover over should improve the look here.
Finished at 12.30 with a plan to attend this coming Saturday to work on the cover
Date: 31 August 2011
Bunning’s Stock take with shed
As noted earlier today I had agreed to attend the Bunnings Stock take. This is a reciprocal arrangement with the shed where Bunning have supplied material and goods in the past and continue to offer the shed discounts on materials. The stocktake ran from 7 until mid afternoon.
There appeared to be a good turn out from members of the shed, although I was only aware of this over morning tea as members had been split into work teams across the store. At morning tea I caught up with 5 members all of who were there appreciative of Bunnings support and many appeared in good spirits and enjoying the work. I noted some prominent members chose not to attend. I noted that some member of the club were a ‘little’ skepticism of Bunning not being an NZ company. Morning tea also gave me a chance to meet and introduce myself to members who attend on the Saturday only for the shed. I’ve yet to attend on a Saturday due to other commitments but plan to attend Saturday week. Thos who only attended on Sat talked about their other occupation during the week. Two members being keen golfer and one being in a walking group.
I left at 12.30pm, other members stayed on
As noted earlier today I had agreed to attend the Bunnings Stock take. This is a reciprocal arrangement with the shed where Bunning have supplied material and goods in the past and continue to offer the shed discounts on materials. The stocktake ran from 7 until mid afternoon.
There appeared to be a good turn out from members of the shed, although I was only aware of this over morning tea as members had been split into work teams across the store. At morning tea I caught up with 5 members all of who were there appreciative of Bunnings support and many appeared in good spirits and enjoying the work. I noted some prominent members chose not to attend. I noted that some member of the club were a ‘little’ skepticism of Bunning not being an NZ company. Morning tea also gave me a chance to meet and introduce myself to members who attend on the Saturday only for the shed. I’ve yet to attend on a Saturday due to other commitments but plan to attend Saturday week. Thos who only attended on Sat talked about their other occupation during the week. Two members being keen golfer and one being in a walking group.
I left at 12.30pm, other members stayed on
Date: 30 August 2011
Email contact around blog
I contacted D today, by email, to follow up on how he might want to progress with the blog for the shed. D replied as follows
Hi James
Have to confess I have done nothing to the blog at all, have had a bit of sickness myself and Isobel is also not to good.
But that said I have no other excuse and I am sure the Blokes would like to see the Blog, We are away to Australia for a couple of
weeks in Sep then our AGM so doubt if I will get anything done.
Sorry to be so negative because I appreciate your help and looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Regards
D
I responded
Hi Don, sorry to hear about the ongoing sickness. I hope you and Isobel come right before your trip. No pressure on my behalf about the blog just an offer to help if you wanted to work on it for an hour or two this week. I’m happy to tackle this in the future whenever you wish. I’ll be at the shed in the morning so might see you then.
Thanks James
I’m quite conscious in this situation not to burden D with the blog project and feel like it is an agenda I’m pushing. It is something I plan to discuss further with Don upon his return from Oz.
I contacted D today, by email, to follow up on how he might want to progress with the blog for the shed. D replied as follows
Hi James
Have to confess I have done nothing to the blog at all, have had a bit of sickness myself and Isobel is also not to good.
But that said I have no other excuse and I am sure the Blokes would like to see the Blog, We are away to Australia for a couple of
weeks in Sep then our AGM so doubt if I will get anything done.
Sorry to be so negative because I appreciate your help and looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Regards
D
I responded
Hi Don, sorry to hear about the ongoing sickness. I hope you and Isobel come right before your trip. No pressure on my behalf about the blog just an offer to help if you wanted to work on it for an hour or two this week. I’m happy to tackle this in the future whenever you wish. I’ll be at the shed in the morning so might see you then.
Thanks James
I’m quite conscious in this situation not to burden D with the blog project and feel like it is an agenda I’m pushing. It is something I plan to discuss further with Don upon his return from Oz.
Date: 29th August 2011
Supervision meeting with Linda
In my supervision meeting this week the following areas were discussed
Adding explanations around terminology and language used in the shed. This may relate to tools, techniques, or gender based language. In addition to this planning to add more detail to identifying relationships within the setting and issues of concern and issues of concern
My field journal should also include my ‘random’ and developing thoughts and musings
Plan to investigate means/ends literature and Rowels publications on occupation and geography. This would be benefited from discussions with fellow Masters students Kalian and Evelyn.
In my supervision meeting this week the following areas were discussed
Adding explanations around terminology and language used in the shed. This may relate to tools, techniques, or gender based language. In addition to this planning to add more detail to identifying relationships within the setting and issues of concern and issues of concern
My field journal should also include my ‘random’ and developing thoughts and musings
Plan to investigate means/ends literature and Rowels publications on occupation and geography. This would be benefited from discussions with fellow Masters students Kalian and Evelyn.
Date: 24 August 2011
Missed session dropped out woodshed cover
Although I couldn’t make it out to the shed today I drove out in the morning and left a note for I and J about my non attendance. This trip was also made to drop off an old cover I had which we had discussed (myself and J) using for the wood shed. Dropping this sheet off for me fitted with the reciprocal nature of the shed. Other members are willing to exchange materials and offer them to the shed without any recompense. There seems to be a willingness to offer materials but at the same time there is a growing awareness expressed by many members that the equipment and material must have a use, otherwise they will be added to the many other materials and equipment at the shed not being used. This has implications for storage space as well as the appearance of the shed, particularly the outside yard, this has been a concern presented by some members of the aero club.
I plan to catch up with J in two weeks to see if or how we can use the cover if he and other members haven’t already done so. Next week the shed members are booked to stock take at Bunnings. As previously noted I’ve also volunteered to help here.
Although I couldn’t make it out to the shed today I drove out in the morning and left a note for I and J about my non attendance. This trip was also made to drop off an old cover I had which we had discussed (myself and J) using for the wood shed. Dropping this sheet off for me fitted with the reciprocal nature of the shed. Other members are willing to exchange materials and offer them to the shed without any recompense. There seems to be a willingness to offer materials but at the same time there is a growing awareness expressed by many members that the equipment and material must have a use, otherwise they will be added to the many other materials and equipment at the shed not being used. This has implications for storage space as well as the appearance of the shed, particularly the outside yard, this has been a concern presented by some members of the aero club.
I plan to catch up with J in two weeks to see if or how we can use the cover if he and other members haven’t already done so. Next week the shed members are booked to stock take at Bunnings. As previously noted I’ve also volunteered to help here.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Date: 17 August 2011
Third visit to service as a subscribed member
From this posting onwards the researcher will be referring to himself in the first person.
During this visit the researcher was involved in the following activities (listed chronologically). Areas will be expanded upon in subsequent notes.
• Catching up with shed members and discussing visit of Alex men the previous Wednesday, Bunnings stocktaking, member illnesses
• Talking about tools in particular old planes that I’d brought along to the shed
• Helping on continued construction of wood storage shed
• Smoko
• Planning discussion on moving and ordering wood into storage shed
• Early finish due to poor weather.
Catching up with shed members and discussing visit of Alex men the previous Wednesday, Bunnings stocktaking, member illnesses
On arrival I caught up with a number of the shed members I’d not seen for a couple of weeks. Numbers were slightly down on the previous occasions that I had visited many contributed this to the last few days of heavy snow fall and continued bad weather.
IM and myself talked about the following topics. Other members also came and went during these conversations
• The visit from the Alex men was successful. They had 6 visitors in total and by all accounts they were impressed by the community project work that was happening at the shed as well as the space and resources that had been built up.
• A number of the TBS members also traveled with them to visit the shed at Kings High. IM and other were impressed by the way this shed had been set up as in many ways it was built for purpose from scratch. IM noted some short comings in comparison to TBS. There were no designated kitchen, planning or meeting facilities; members had to clear a space for this.
• IM felt the TBS was able to give the visitors some good advice about set up planning. One example we talked about was spending money wisely on tolls and equipment getting trade quality rather than DIY tools. Better quality tools ‘last longer’ and they are more accurate, this is demanded by many members.
• IM and two other members did say that there was disagreement with the visitors about aligning themselves with the Men’s Shed movement. The was this was described highlighted again that the members of the shed are happy with the way the shed currently operates and see no benefit from being part of a wider organization. They believe that membership of a wider group could restrict what they do and how they do it. A number of members talked with confidence about what they do at the shed having meaning for themselves and for the community group who they work with. They also pointed out that they have had little difficulty gaining grants and donations for the TBS from local funding authorities.
• IM updated me on members who were currently ill. This included the treasure DS who I’ve been working with on the blog. The way members shared information here suggested they had good networks of communication outside of the shed and were aware of other members health issues and provided support. I plan to call DS in the coming week to discuss his plans for the Blog, IM thought this would be a good idea.
Talking about tools in particular old planes that I’d brought along to the shed
Due to the bad weather in the past three days I was unsure if there would be many shed members attending so I’d brought some old wood planes to fix up if no group project were happening. After talking with members I started pulling one of these planes apart. This soon attracted the attention of two other shed members whom stopped to discuss the quality of the planes and tips on fixing and sharpening them. One member told me about a website www.tooljocks.cam he had found where people submit their toll renovation projects and offer each other advice. I only managed to spend 15minutes on fixing the planes before joining the ongoing woodshed project when other members turned up.
Helping on continued construction of wood storage shed
It was pleasing to see the progress that had been made since my last session. The roofing and guttering was on and the shelves were framed up. J, F and myself worked on securing the framing and fixing roofing iron for shelves. J took the lead on this project as on other occasions. He seems to be accepted as the project Forman and is very good at providing jobs for members, offering tips and advice and getting members to share their opinions. J is a builder by trade and talked to me about seeing his role at the shed as ‘someone who drives the projects to completion’. Having fitted the roofing shelves we started to stack wood into the shed.
Smoko
Over a cuppa and a biscuit I caught up with other members, discussing recent trips overseas, health issues and interests outside the shed. One member alternates his Wednesday attendance with golf. IM asked me if I wanted to volunteer for the upcoming Bunnings stock take the shed members do as a way of repaying the sponsorship they offer. I agreed to help out.
Planning discussion on moving and ordering wood into storage shed
After smoko J and myself discussed the reordering of wood supplies from the main workshop to the newly built woodshed. J was very keen on organizing a labeling and ordering system. I did notice that wood was stored in a very unorganized way at present and there was a large load on the current shelving this was also a concern for J. The plan is to start shifting the wood in the next 2 weeks.
Early finish due to poor weather.
Members finished at the shed about 11.45 due to poor weather setting in. J and myself cleaned up the wood shed work are and the yard around before leaving.
Canceled Shed visit August 10th
Did not attend shed today due to work commitments. Let IM know via phone. Plan to catch up with IM about Alex shed visit next week.
Visit to Shed August 3rd
Date: 3 August 2011
Second visit to service as a subscribed member
During this visit the researcher was involved in the following activities (listed chronologically). Areas will be expanded upon in subsequent notes.
• 9.30am Arrival to setting and discussions with IM and D (Treasurer and secretary)
• Monthly committee meeting
• Smoko
• Continued involvement in woodshed project
• 12.30pm Departure
9.30am Arrival to setting and discussions with IM and D (Treasurer and secretary)
Upon arrival at the shed R meet with IM and D who had set up the meeting room for the committee meeting. R asked how the Shed meal had gone on the previous Friday and received very positive feedback. In subsequent discussion during the morning other members spoke of enjoying the evening and meeting member’s partners.
IM advised R that there was to have been a delegation visiting from Alexandra but this has been delayed until the following Wednesday. This group is looking at setting up a shed in their region and are keen to tour the Taieri Shed and Kings sheds and meet the members.
Monthly committee meeting
The monthly committee meeting started at 9.30 sharp. There were approx 15 members in attendance with 5 more arriving 5-15 minutes into the meeting. Below are the R description of the meeting process, agenda, and member input.
• The meeting had a clear procedure and process with distinct roles played. Upon later questioning the treasurer, secretary and a number of the other group members had committee experience.
• Attendance was taken and minutes from the last meeting read and seconded.
• The treasurer reported on the current financial position including all completed projects, received grants, and out goings. This was followed by general points of business.
• Feedback was sought on the meal the previous Friday evening. Members commented on the quality of the food, as well as the opportunity to meet members partners. This lead to latter discussions about the important roles wives and partners play in supporting the shed. As an example two of the wives are catering the morning tea for the up coming visit from the Alexandra delegation. The R has made a note that he should take future opportunities to interview wives and partners of shed members. Other issues from the meal included 2 unpaid glasses of wine. This was presented to the group in an open manner and payment was sought if a mistake had been made.
• Sponsorship for the shed had been obtained from a local real-estate agent for LJ Hookers. IM read the formal agreement between the shed and the agent. Sponsership obligation required advertisements on letter heads from the shed and encouragement of members to use his services. In return the shed offered exposure of his services and open access to the shed. The shed has also asked that the client promot the shed to any clients he may have.
• In the past few months a young 14 male has been attending the group. He has been supported by his parents and accepted by the group on a trial basis. His official membership was raised as a point of general business. A number of members were positive in their comments noting his willingness to get involved, knowledge of construction and problem solving and good nature. One member stated he was a ‘good kid’ this was met with agreement. A motion was passed to grant membership on the proviso that this was agreed upon by his parents and that he wore correct safety equipment while at the shed. A number of members voiced concern for his hearing and sight and referred to their own sensory loss as a result of trade careers.
• D and R talked about the planning of a shed blog. The meeting had the previous day was outlines and a plan was made to present more information and visuals to the group at the next meeting. The expectation of contribution from all members was raised. Discussion was had around the form this might take i.e. photos, reports, project work etc.
• The committee had been sent a men’s shed survey which was looking at the formation of a national body. This was dismissed without conversation amongst the group. As previously stated there appears to be a security in the current shed community and members do not see the need to join a larger association. This will be checked as a theme in the future amongst members.
• Members were reminded of the visit from the Alexandra group next week and the catered morning tea.
• The meeting was called to a conclusion at 10.15
Smoko
During smoko the R became aware of the donation made for tea and coffee (gold coin). He paid extra this week to make up for his free coffee’s in previous weeks.
Continued involvement in woodshed project
12.30pm Departure
Second visit to service as a subscribed member
During this visit the researcher was involved in the following activities (listed chronologically). Areas will be expanded upon in subsequent notes.
• 9.30am Arrival to setting and discussions with IM and D (Treasurer and secretary)
• Monthly committee meeting
• Smoko
• Continued involvement in woodshed project
• 12.30pm Departure
9.30am Arrival to setting and discussions with IM and D (Treasurer and secretary)
Upon arrival at the shed R meet with IM and D who had set up the meeting room for the committee meeting. R asked how the Shed meal had gone on the previous Friday and received very positive feedback. In subsequent discussion during the morning other members spoke of enjoying the evening and meeting member’s partners.
IM advised R that there was to have been a delegation visiting from Alexandra but this has been delayed until the following Wednesday. This group is looking at setting up a shed in their region and are keen to tour the Taieri Shed and Kings sheds and meet the members.
Monthly committee meeting
The monthly committee meeting started at 9.30 sharp. There were approx 15 members in attendance with 5 more arriving 5-15 minutes into the meeting. Below are the R description of the meeting process, agenda, and member input.
• The meeting had a clear procedure and process with distinct roles played. Upon later questioning the treasurer, secretary and a number of the other group members had committee experience.
• Attendance was taken and minutes from the last meeting read and seconded.
• The treasurer reported on the current financial position including all completed projects, received grants, and out goings. This was followed by general points of business.
• Feedback was sought on the meal the previous Friday evening. Members commented on the quality of the food, as well as the opportunity to meet members partners. This lead to latter discussions about the important roles wives and partners play in supporting the shed. As an example two of the wives are catering the morning tea for the up coming visit from the Alexandra delegation. The R has made a note that he should take future opportunities to interview wives and partners of shed members. Other issues from the meal included 2 unpaid glasses of wine. This was presented to the group in an open manner and payment was sought if a mistake had been made.
• Sponsorship for the shed had been obtained from a local real-estate agent for LJ Hookers. IM read the formal agreement between the shed and the agent. Sponsership obligation required advertisements on letter heads from the shed and encouragement of members to use his services. In return the shed offered exposure of his services and open access to the shed. The shed has also asked that the client promot the shed to any clients he may have.
• In the past few months a young 14 male has been attending the group. He has been supported by his parents and accepted by the group on a trial basis. His official membership was raised as a point of general business. A number of members were positive in their comments noting his willingness to get involved, knowledge of construction and problem solving and good nature. One member stated he was a ‘good kid’ this was met with agreement. A motion was passed to grant membership on the proviso that this was agreed upon by his parents and that he wore correct safety equipment while at the shed. A number of members voiced concern for his hearing and sight and referred to their own sensory loss as a result of trade careers.
• D and R talked about the planning of a shed blog. The meeting had the previous day was outlines and a plan was made to present more information and visuals to the group at the next meeting. The expectation of contribution from all members was raised. Discussion was had around the form this might take i.e. photos, reports, project work etc.
• The committee had been sent a men’s shed survey which was looking at the formation of a national body. This was dismissed without conversation amongst the group. As previously stated there appears to be a security in the current shed community and members do not see the need to join a larger association. This will be checked as a theme in the future amongst members.
• Members were reminded of the visit from the Alexandra group next week and the catered morning tea.
• The meeting was called to a conclusion at 10.15
Smoko
During smoko the R became aware of the donation made for tea and coffee (gold coin). He paid extra this week to make up for his free coffee’s in previous weeks.
Continued involvement in woodshed project
12.30pm Departure
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Date: 2 August 2011
Meeting with Shed Treasurer about setting up Blog/website
This was an arranged visit between D the Shed treasure and the R in relation to investigating setting up a blog for the shed. This meeting happened at D home in Mosgiel. During this visit the researcher was involved in the following activities (listed chronologically). Areas will be expanded upon in subsequent notes.
• Tour of D study and discussion of his interest outside of the shed
• Viewing examples of blogs created by R
• Discussion around the purpose of a shed blog
• R tuition of D to set up blog
• Agreement on the next time to meet and progress the blog
• Cup of tea and meeting D wife
Tour of D study and discussion of his interest outside of the shed
D and R meet in D study and had discussions around D interests outside of the shed. These discussions were prompted by displayed collections, books and photos in the study. For these conversations R found out D had an interest in mechanical engineering, travel and computers even though he was dismissive of his skills. D presents as being very willing to explore technology and talked about his recent purchase of an iPad for reading. During this conversation it became evident to R that the Bloke shed was one of many interests D engaged in.
Viewing examples of blogs created by R
The R presented 2 blog examples to D on his computer explaining the structure of a blog template, the types of media which could be displayed and examples of the type of content people post to blogs. R was careful not to present to much information. D took occasional notes through the demonstration.
Discussion around the purpose of a shed blog
In viewing the blog examples R and D discussed points around the purpose of the shed blog. Tentative agreement was made on the following points.
• The Blog would have a clear title ‘The Taieri Blokes Shed’ and description. The description would be discussed with the wider committee.
• The blog would, if consented by members and the committee, contain photos of the shed, news articles of the shed, video, testimonials from community groups who use the shed, links to other shed sites.
• Postings would happen on a monthly basis so as not to be too much of a burden to the group. Postings would be based on content from other members, community groups etc.
• The Blog address could be added to correspondence materials and any future promotional materials
• The blog would not be made public until; the committee discussed its purpose and value; Content and structure was in place. The proposed blog would be shown to members before making public.
R tuition of D to set up blog
R talked D through the steps of setting up a blog, adding content and setting access permissions. During this process it was agreed that R and D would set aside time once a month to develop the blog. D would collect and plan content while R would help with technical guidance. Both parties are aware that this arrangement would be reviewed at the completion of R data collection. R has discussed this role with his main supervisor and considers it appropriate to the setting as it utilize R skills as the skills of other members are used.
Agreement on the next time to meet and progress the blog
R and D plan to meet in 4 weeks time to discuss content to add to the blog and progress will be discussed at the next committee meeting on the following day.
Cup of tea and meeting D wife
R accepted a cup of tea after the session and sat with D and his wife. Discussed their various interests many of which centered on house maintenance and gardening.
This was an arranged visit between D the Shed treasure and the R in relation to investigating setting up a blog for the shed. This meeting happened at D home in Mosgiel. During this visit the researcher was involved in the following activities (listed chronologically). Areas will be expanded upon in subsequent notes.
• Tour of D study and discussion of his interest outside of the shed
• Viewing examples of blogs created by R
• Discussion around the purpose of a shed blog
• R tuition of D to set up blog
• Agreement on the next time to meet and progress the blog
• Cup of tea and meeting D wife
Tour of D study and discussion of his interest outside of the shed
D and R meet in D study and had discussions around D interests outside of the shed. These discussions were prompted by displayed collections, books and photos in the study. For these conversations R found out D had an interest in mechanical engineering, travel and computers even though he was dismissive of his skills. D presents as being very willing to explore technology and talked about his recent purchase of an iPad for reading. During this conversation it became evident to R that the Bloke shed was one of many interests D engaged in.
Viewing examples of blogs created by R
The R presented 2 blog examples to D on his computer explaining the structure of a blog template, the types of media which could be displayed and examples of the type of content people post to blogs. R was careful not to present to much information. D took occasional notes through the demonstration.
Discussion around the purpose of a shed blog
In viewing the blog examples R and D discussed points around the purpose of the shed blog. Tentative agreement was made on the following points.
• The Blog would have a clear title ‘The Taieri Blokes Shed’ and description. The description would be discussed with the wider committee.
• The blog would, if consented by members and the committee, contain photos of the shed, news articles of the shed, video, testimonials from community groups who use the shed, links to other shed sites.
• Postings would happen on a monthly basis so as not to be too much of a burden to the group. Postings would be based on content from other members, community groups etc.
• The Blog address could be added to correspondence materials and any future promotional materials
• The blog would not be made public until; the committee discussed its purpose and value; Content and structure was in place. The proposed blog would be shown to members before making public.
R tuition of D to set up blog
R talked D through the steps of setting up a blog, adding content and setting access permissions. During this process it was agreed that R and D would set aside time once a month to develop the blog. D would collect and plan content while R would help with technical guidance. Both parties are aware that this arrangement would be reviewed at the completion of R data collection. R has discussed this role with his main supervisor and considers it appropriate to the setting as it utilize R skills as the skills of other members are used.
Agreement on the next time to meet and progress the blog
R and D plan to meet in 4 weeks time to discuss content to add to the blog and progress will be discussed at the next committee meeting on the following day.
Cup of tea and meeting D wife
R accepted a cup of tea after the session and sat with D and his wife. Discussed their various interests many of which centered on house maintenance and gardening.
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