January 2022 Newsletter - Part 3

The memory boxes that were delivered recently and have now added decorations on them. This was a valuable contribution to our vulnerable members of the local community. They look rather good I suggest. Thanks again to those involved.

COVID Policy review in view of member testing positive and recent outbreak of Omicron variant

In view of the outbreak of a new variant of COVID it was agreed at the December board meeting to be prudent and put in place rules to keep all members safe in the current situation with COVID and now OMICRON in advance of the Government guidelines. However, they issued the guidelines just after the meeting anyway and there maybe further restrictions to come after the New Year. Therefore, from the reopening of The Shed 3 January 2022, it was agreed that members will be required to wear face masks in the Shed environs and maintain strict social distancing. The Board also agreed that members would be required to take a temperature test on arrival. Members’ are also encouraged to take a LFT prior to visiting. There are kits available in the galley if required. Should demand for certain days be high with a risk of not being able to maintain required social distancing then a return to booking a date and time may be re-imposed.

At an earlier Board meeting it was agreed that a pro rata membership fee be administered. It was pointed out by a Shed member, that this should have been agreed at an AGM. After some discussion the Board agreed that the constitution should be amended at the next AGM, subject to agreement with members, but to continue with a pro rata for this year as this was considered a fair way for new members to still join throughout the year and not have to pay a full years membership. It will be an item for the agenda at the next AGM to amend the constitution accordingly. Thank you to the member for pointing this out

It was recently reported that the chop saw was damaged and it was suspected that a member, not inducted for its use, used it. This has highlighted a potentially dangerous situation. After discussion at the December board meeting it was agreed that to prevent non-authorised use, a second padlock would be placed on the equipment. The authorised/inducted member would personally hold this second key. To gain access to the equipment the personal key alongside the Key Holders key would be required to release the equipment. Derek R has offered to obtain further padlocks and keys to implement this new routine. Members are reminded to inform the Duty Key Holder of any defects or damage to safeguard any injury to members using the equipment.