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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