... looking for SHED's anywhere!
Reading this thread with some personal interest.
Few years ago, I seriously needed & wanted to join a "Woodworking/Shed/Group" of any kind... struggling with grief I'd realised that socially I needed to interact with fellow woodworkers(male or female) just needed like-wise, understanding, fellow wood-enthusiasts that would inspire, involve & encourage my woodworking skills to either help, learn or participate in community active programmes.
So, enquired locally & found a group who made toy's & pottered... it wasn't a Men in Sheds Group...But a Community Active for both women & men attend the Community-Centre run facility...however there were only 6 men who participate in the wood-workshop section. On being shown & introduced through the complex on my very first visit... I was stunned & horrified when one self-elected(& obviously self-conceited arrogant pompous ASS...) participating member who was asked to show me around...obviously very audacious & ill-mannered he asked me, WHY did I want to come outside in the shed & use up bench space.... when the men didn't really want me there, instead of doing craft work with the women next door, stick to needle work & unimportant stuff that WOMEN SHOULD DO...!!!!
OMG I was STUNNED & BEWILDERED
I dissolved into tears immediately & hence became reclusive for the next 3 years... didn't want to mix or go out...
Shunned my woodwork...
Self doubted my passion & ability...
I'd ventured out at a time that was emotionally & personally very traumatic to me... & some jerk, just shattered my belief that "woodworker" were the friendliest & helpful group of people you could meet............ why did I think that ???? because I'd met, either personally or online many forum members & chatted to fellow Ubeaut participants from all over the world & presumed woodworkers were all like us..... mmmm WRONG!
I've only just re-established my links back here... & started making furniture again....
Now coping emotionally, time is healing my grief & I'm stronger & believe that it's absolutely imperative that all groups cater for both MEN & WOMEN...
*** NOW THIS IS THE PART THAT SURPRISED ME....& as much as this scarred me for mixing...
I actually came away from the day, with one consoling memory... & for most of you who've seen my work (pictures in the Albums) & read my posts, or met me at Ubeaut BBQ's in Perth... will know that I can actually do some pretty good woodwork....(trying to be modest... hehehe)
BUT honestly.. the workmen-ship that I saw during that one quick walk through was far below average... in fact it was sadly lacking of any quality. SO... I didn't complain or attempt to go back.
Decided that I'd spend my time better doing woodwork solo... It was a no win situation... IF I'd persevered & returned... I would have been ostracised from the group, due to being female or being of a better standard than any of them!
NOW strong enough after 3 years to re-visit and perhaps before I approach or join the members who attend, I'll facilitate a proposal & meet with the directors with an exciting concept & structured programs to initiate a WOMAN's WOODWORKING day. Using my example as the floor plan... as that was the one thing I did... after bursting into tears & initially driving off... I reversed up... walked straight into the manages office & told them what I thought of the insulting members inside.....
EVERYONE should remember ... thoughtfulness, compassion & kindness is FREE....
Only those who chose not to incorporate these into everyday life are arrogant, bumptuous, self-absorbed, egotistical & supercilious morons.... !!!
Ops... I guess they really did upset me!
Time to venture out again!
Share & Care... :U:2tsup: