Welcome
Here we are with the next engrossing edition of our BUMS Drum newsletter. The feedback continues to indicate that the information we are circulating is very well received, which is encouraging to your Committee. I get the feeling that through such communication more members are becoming engaged with our challenging journey moving forward, and are taking the opportunity for more frequent collaboration. Newsletters not only serve as a communication channel, but in my view, support a feeling of identity.
Membership Database Management
As I've mentioned before, I'm eager to encourage more Members to get involved and help us in our shared goal of reviving and improving our beloved Shed. The more we work together, the faster and more successfully we can achieve our objectives.
With this in mind, we need to explore and evaluate new membership management software to replace our current patchwork of lists, which have developed in a somewhat ad hoc way over the years. We're looking at commercial platforms that bring everything-contacts, communications, events, finances, meetings, memberships, tasks, and more-into a single, simple system. Such a platform would centralize our administration and be easy to use, even for those of us with limited computer experience.
The Shed urgently needs a volunteer to join our team in assessing and managing this new membership software. This role is vital for streamlining our operations and ensuring we continue moving forward as a vibrant, energetic group. Please give this opportunity serious consideration-it's fundamental to the Shed's ongoing growth and success.
Membership & Induction
Since last reporting, Simon Dennis, and his devoted sidekick Craig, have been zealously interrelating and inducing new and returning Members.
Accordingly, I'd like to welcome:
- Fabian Giuliano
- James Haydenrych
- Sean McGinn
To the Bright United Men's Shed. I sincerely hope your membership experience is cheerful and rewarding.
Communication
Again, I'd like to remind Members about our BUMS Member's Only Facebook group. It's slowly increasing membership is heartening, but I'd like to see more current financial members sign up and commence a more interactive exchange of information, views, ideas, "flowers & brickbats" etc.
It is our idea to use this Facebook group to enhance the Member communications experience. We encourage you to join and participate. To join: https://fb.me/g/5FGmDT3Uy/zMulDPNQ You will be asked two questions:
1. Are you a paid up BUMS member (which means for 2025/26) 2. Do you agree uphold the rules of the group.
Once your request to join the page has been approved, you will be notified via a notification in Facebook and you will be able to see everything posted to the group, post something yourself (where everyone in the group can see it) or if you wish, send a private message to another member via Facebook Messenger.
Bruce Nordeck and Jess Short currently administer and moderate the page. Please make use of this handy new communication tool.
News From The Shed Floor
Craig and the Floor Management Team have been very busy with a number of projects.
The driveway potholes have been filled, but unfortunately they couldn't source any stabilised road base, a pad foot roller or a grader. But on the positive side we had Milton Miller, a few buckets of pea gravel and an old rake that belonged to Milton's great, great grandad!
Craig asks that if we keep the speed down to a walking pace through that area, the repairs will last longer. Well done fellas.
[Photos in PDF]
As we reported last time the weather improved enough to allow us to have a fully controlled and very successful burn off as part of our wider area clean up and transformation program.
[Photos in PDF]
The clean-up initiative has uncovered a vast array of "stuff", some worth keeping, but a lot that should be recycled and/or disposed of. A good example of this is our second shipping container which comprises numerous potentially useful items that have suffered water damage and mould infestation via moisture condensation.
[Photos in PDF]
Fund Raising
We are fast approaching that time of year (7-9 November) when Bright hosts the Rod Run under the auspices of the Bright Rod & Kustom Club. First run in 1991, it has become one the premier motoring events in Australia.
And this is where we could come in. There are many volunteer jobs to be filled, usually through the generous support of local community clubs such as ours. This is a celebrated event that would raise our profile within the local community as well as augment always sought after funds for the Shed.
Vice Pres. Tony is networking with the organisers to evaluate what function BUMS could undertake for the event and the value to us of such a commitment. More on this soon.
Annual General Meeting
We propose holding this year's AGM at the Shed on Thursday 30th October 2025 commencing at 12.00PM. I encourage all financial Members to attend this important meeting which will include significant reports regarding Shed developments and direction plus an Election of Officers and Committee of Management (COM).
I encourage Members, especially the younger amongst us, to consider putting their hands up for COM and taking responsibility for managing your Shed into the future. The tasks of COM Members are not onerous, but they do require new blood, ideas and motivation if The Shed is to remain sustainable. Please consider what you can do to ensure that The Shed continues to function and fulfil its objectives and commitments to us, the Members, and within the wider Bright community.
A sausage sizzle for Members will follow the 2025 AGM. Please let Team Catering (Tony Strachan via the shed know if you will be attending by not later than Tuesday 28th October 2025.
I am attaching a Nomination for Office Form for your consideration. Please ensure that completed forms are returned to our Returning Officer, Craig Elston, by no later than 25th October 2025. They can be given him personally or scanned/emailed to the shed office
Until next time,
Bruce Pres.
Remember, Happiness is a choice. Everything else is a matter of Perspective. Also, Teamwork makes the Dream Work.
Bright United Men's Shed committee@bumsinc.com.au