This month members of the Laurieton Men’s Shed group are celebrating the two year anniversary of the official opening of the shed.
The group’s secretary Neil Radford said the shed continues to grow and diversify in keeping with the community and the members’ needs.
“We acknowledge the wonderful contributions of a large number of people in the Camden Haven and the greater Hastings region who made the whole project possible through their donations of time and money,” he said.
Mr Radford thanked founder Robert Rule ‘whose vision and tenacity put the project on the map’.
He also made mention of the generosity of the current land owner Ross Hanslow, and before him Terry McGeary for making the parcel of land available to the group.
The project of forming the shed began late in 2011 with the turning of the first sod.
Mr Radford said since that time the shed has been successfully managed by a number of different committees to ensure the building’s completion.
“The project was a triumph and a major milestone for all involved with the issuing of the final occupation certificate in 2015,” he said.
The secure future of the location of the Men’s Shed will further be assured for the long term once the transfer of the land is completed in accordance with the wishes of the initial donor Terry McGeary.
The group has been involved in many community events and continues to support local schools, pre-schools, aged care facilities and many community groups.
Members have assisted in projects including the construction of picnic tables for Laurieton Public School, an honour board for the Laurieton Fire Station and provided drivers for the Lakeside Village community transport service.
The Men’s Shed currently has 150 members are there are many diverse projects to appeal to all individuals.
The group has a woodworking shop for members.
“It is always busy with members learning new skills, teaching old skills and with the production of a wide range of wooden items,” Mr Radford said.
“They have produced ornamental wheel barrows, wooden toys, wooden bowls, picture frames, tables, pens, signs, Intarsia and wooden wall hangings.”
Members have restored a Morris Minor motor car and are currently working on the restoration of an old Bedford truck. They have also restored a trailer for the shed.
Mr Radford said members also work on metal projects including repair and restoration of bicycles, lawn mowers and small engines.
The group also has a vegetable garden and some bee hives.
Through the Men’s Shed choir members work to entertain the elderly folk in the aged care facilities and community centers.
“It gives us great pleasure and satisfaction, while putting big smiles on the residents’ faces,” Mr Radford said.
Members do cooking every Thursday in the shed’s well equipped kitchen.
“The Shed recently completed the construction of a fabulous wood fired pizza oven which, in the right hands, produces excellent pizzas and bread,” Mr Radford said.
There are also computer classes for members on Thursdays.
Mr Radford said the group helps the well-being of men including those who are retired and is forever striving to give the members what they require to keep them active and happy.
For more information or to join call Neil Radford on 0427 783 336 or visit at Diamond Head Road, Dunbogan.
