By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Contrary to popular opinion, men’s shed members don’t have to be retired and don’t have to do woodwork – but it doesn’t hurt if they can tell a yarn and have a laugh.
Would-be members of many ages mingled and male-bonded at Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed’s first meeting on 9 February.
John Cooper, the shed’s chairman, said it’s up to the members to decide what happens at the shed.
It’s a chance to pursue or lean about diverse endeavours such as photography, cycling, walking, computing, train-model making or trades.
“It’s whatever the fellas are interested in,” Mr Cooper said.
According to its mission statement, the men’s shed is a safe place for men to work on meaningful projects at their own pace and in the company of other men.
“Men’s health is really the reason why they were created,” Mr Cooper said.
“It’s a chance for men to get together – and tell bulls*** and lies,” he chuckled.
Peter Ramsbotham of Keysborough said he was interested in being part of a community, though stressing he had no interest in woodwork.
Another interested visitor Stephen Mayes was impressed by the men’s shed run by his father in NSW.
“I was quite interested in getting out and meeting other guys and building a bit of a community.”
Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills members, with the support of City of Casey, are initially administering the group, with a view to letting the shed members take the reins.
Donated tools, including a lathe, have already arrived and a space has been has been set aside for a workshop inside Essex Park Community Place.
Mr Cooper said there was scope to add a further shed outdoors, if required.
The initiative had been championed by former Casey councillor Rafal Kaplon.
The Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed is at Essex Park Community Place, 16 Essex Park Drive, Endeavour Hills, and is open on Tuesdays from 10am to noon.
Next week’s guest speaker is Frank Hammond who will talk on growing fruit trees.
Details from coops46@bigpond.com or 0419 597 102.
