Thread: Strathfield Mens Shed

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.

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

hi Terry,
firstly, well done for all the hard work done so far.
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.
cheers, billy

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,

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

looking forward to being at the tool sale, the photos look great too.
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

lol strathfield council.... *looks at my footpath*

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

hi i was wondering when the next tool sale is
thanks

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

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....

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

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.

Henry

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

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

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