CommunityMeetingMinutes20250504 - DoESLiverpool/somebody-should GitHub Wiki

Attendees

Adrian (chair), Snoof (notes), Liz, Andy, Chris H, Mike, Jackie (online), Neil (online), Chris T

Summary of actions

  • Improving CNC induction process - no updates

  • Mike’s taken photographs of stuff looking for a new home. He is in the process of adding this to the spreadsheet.

  • AV documentation still to be done (Adrian and Jake)

  • Post-induction emails not sorted yet, Jackie to address. Induction processes to be reviewed. GitHub induction deemed unnecessary.

  • Bins labelled and email sent re mice but food is still being left in bins other than the kitchen.

  • Crisp storage purchased to deter mice. Lid needs to stay on!!! And crisps need to stay in!!!

  • Old business cards located. Will be replaced when run out.

  • Side-bars added to landing page re financials and meeting minutes (Adrian)

TEAM UPDATES

3D Printing

  • Marcus is broken. Terry and Jackie are working on it. Firmware for screen not compatible with other firmware.
  • Replacement parts are being looked into once Marcus is running.

Laser

Gerald: is behaving after replacing the USB cable. The issue will be left open for the time being.

  • Exhaust tube failed and tubing needs replacing - Mike has identified some costing £50-£60 but can also be used for extractor. Foil tube also needs replacing in the near future. Mike will double check the measurements. Agreement that this is worth the expense.
  • Some users are switching everything off with Gerald including chiller. An email has not yet been sent, Mike will do this and put a sign on the chiller.

Tony

  • Mike has replacement coupling and will fit in the near future.
  • Mike will price up servo drives to fix.
  • Mike will purchase replacement lens and repair. Will purchase new lenses for all lasers.

Sheila:

  • Chris H and Mike have repositioned the magnets to help with the door.
  • also identified x axis belt is worn, John has ordered a new belt, needs to be tracked down and fitted

Fibre Arts

  • Fibre Arts room has been left tidier
  • People need a better understanding of machine upkeep, Liz Andy and Snoof to think about adding something to the wiki.
  • Materials and equipment aren’t being put away after use. Fibre Arts team may bin stuff that is left out. Fibre Arts Team to review a code of conduct for the room. Also to produce a guide to check bobbin size for appropriate machine (Snoof, Andy, Liz + team)
  • Lighting in the Fibre Arts room: Andy is looking into options for better lighting in the space. Adrian, Mike and Andy to look into pricing and logistics.

Mice:

  • Jackie found mouse droppings on the desk where MiaB had previously been stored, and under the letter tray on the next desk.
  • Hack the Space 6/4/2025 uncovered significant evidence of mice under desks. Food really needs to be either in kitchen bin or securely stored in the kitchen.
  • Hopefully the droppings are historical, as no live sightings for a while.

Marketing:

  • Neil has created flyers - superseded by old business cards. More flyers to be printed. Files stored somewhere-safe, Jackie to print more flyers before Wirral Makefest.

Finances

  • Adrian has almost finished the Cost of Being Epic poster - frame by Snoof's desk.
  • Over last six months just about breaking even
  • No figures for April yet, but are figures from March
  • Business rates were paid but dated previous month, so wiped out profit.
  • About to lose 3 desk members, could do with getting more people in.
  • Should we have a donations box? Or is that role taken by Cost of Being Epic poster with QR code to as-yet-inexistent help page on the website?
  • Issue has been opened by Adrian for the help page, issue #2032 - awaiting input

Membership

  • About to lose 3 desk members, need to get more people in
  • Should prioritise new member recruitment for various Makefests if possible - how?
  • Does the banner need updating towards membership drive? What kind of potential members come to Makefests and how do we attract them?
  • Do enough people have the ability to take card payments on behalf of DoES? Jackie to investigate.

Website

  • Issue has been opened by Adrian for the help page, issue #2032 - awaiting input
  • Repair Café only on facebook at the moment, people are moving away from facebook so how do we include this in the DoES website? Could be wiki, could be a page (Mike to talk to Mike or Jackie or Neil if page on website).
  • Neil has revamped the website and is gathering feedback to make what exists work for everyone. Will discuss Repair Café page with Mike.

AOB

  • Pairing up with Boost members: directors' meeting sent out a questionnaire to Boost members about why they've stopped coming. Only 3 people replied, 2 of them mentioned they found it difficult to get involved and ask questions. People who didn't see many people during their times were less likely to come back as they didn't have touchpoints to ask questions or be reassured. Directors decided to look into buddy system to ensure people feel adequately supported. Snoof happy to do it, Snoof to post in the Google Group to find other volunteers.
  • We need a procedure to induct Event organisers – Mike and Jackie to address
  • New laptops have been donated by Assim, which are currently on Darth Gleeson's desk. They need power supplies, seem to be reasonably well-spec'd, we need to work out what we're doing with them. Currently have some flavour of Windows on them. Step 1 is to price up power supplies (Snoof) and then we can decide what's next.

Upcoming events:

Makefest Wirral 10/05 – do you want to be part of the DoES stand at Wirral MF let us know. Setting up times: Friday from 4-5, Saturday from 8.40. Public comes in from 10 on the Saturday. DoES stand could do with more helpers, Jackie to update google group.

Makefest Liverpool 05/07 - so does anyone want a) to be part of the DoES stand or b) have their own stand (there is a google form for people who want their own stand – on the google group and will be in week notes)

Email google group to ask if anyone wants to run or attend a specific workshop – Jackie will find out what kinds of workshops people want to attend – Mike has some ideas but is being waylaid by rug project – later in the year

OSHWA summit end of May - MCQN to attend, watch party at DoES?

When’s the next meeting? 1st of June 1-3 again.