Strathfield Mens Shed

[Bruce101]

Hi all,

Firstly, many thanks to Neil for giving us the opportunity for discussion in this special Mens Shed Forum.

I will do a little plagiarism from a thread by Terry McCowan to describe our new Strathfield Mens Shed.
--------------------------------------
"Dear All,

At the risk of wearing out my welcome with another story about the Strathfield Menshed.

I can report as follows

We have now had 4 Wednesday meetings with an everage of about 10 members attending and have now started Saturdays though with less numbers at this time (have about 20 members in total)

From the kindness of benefactors and members we have a reasonable supply of both power and hand tools though would love to obtain or borrow a jointer thicknesser (excuse my terminology I am not a woodworker).

Members projects at this stage are mainly preparing the shed, have built 3 good quality wooden benches and have acquired one steel one. We will be building some more next week and then should be able to handle abourt 20 members at any time. We are starting some personal and community projects in the next two weeks, I am hoping to build a 7ft dinghy.and some garden beds for the local primary school which is being funded by Strathfield Council.

Our pressing need is storage, does anyone have access to about 50 lineal meters of kitchen cupboard bases (perhaps a company doing a strip out of a lab or kitchen), tops not necessarily as will use plywood for this and condition irrelevant as we have 2 long walls of about 25-30m. under windows as a storage area for tools and small itemsIf you can't supply them on one lot we are happy to collect them on an individual basis.

Also is there any builders out there who have some surplus construction plywood , perhaps from a demolished hoarding that we can use as our bench tops

I will try and post some photos of the shed ASAP.

If you want to join simply come on Wednesday or ring me on 0449 106 002 or contact me through this forum. Our membership fee is $50 per annum plus a gold coin each time to pay for milk tea and biscuits "
----------------------------------
We have had further days and are now regularly meeting on Saturdays.

Finally I would encourge all interested to subscribe to this Forum, as they say "USE IT OR LOSE IT!!!"

Finally some photos as to where we are now. Hopefully, in the future we will have our own Web site.:2tsup:

Many thanks.

[StrathfieldMens]

Bruce,

Thanks for posting the photos.

There have been some further developments, we are now opening on Saturdays from 10 am to about 4 pm

This is specially for those who cannot come on Wednesday due to work ( or golf) commitments.

Even if you don't want to join us yet this is a real opportunity to come and check us out and an excuse to clean out your shed, your trash might be our treasure

Regards

Terry McCowan

[silentC]

Looks like a fantastic facility. Hope it all goes well.

You do realise that your Saturday meeting coincides with the weekend woodies? I hope you've got a radio :)

I think I heard you on the show last Saturday Terry. Those blokes are a bit of a worry, they thought it was a ball pain hammer!

[Geoff Dean]

Those blokes are a bit of a worry, they thought it was a ball pain hammer!

Slip while using it and it could be. :D

[silentC]

Someone rang in and suggested that. Wasn't you was it? :)

[Geoff Dean]

Don't think I have your number!:wink:

[StrathfieldMens]

We have discovered that the floor of our building will need some repairs. While the floor, plywood, is OK , we will need some hardwood joists and bearers. Can anyone assist with cheap, ie free timber (possibly could stretch to a case of Beer).

We can collect in Sydney metro area.

Someone might know of a house being demolished and they could perhaps ask the demolisher to put them aside for us.

Thanks

Terry McCowan

[StrathfieldMens]

Dear Members

nFurther to my request for used timber for flooring does anyone out there know whre we couild source old kitchen cupboards (probably from a kitchen installer but I don't know any. We have about 50 lineal meteres of wall space under windows and the proposal is to install old cupboards for storage and use some commercial ply as the bench tops.

Regards
Terry McCowan

[wheelinround]

Terry I have recently found out that there are two Mens Shed types one run like a Business :~ which gives little but asks much where government funding is still sort but there is remunition for exec of each individual Men Shed of approx $60k.

and the other by Uniting Church the original set up

Which are you connected with

[StrathfieldMens]

Dear wheelinround.


Unfortunately there seems to be more factions and subgroups of mensheds than there are in the Labor Party. To my knowledge there are groups associated with the Uniting Church, St Vincents de Paul as well as Mensheds Australia and there are probably other groups I am not aware of as well as many independent sheds.


The status of the Strathfield shed is that we are in the process of incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act which is designed to provide a legal structure for non profit groups. We have have received some advice and support from Mensheds Australia but no decision has been made to affiliate with them and that decision will not be made until after incorporation. In any event the benefits that they provide seem to outweigh the minimal cost of affiliation but that will be a decision for the members. At this stage they have neither asked for or received any money and I cannot see how we would be obliged to pay for anything other than services provided (they have provided cheap liability insurance for us so far)


The reason that that we did not affiliate with the Uniting Church or St Vincents de Paul was that firstly they did not ask us to and in any event it was a deliberate decision of the founding members that the shed was to be non-denominational and apolitical. I have visited the Lane Cove shed operated by the Uniting Church which seems to be part of a retirement village and also the Marrickville shed operated by the St Vincents de Paul. While both worthy organisatiions neither shed had a similar demographic profile to the members we are obtaining, aged between 30-70 both working and retired as we are now open on Wednesday and Saturday ( this is a more inclusive group than both the above sheds). The hours will increase as membership grows.


There is also a shed opening soon in Auburn specifically for Vietnam Veterans, again a worthy group but does not fit in with our aims of being an inclusive locally controlled group.


The structure we have adopted will mean that all control is locally based by the members and I understand that should we have affiliated with either religious group we would be controlled by an outside body and our role would have been advisory at best.


The shed is located in premises owned by Strathfield Council who have been most supportive and they certainly would not have been comfortable with it being run by non members outside the council area.


For the record no member is receiving a salary or payment of any kind, let alone $60K, and the rules when incorporated will prevent any member of the executive having a paid position. Our only source of funds so far has been membership levies of $50 per member and we will be making an application for a grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Once the shed is fully operational we will be approaching local business's for support


Hope this answers your question but please do not hestiate to contact me should you wish.


If you are local please pay a us a visit, 10-3 Wednesday and Saturday


Regards
Terry McCowan

[wheelinround]

It does Thanks Terry

My reason for asking is that a Woodies group I belong to has just been through looking at forming a Mens Shed and has had interviews with both associations.

Its a shame to gain the funding which they can not get as a Woodies group they have to go this route.

Ray

[DCWheels]

The question about the different peak bodies representing Men's Shed in Australia is a very important one. The Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) has this on their website: There is no relationship between the community based Australian Men's Sheds Association AMSA, which represents independent community Men's Sheds, and the company Mensheds Australia Ltd.

Communities wanting information about setting up a Shed can get lots of information from the AMSA and their member Sheds for free. There's a fantastic group of Sheds who are members of AMSA (and their State affiliate) and we're all in regular contact to support and guide each other through our Shed journeys and challenges, again at no cost.

With a member based structure, the Boards of AMSA and the State Assn's are elected by their members, whilst my understanding is that Sheds linked to the company Mensheds Aus don't have a say in electing people to positions (not sure they even have a Board – perhaps just paid staff?).

If you want support for your existing Shed or to set up a new one and you want that support for free, then consider linking with AMSA. (The Victorian Men’s Shed Ass’n has around 80 members who meet on a quarterly basis in a different region of Vic and it’s a great resource to get lots of help and guidance). If you want to pay for help and you’ve got the $$, then link with the company Menshed Aus.

The AMSA website is: www.mensshed.org

AMSA is running the 3rd National Men's Shed Conference in Tassie in August and they're expecting around 400 sheddies to attend. It should be a great event and opportunity to hear from other community based Sheds, details are on the AMSA website.

[StrathfieldMens]

Dear DC Wheels,


Thanks for your reply. It only goes to show that unfortunately that there are too many bodies purporting to represent Mensheds in Australia. To be quite honest I had not even heard of your group until your reply


I don't wish to become involved in internicine policitics between the various groups as presumably ther are even more out there I can only say that my dealings with Mensheds Autralia up to date have been fair and honest.


Is there any chance of the various groups getting together or are there too many personality conflicts between the groups.


When the time comes we shall consider who we shall affiliate with.


Terry McCowan

[DCWheels]

Terry,

you’ve raised an issue that is growing and one which is increasingly important to clarify as more and more Sheds develop across the country. Firstly, to clarify any perceived ‘conflicts of interest’, I am not on either committee of the AMSA or VMSA, nor do I speak for them or anyone else. I do have a strong interest in establishing a Shed in my community and it is affiliated with the VMSA/AMSA. Secondly, I certainly wasn’t suggesting (nor do I believe) anything unfair or dishonest about anyone’s efforts or work, I was simply trying to clarify (as I understand it) the difference between the two groups and I’m surprised and disappointed that my comments could be interpreted that way.

I agree that each Shed need to determine their affiliation (or non) based on their own circumstances, needs, values etc and if those link more closely with the AMSA’s over the Menshed company, or vice versa then so be it.

It is important that communities with Sheds or planning to establish one know the difference between these groups and I support the AMSA’s efforts to make a clear distinction between it and the company Menshed Aus. This has to happen amongst Men’s Sheds, all levels of Government and anyone else with an interest in these Sheds.

It’s not surprising that many haven’t heard of AMSA, it has been and continues to be run on the smell of an oily rag, with (I think) just one paid staff member on a part time basis, the rest are volunteers. AMSA simply doesn’t have access to the income of Mensheds Aus and cannot hope to match its professional marketing resources and profile.

Whilst it may seem there are many groups promoting themselves as ‘peak’ national bodies, there are only two, the AMSA and the company Mensheds Aus. Anyone who’s had contact with both, can make up their own minds about the distinct focuses, financial costs and benefits to work or affiliate with each.

As to the roles of the Uniting Church and St Vincent de Paul’s (and any other church/religious groups), both have been and continue to be enthusiastic supporters of Men’s Sheds in their communities though I don’t think either has, or does put itself forward as a peak or representative body for Sheds nationally. If you read the AMSA newsletters on their website, you’ll see how and why the establishment of AMSA (and the State Assn’s) has progressed.

Most importantly is that we have and support as many Men’s Sheds as possible to get up and running and to continue to run. I couldn’t agree with you more Terry, there are too many men’s health and well being issues to address and too much untapped potential amongst our blokes out there to let anything stand in our way, least of all any ‘political’ affiliations or self interest.

Thanks mate and best of luck to you and the other Strathfield Sheddies.

[StrathfieldMens]

Dear DC

I am sorry if I offended you it was certainly unintentional. What I was alluding to is that it is a shame that there are two peak bodies for what we all agree is a very worthwhile cause.


My major difficulty with the religious groups was that they did not appear to allow any local control and that all decisions were centrally made, this was not acceptable to our members.


As both bodies seem to be reasonably well established it would seem unlikely that there is any possibility of an amalgamation no matter how desirable that would seem. The next best thing would be that the parties agree at least not to disparage each other and accept that although their methods might be different they both share a common aim.


While I know virtually nothing of the AMSA and cannot comment on their organisation. I have some contact wth MA and have found that they have been professional in their support. I know little about their internal organisation but understand that they have only one salaried part time employee but this is a matter that should be adressed by MA on this forum.


I hope that what appears to be acrimony beteen the groups can be at least minimised as it is important that such an important social network can present a common front to governments of all levels


I am however disappointed that the AMSA website on its home page where it refers to MA as a company seems to imply that it is for profit organisation which clearly it is not. A company structure is commonly used for many non-profit groups


Terry McCowan

[glen boulton]

hey terry
i'm on the central coast and i am only aware of one shed up here which is at kincumber. can i have a yarn with you about setting one up. it has been an idea of mine for about 6mths now and i need this for personal reasons as well as the want to help. it gets complicated i know but as you have done this i'm sure you would have a very clear understanding of where i'm coming from. i'm in Sydney a couple of times a week as of next week. doing a job at double bay. and can venture over your way on the way home . looking forward to the talk.
glen boulton

[DCWheels]

Not offended, just surprised Terry. I'm sure I'll bounce back mate, no sweat.

And again just to reinforce my comments are not on behalf of or speaking for any group, let alone AMSA.

Personally, I don't have a problem with more than one peak group given that they have a different focus to what they do, and on what basis they do it, to support Men's Sheds. People just need to know the difference between them which is what I was attempting (perhaps unsuccessfully) to do.

My contact with MA has been minimal but after reading an appalling 'joke' in a recent edition of their newsletter which I did find both offensive and highly inappropriate, I wrote them an email stating my concerns. I didn't get a response at all, and I didn't see any apology or retraction for publishing the 'joke' from Mensheds Aus. If they think it's appropriate to tell jokes in their newsletters focusing on race and men's suicide, then I'll be keeping well away from them, those aren't values or attitudes I adhere to and I'm confident the Aus Men's Shed Association wouldn't either.

I hear what you say about the religious groups, or regardless of whoever the peak/auspicing body is, Men's Sheds only really work when the sheddies have the say (at least significantly) over the decisions and activities of their Shed.

Again, thanks for the response Terry.

PS. I posted a response in the Deloraine Shed thread about Federal Govt Grants question you posted.

[StrathfieldMens]

Glen,


Please ring me on 0449 106 002 , today?, or email [email protected].


As you can see from this thread there are 2 peak bodies for mensheds and many independent sheds.


I would suggest that look at both competing websites and obtain as much info as possible. When I started I did it alone with little knowledge of the peak bodies.


The main step is to hasten slowly get a small group who are patient and practical and aren't looking for overnight results, it just won't happen. It took me nearly 18 months to secure our shed and while we have a hard core of 10-15 members and another group of a similar number who while intersested do not have the same level of commitment. We will not look to expand to our shed is fully functional and our administration is in order.


From what I have heard the biggest mistake is creating unrealistic expectations as to time and what can be achieved.


At the risk of sounding elitist I think it is best if the founding group can run the shed for the first 12 months or so before preparing to let go and open up the committee.


Terry McCowan

[Billy]

hi Terry,:)
firstly, well done for all the hard work done so far.:2tsup:
I'd love to come over and meet the guys and check out the shed one Saturday,
where abouts is it?:?
Secondly, I have a couple of mates that do building and demolishing and I'm always scrounging stuff off their sites for myself, like second hand timber etc., so I might be able to source "stuff" for the shed too.:rolleyes:
cheers, billy:D

[StrathfieldMens]

Billy,

Thanks for your kind words.

The shed is at 28 Pomeroy St. Homebush.

We are open 10-3 Saturday and Wednesday

Look forward to seeing you.

Terry McCowan,

[clear out]

The Strathfield Mens Shed will hosting the up coming Tool Sale.:2tsup:
To be held on Sunday the 16th of August 9am to 1pm.
Please find more info in the Announcements section.
Thank you
H.

[Billy]

looking forward to being at the tool sale, the photos look great too.:2tsup:
My wife works for dadhc, the department of aging, disability and homecare and is in touch with councils and other bodies around the state. When I mentioned the mens shed she said she knew of some councils that will add funding to projects like mens sheds under their health and/or community projects fundings. Just wondering if anyone has approached the local ( Strathfield ? ) council about something like that?
cheers, billy:fireman:

[Andrew_B]

lol strathfield council.... *looks at my footpath* :no:

i might drop in for the tool swap/sale if i remember :)

[bunnikins1]

hi i was wondering when the next tool sale is
thanks

[clear out]

I have been having these once yearly sales in August.
So mid August 2010.
Henry.

[kekemo]

Why is it MEN is sheds... don't understand it being gender specific...
Why shouldn't it be open to WOMEN....
I've even enquired about helping run a centre... or starting one up.... WHY... do some males not accept females can DO & want TO do just as good... just the same passion... if not more....
HATE not having same resorces available..... it should be....
Cheers K...

.... after hubby died... a grief councilor helped me enquire & managed to find a similar group.... so with much trepidation I attended the centre here in MANDURAH ... for woodworking... I hadn't been there 5 minutes and some rude prig... came over and suggest I go next door with the ladies & do some crafty stuff... as he didn't want to waste the bench space on a woman... think it took me less than a minute to disolve into tears...vacate & never return... I was devistated disalutioned & soulfully distraught again.... didn't believe how horrible someone could be.....
..... last & only time I've ventured out for woodworking... have learn not to even tell anyone else I do woodwork... now very guarded about my hobby... & mix even less. HOWEVER... UBEAUT... members I'm pleased to say I will share & look forward to seeing in two weekends....
....yes even venturing over to the dark-side...


....KEKEMO....

[GrahamC]

I'm thinking because it kind of rhymes. My post feminist wife says assonance.

[clear out]

Kekemo,
It's really 'cause blokes are scared of being shown up by people with better fine motor skills and an understanding and appreciation of design. I have been involved in teaching students hand skills at both Sydney Uni and Uni NSW and the best were allways the females. I was bemused by some of the comments re my last tool sale from members of this forum, we have always had quite a few ladies there both buying and selling.My wife and kids have always been a part of it, from babes in arms.
I remember a few years back when an apprentice cabinetmaker won the door prize of a tool, she was really keen and would have been an asset to any business.
As far as men's sheds go I don't know what their policy is but there are certainly other venues for women to pursue any activity here in Sydney.Even panelbeating at TAFE.
I have had a female cabinetmaker share my workshop years ago here in Sydney she now runs the object design course at Architecture in Sydney Uni where the females taking this elective outnumber the guys.Even engineering has large percentage of female students.
Don't let these d?!kheads get to you. I served a 5 year aprenticeship in an exclusively male environment and what a desolate sterile place that was.:no:

Henry

[Billy]

I don't speak for the mens shed, but I reckon you ( and other female woodies) would be welcome there.:2tsup:

There seems to be a great comraderie amongst the people on this forum and I just couldn't imagine any one being rude or sexist enough to treat you like that old misogynist did at the other shed.:((

I for one look forward to meeting you, maybe you can teach me a thing or two about woodworking, always keen to learn.:)

cheers, billy:fireman:

[Allan at Wallan]

Hi "Kekemo" (Kerry),

At Northern Woodturners we always make any females
welcome.

If you are caravanning in Victoria in future let me know and it
can be arranged for you to drop in.

Allan

[artme]

Why is it MEN is sheds... don't understand it being gender specific......KEKEMO....

Why does it have to be Country Women's hall????:q:q

[StrathfieldMens]

Just an update on the Strathfield Mens Shed.

We have now been in operation since February 2009 .

After some initial hiccups we had to replace a large part of the floor which took up a large part of members time for about 2-3 months we are now functioning smoothly.

We have a large range of commercial quality wood working equipment thanks to the generosity of some members who have relocated most of their personal workshop to the shed as well as many donations. We have now obtained a considerable amount of metalworking tools, including several lathes and welders,

We are now in a position to take on new members and you are all welcome to visit us on Wednesday and Saturdays 10-4 . Come along I am certain you will enjoy the experience and the friendship.

I have some photos but are having difficulty in uploading them will try again

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TERRY%7E1.AN%7E/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.pngfile:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TERRY%7E1.AN%7E/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-5.pngfile:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TERRY%7E1.AN%7E/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-6.pngfile:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TERRY%7E1.AN%7E/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-8.png
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TERRY%7E1.AN%7E/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-7.png