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.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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.
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