William Kibby VC Veterans Association

Two beautifully crafted planter boxes that sit in the children’s area behind St Jude’s Church at Brighton look like any other wooden planter boxes.

But the story of how they came about – and how they’ve connected two community organisations including the William Kibby VC Vets Shed and St Jude’s children’s playgroup – is nothing short of heartwarming.

Read more here: www.holdfast.sa.gov.au/veggie-patch-connects-war-vets-and-local-kids

William Kibby VC Veterans Association
St Jude's Anglican Church, Brighton, South Australia

A HUGE thankyou to Knit a care square who has donated 12 handmade blankets for us to pass on to our homeless veterans. These blankets are made by volunteers with donated yarn

The Shed will be open Wednesday and Friday this week in addition to normal Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
For additional contact Graham Matthews on 0437 648 307

Bus Trip - Wednesday May 15 - This trip is to Virginia nursery, the largest garden centre in S.A. Enjoy their huge range of plants and grab a coffee in their café. Then we are off to the Whispering Wall, an acoustic wonder in the Barossa Valley Reserve. Lunch will be at the historic Williamstown Hotel followed by a leisurely trip home through the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Book through Patricia, the cost is $20 and please pay when booking. The trip is happening next Wednesday so if you have not booked and would like to go.

Football Sausage Sizzle - Sunday May 5 is the FIRST of our 10 Football sausage sizzles with the Sturt Football Club. Sausage Sizzles are our biggest fundraiser for the year. Last year by the end of the Sausage Sizzles, there are some very tired Vets so great effort has been made to streamline our procedures to reduce the time and pressure on the day. A support team will have everything checked and ready for the Vet’s to be picked up and will come in on Monday to stock-take, clean and prepare the orders for the next game. A large quantity of sausages were delivered Friday from Slape’s and a group of helpers prepared the sausages for cooking on Sunday as well as packing and freezing them for the next few games. It is hoped that with reduced deliveries and a closer monitoring of stocks it will both assist those working on the day to avoid too much wastage as well as ensure that there are sufficient supplies. Many thanks to Coles Glenelg for support.
Patricia has organised a bus trip in mid-July for the Vets and especially for an opportunity for those working hard on the Sausage Sizzles to enjoy some downtime together during their two-week break.

Thursday Lunch - This week’s lunch will be Lasagna and garlic bread. Watch out for a surprise dessert! Please remember Millie for a contribution towards the cost of our lunches

Table Talk - Malcolm will talk about the progress of the Utility room, a proposal to acknowledge Remembrance Day this year and progress of St. Jude’s project.
Jim will talk about the Public Art proposal and the Memorial Garden in preparation for Remembrance Day.
Patricia will talk about forthcoming bus trips.

We will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00 Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available.

Bus Trip - Wednesday May 15 - This trip is to Virginia nursery, the largest garden centre in S.A. Enjoy their huge range of plants and grab a coffee in their café. Then we are off to the Whispering Wall, an acoustic wonder in the Barossa Valley Reserve. Lunch will be at the historic Williamstown Hotel followed by a leisurely trip home through the beautiful Adelaide Hills.
Book through Patricia, the cost is $20 and please pay when booking. Book early as seats are filling fast. More details in the flyer attached.

Football Sausage Sizzle - Sunday May 5 is the FIRST of our 10 Football sausage sizzles with the Sturt Football Club. This is our biggest fundraiser for the year. So let us get behind it and support this project. Our Chair Graham (Boomer) is the team leader for this game. Contact Boomer for more information on starting time, transport arrangements and how you can contribute.

Thursday Lunch - Hamburgers - Coles have generously donated the bread rolls and you will have a choice in what you choose to add to your pattie and bun from - egg, onion, cheese,tomato, lettuce, and sauces. Who doesn’t like a hamburger! Please remember Millie for a contribution towards the cost of our lunches

Utility Room - The Council has sent all the information required by the Federal Government so that the funds to enable us to commence building works will arrive within the next 2 weeks.
The Council, through the Community Services Manager, Brendan Kelly, has been a fantastic support along with our local member Louise Miller-Frost MP

St. Jude’s Project - The project is nearing completion. Our Chair Graham (Boomer) supported by John (Pasty) Storr have worked tirelessly to make this project happen. The raised garden bed, designed and built by John (Camo) Cameron is very impressive and we are now investigating the commercial possibility of his work.

Coast FM Talkback - Chair Graham and Jim (committee and Guitars for Vets) were invited to be guests at Coast FM to talk about Veterans and the work of our Association. Talkback questions followed and they indicated the high level of support for Veterans in the community. The session lasted two hours.

Table Talk - Malcolm will talk about the progress of the Utility room, a proposal to acknowledge Vietnam Day and Remembrance Day this year and progress of St. Jude’s project.
- Jim will talk about the Public Art proposal and the Memorial Garden in preparation for Vietnam Day and Remembrance Day.
- Patricia will talk about forthcoming bus trips.

Shed Operations - The committee has appointed Responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are as follows. Please contact them if you are in any doubt about any safe working practices.
The responsible officers are -
Monday: John Storr 0407 003 378
Tuesday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307
Thursday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307

Today we pay tribute and show our respect to those that have served and still do.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

We will be open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00 - Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available in the recreation space or in the garden under the shade of our beautiful gum and weather, permitting our lunch will be in the garden.

Rotary Visit - At our recent morning, tea with our Rotary neighbours in invitation was extended to them to visit us for morning tea and see our workshop and what we produce. While there was much interest in visiting us their meeting day is on Wednesdays and many had other commitments on a Tuesday. Four Rotarians were able to come and they will be visiting this Tuesday 16th April. We will plan for a future day when we can have Rotarians visit us on a Wednesday as they showed genuine interest in our activities and on the opportunity to visit and discuss possibilities of working together. They have already booked our President, Graham Matthews to talk about our work at one of their future meetings as well as Jim to talk about “Guitars for Vets” on another occasion.

Coles Support - Eileen, One of our new women, approached Coles Glenelg for donations for the Vets and Coles very kindly donated bread products. We were not obliged to take all the products but on our first visit we did and table was stacked high with all manner of bread from stoneground specialty loaves to a variety of rolls, French sticks and loaves. Our only regret is that we were so overwhelmed we did not take a photo! Our freezers are full and we have great plans for future lunches. A big thank you to Coles

Bakers Delight support - Eileen also approached Bakers Delight and they were equally generous with their products supplying us with a great variety from sweet to savoury products so morning teas as well as lunches will be well catered for in the near future. A big thank you to Baker’s Delight

Thursday Lunch - This Thursday lunch has a dual purpose as well as feeding you we want your opinion! The committee is seeking your support to test the type of food that we will be providing at the Sturt Football Club Sausage Sizzle. We are able to offer a variation on what we sold last year. Your thoughts would be much appreciated and will guide the committee in making decisions on the menu for 2024.
Please remember Millie will accept a contribution towards the cost of our lunches

Table Talk - Malcolm will addressing the forthcoming Unley oval games. Detailed program will be available. Weare seeking your views on proposed changes to the menu. Hop in and contribute. We are also very anxious to have some names down for those people who are able to help out on the Sausage Sizzle Days. The revenue generated from these Sausage Sizzle Days is very important towards supporting improvements to the Shed and to the well-being of our Veterans. Any help you can offer would be very welcome and please remember you are not expected to attend the whole day as we would like enough volunteers to make up a morning/afternoon roster.
Jim will talk about his great idea to have public art mural on the front of out building. Shaun, an Afghanistan Veteran who has mural experience has prepared an artist impression for discussion.

Committee Meeting
The following are issues that were discussed and approved. Please ask any committee members for more information and any clarification you would like.
1. Apply for a grant for public art. – Jim has an artist impression of a mural proposed for the front of the shed – If you have not already seen the drawing please ask Jim.
2. Apply for a grant to improve the Memorial Garden – Jim is making huge improvements to the garden but needs funding for fertiliser, plants and other equipment.
3. Provide support for Mathew as Safety Officer – The committee has asked all members to be proactive in matters of safety i.e. using PPE, where appropriate in workshop.
4. Apply to Bunnings to participate in their Sausage Sizzle program – A Sausage Sizzle would greatly increase our revenue in the summer months when kindling sales dwindle and the Sturt Club Matches are not available.
5. Improve safety by eliminating the chopping of kindling. Jeff B and Geoff W are investigating – they would be most pleased to discuss their ideas.
6. Appoint a Welfare Officer – Patricia has been appointed in this position and is well qualified with appropriate Tertiary Degree and years of experience. She will continue with bus trip management, generate, and explore other issues and ideas that will improve the well-being of our members.

Late News
Jim has been successful in obtaining some gardening support from Bunnings. They will be supplying fertiliser and plants for our Memorial Garden. Thank you Bunnings

Shed Operations
The committee has appointed Responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are as follows.
Please contact them if you are in any doubt about any safe working practices.
The responsible officers are -
Monday: John Storr 0407 003 378
Tuesday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307
Thursday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307

Nows the time to stock up on Kindling. $8 per bag, pick up at the William Kibby VC Veterans Association at Glenelg North. BULK ORDERS WELCOME
Contact Malcolm on 0499 339 006 to arrange collection

It was the Vets Shed's privilege to add plaques for Keith Chook Fowler OAM, Sargent Ronald Clayton & Corporal Antonio (Tony) Riezzo to the Memorial Wall in the William Herbet Memorial Garden.
A service was held yesterday to unveil the new plaques with family members of all 3 veterans attending and staying for morning tea after.

Wow what a day! The Vets thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, talking about the Vets Shed and selling their handmade creations today down at Victor Harbor Artisan Market. Thank you to Aviton for the photos

Happy Easter to all! If you are heading down Victor Harbor way, you might like to call in on the popular Victor Harbour Artisan Market. On Easter Saturday March 30 a small group of Kibby Veterans under the leadership of Graham Matthews will be travelling to Victor Harbor to offer our products for sale at very reasonable prices at the Victor Harbor Artisan Market. This is the very first time that Kibby Vets have participated in a market let alone one outside the metropolitan area so if you are around the boys would love you to call in and say "hello". You may even find that gift you have been looking for and Mother's Day is coming up too!
We will be selling Kindling Wood, Planter Boxes and a variety of handmade chopping boards as well as other wood products. All our products are made from untreated recycled wood and have been carefully crafted by fellow veterans.

We will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00 Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available in the recreation space or in the garden under the shade of our beautiful gum and weather, permitting our lunch will be in the garden.

Tea Tree Gully (TTG) Men’s Shed Visit - The TTG Men’s shed have planned to arrive at 9.00 am on Tuesday March 26 and are staying for lunch. TTG mentioned that as many as 30 people might be visiting. We would appreciate as many members as possible attending on Tuesday to meet the guests and show them around (Tuesday will replace the Thursday lunch that week)

THURSDAY LUNCH - Pies, pasties, and mashed potatoes are on the menu. Come and enjoy lunch in our Memorial Garden
Please remember Millie as a contribution towards the cost of our lunches.

Table Talk - The major topic is the Utility Room. .Jeff and I would like to say thank you to all the members who stayed after lunch last Thursday to hear what the meeting with the Council and the Garden Community achieved. This was a magnificent show of support and we realise the concerns and anxieties of members are real. However. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
When the utility room is completed, we will have a unique and excellent building.

Shed Operations The committee has appointed Responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are followed.
Please contact them if you are in any doubt about any safe working practices.
The responsible officers are -
Monday: John Storr 0407 003 378
Tuesday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307
Thursday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307

From the SECRETARY’S DESK
New Member: Welcome to John Cunningham

Visit to Morphett Vale RSL. - Last Friday Jim and a group from Kibby visited the Morphett Vale RSL where Jim entertained the members and all enjoyed an exceptional meal prepared by the RSL members. All our members commented on the Friendliness of the RSL members and are looking forward to a return visit.
The RSL presented Jim with a $500 donation towards his work Guitars for Vets.

Stay Safe
Mathew has a copy of the National Men’s Shed Safety Manual, which is an excellent guide for managing safety in our workshop. We need to work with Mathew to make sure our workshop is a safe workshop.
Please support Mathew in his work as Safety Officer to prevent any of us becoming a statistic

GIVE AWAY pick up only.
We get these frames donated by a business that recieves them with as packaging for their deliveries. We currently have excess stock we need to get rid of. each piece is 680mm x 670mm. TAKE AS MANY AS YOU WANT

Contact Malcom 0499 339 006

Public Holiday Monday March 11. Shed will not be open.
We will be open on, Tuesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00
Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available in the recreation space or in the garden under the shade of our beautiful gum and our lunch will be in the garden.

Tea Tree Gully (TTG) Men’s Shed Visit March 26th - The TTG Men’s shed have planned to arrive at 9.00 am on Tuesday March 26 and are staying for lunch. TTG mentioned that as many as 30 people might be visiting. We would appreciate as many members as possible attending on Tuesday to meet the guests and show them around (Tuesday will replace the Thursday lunch that week)

PUBLIC ART - Jim has an excellent vision of changing the front of the William Kibby VC Shed into a mural depicting the war. He knows of a group of Veterans who do excellent artwork including Murals. We have met with the public art officer from the Council who has shown great interest in the project and has given some advice about what the Council requires for such a project to be approved. The idea is in its infancy at this stage and grants have to be identified and applied for providing members approve the project. As well as beautifying the shed, the Council would include us on their “art trail” which would bring visitors who may not have known about our existence. There would be many benefits to us decorating the shed with a mural depicting icons and elements of war. It would be a constant reminder of the sacrifice veterans have made in all conflicts. It would be a fitting tribute to partner our beautiful Memorial Garden. We would receive great publicity with the press, politicians and dignitaries attending an opening ceremony and a great chance to see our work acknowledged.

THURSDAY LUNCH - We are having a BBQ in the garden. Prepared by our own resident Chef Graeme Walsh
Come and enjoy a BBQ in our Memorial Garden
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR GOLD COIN DONATION.

Table Talk - The major topic is the Utility Room. We have been informed that we will have planning approval by the end of March. Then the real work begins.
The committee will be discussing this topic at its next meeting and feedback from today will be a good starting point.

Shed Operations - Tuesday and Thursday the temperature is not predicted to be over 35C however, the responsible officer will decide if the conditions prevent the workshop section from opening.

The committee has appointed Responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are followed. .
Please contact them if you are in any doubt.

The responsible officers are -
Monday: John Storr 0407 003 378
Tuesday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307
Thursday: Graham Mathews 0437 648 307
From the SECRETARY’S DESK
RECYCLING - We have a recycling bin for cans and bottles.
Thanks to Warren, we are now able to offer a recycling service for small electric goods. If you have, an unwanted or unserviceable electrical item please bring along it along and place in the bin at the shed. We can recycle the cord and earn money for the shed as well as recycling the metal.
If you any larger items or are unsure whether they would be suitable please speak to Warren on Thursday.

Personal Protective Equipment. (PPE) - When working in the workshop you must wear the correct PPE for any task.
* Always wear closed footwear.
* PPE may include
* Hearing protection,
* Goggles or properly fitted safety glasses.
* Gloves may be required
If in doubt, check with our Safety Officer Mathew or in his absence Chairman Graham

Please support Mathew in his work as Safety Officer to prevent us becoming a statistic

Weekly lunch time. Thanks to Jim from Australian Men's Shed Association for joining us

More vets kick off the music experience in Adelaide.

We will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 13:00 Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available in the recreation space or in the garden under the shade of our beautiful gum

Tea Tree Gully Men’s Shed Visit - The Men’s shed have planned to arrive at 9.00am on Tuesday March 26 and are staying for lunch. TTG mentioned that as many as 30 people may be visiting. We would appreciate as many members as possible attending on Tuesday to meet the guests and show them around (Tuesday will replace the Thursday lunch this week)

PUBLIC ART - Jim has an excellent vision of changing the front of the William Kibby VC Shed into a mural depicting the war. He knows of a group of Veterans who do excellent artwork including Murals. We have met with the public art officer from the Council who has shown great interest in the project and has given some advice about what the Council requires for such a project to be approved. The idea is in its infancy at this stage and grants have to be identified and applied for providing members approve the project. As well as beautifying the shed, the Council would include us on their “art trail” which would bring visitors who may not have known about our existence. There would be many benefits to us decorating the shed with a mural depicting icons and elements of war. It would be a constant reminder of the sacrifice veterans have made in all conflicts. It would be a fitting tribute to partner our beautiful Memorial Garden. We would receive great publicity with the press, politicians and dignitaries attending an opening ceremony and a great chance to see our work acknowledged.

THURSDAY LUNCH - Trish is preparing lunch this week. Come and enjoy a special lunch in our Memorial Garden. PLEASE REMEMBER THE GOLD COIN DONATION.
Table Talk - The major topic is the Memorial Garden and its future. Jim is doing a fantastic job but he does need help.
The committee will be discussing this topic at its next meeting and feedback from today will be a good starting point.
One option is to apply for a DVA grant to increase the number of flagpoles to three and Jim has some other exciting ideas for you to discuss.

Shed Operations - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the temperature is not predicted to be over 35C however, the responsible officer will decide if the conditions prevent the workshop section from opening.
The committee has appointed Responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are followed. .
Please contact them if you are in any doubt.
The responsible officers are -
Monday: ​John Storr​​0407 003 378
Tuesday:​Graham Mathews​​0437 648 307
Wednesday:​Jeff Bartel​​0422 242 624
Thursday:​Graham Mathews​​0437 648 307

Committee Members
Chairman ​​Graham Mathews ​0437 648 307
Deputy Chairman ​ Vacant
Treasurer​​Jeff Bartel​​0422 242 624
Secretary​​Malcolm Schlein​​0499 339 006

From the SECRETARY’S DESK

Special Committee Meeting Monday March 4 at 13:30 - The committee will be discussing the progress on the Utility Room and site preparation.
March 22 Next Committee meeting - Concentrating on project management, equipment audit, social media and grant opportunities for the Memorial Garden
Contact a committee member with your ideas about these items of business or any other ideas or suggestions you may have.

RECYCLING - We have a recycling bin for cans and bottles. Thanks to Warren, we are now able to offer a recycling service for small electric goods. If you have, an unwanted or unserviceable electrical item please bring along it along and place in the bin at the shed. We can recycle the cord and earn money for the shed as well as recycling the metal.
If you have a larger item or unsure whether they would be suitable please speak to Warren on Thursday.

DIY Injuries. - Our activities at the workshop could be classified as DYI.
‘Do it yourself’ means making, mending, or maintaining something, rather than employing a professional or expert to carry out such tasks. While some of us may have qualifications many of us are attempting DYI and we must be aware of keeping ourselves safe.
Quick Facts
➢ 3,318 people aged 15 or more were hospitalized for a DIY injury due to falls, or contact with tools and machinery in Australia in 2013-14.
➢ Falling from a ladder was the most common cause of DIY injuries in 2013-14.

Please support Mathew in his work as Safety Officer to prevent us becoming a statistic

DON’T FORGET The Football Season is fast approaching!!!!!

Our beautiful tree was voted Tree of the Month!!!!

https://www.holdfast.sa.gov.au/february-tree-a-family-favourite

BUS TRIP
Bus departs at 10:00. Water will available on the bus. Morning coffee at Karkoo Nursery Oakbank (at own cost) next stop Woodside for Melba’s Chocolates and Woodside Cheese Wrights
Lunch at HAHNDORF at own cost. For those wanting to lunch at a hotel Menus supplied for German Arms Hotel and Hahndorf Inn available on bus)
Visit Beerenberg Outlet (time permitting)
Home

THURSDAY LUNCH
Patricia & Chris are preparing Hamburgers for this week’s lunch
PLEASE REMEMBER THE GOLD COIN DONATION.

Table Talk
IMPORTANT.
We will be discussing the layout of the workshop including what major pieces of equipment we have
and what we need for the future.

GUITAR FOR VETS
Do not forget practice this TUESDAY

Shed Operations

The Shed will not be open this Monday or Wednesday

The Shed will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 12:30
At the time of printing, the temperature for Tuesday and Thursday will allow us to open the workshop.
The committee has appointed responsible Officers who oversee the workshop and ensure that safety procedures are followed.
The decision to open or close the shed to meet the Hot Weather Policy is the duty of the responsible officer.

From the SECRETARY’S DESK

Tuesday and St. Jude’s Church
We will removing the Rosemary and Rose Bush from the children’s area in preparation to installing two raised garden beds. The Rosemary and Rose will be mulched and be part of the soil preparation for the garden.
The work, including the construction of the garden beds is funded through a grant from the Council. We will be leaving the shed at 09:15. Chairman Graham Mathews is overseeing this part of the work.
John (Camo) Cameron is constructing the garden beds using timber that is arsenic free.

By the Way
Chairman Graham has suggested that we have a LOUD shirt day for the bus trip. Be in it.

OUR FIRST BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN

A “Thank You” Breakfast for our sponsors - Put in your diary, phone or laptop, 8 am Thursday 14th March.
Come along and enjoy sausages, bacon, eggs, toast & pastries washed down with orange juice, tea or coffee under the shade of our magnificent gum tree.

Weekly lunch out in the garden today!!