Kendall Men's Shed set to expand its footprint at showground

These attributes were among the main reasons behind the success of the community-based Kendall Men's Shed, according to president Peter Harper.

He said the close-knit Kendall community - and particularly the Kendall Op-Shop - were priorities for the bulk of their projects.

"The Op-Shop often gets us involved in various projects as does the iKew Visitor Centre," he said.

"We've done work as diverse as shelving for the Op-Shop and retaining walls, and landscaping for the centre.

"And if they need a hand around the showground, they will generally approach us to help them out. We are one of the crews that man the gate at the annual show too.

"Kendall is reasonably close knit and we all get involved and stand up and help each other."

Mr Harper said residents who are having troubles with small items, such as a lawnmower, will also drop in and ask for a hand.

At the other end of the scale, the Men's Shed's most recent major project was the construction of the Big Axe at Kew.

Membership stands at around 60 with a full day on Tuesdays the most popular. The half day on Thursdays probably attracts about 20 members.

Mr Harper said men's sheds work best for retired people who can sometimes find themselves at a loose end.

"So you can come along here and learn new skills and work on a community project or bring in your own project," he said.

"And everyone here is really willing to offer advice, sometimes its not always good advice, but you will get it anyway.

"We do look out for each other though, and offer a bit of tough love if and when it is required.

"I reckon everyone should come to a men's shed to de-stress."

The Kendall Men's Shed is currently looking to expand its footprint at the Kendall Showground. New members are always welcome.

The annual meeting is in June.