Thread: Mens sheds

Hi Rob.

I would definitely advise you to go along to the men's shed and introduce your self to the chaps there.
Shed activities vary from shed to shed, so you never know what you will find' until you visit.
Personal projects are encouraged at many Men's Sheds, providing there is space in the Shed.
Sheds in Rural areas, seem to have a lot of support from their local council. Also local health care bodies and also some churches. But basically sheds start as a community need.
They take all forms.
I don't know how many sheds are in AUS now, but it must be getting toward the 700 mark.
Men's Sheds are the largest representative group for men in AUS.

Enjoy your time at the new shed, Rob.

Paul.

I'll give it a go Paul.
Its on on Friday 9-3 , thats fine by me 'cos Friday after work is a traditional sailing boat time , the boys go out and celebrate the end of the working week , shake the sails out , and have a beer.
I might pick up a crew member !.
But yes , if I get the PDR finished , then I'll be grateful.
Regards Rob J.

Good Luck Rob.

I am sure you will enjoy the Men's Shed experience.

Paul.

No-one else with an informed opinion here?.
I knew I would get a response from Paul , he is very passionate about his shed .
Anyone else with an opinion ?.
Rob J.

While the idea of a men's shed is great, I much prefer the atmosphere at the Living Boat Trust shed on a Monday evening or Tuesday (our main work days). It's not just men, quite a few women members either as sailors or there to learn some woodworking/boatbuilding skills, quite often there are children always willing to pitch in and help (always LOTS of painting to do) as well as many, many dogs (they're there for the food .

While I appreciate that the men's shed idea is to promote 'men's health and wellbeing', I like the mixed company much better - apart from the dogs.

Is there a similar interest group in your area?

Hi Snowyskiesau.

There is a great deal of differnce between your LBT and Men's Sheds.
Men's Sheds, do not exclude women. In fact many ladies are part of the committees etc, which run the sheds.
But there are MENS days and days where the ladies might attend. There are also mentor programs, to include the younger chaps, learn from the oldies.

LBT, is a great single focus organisation and if I lived closer I would be part of it, as I am a boat builder.

But it is not a men's shed.

http://www.mensshed.org/page7859/Home.aspx


I am sure Rob would love to have something like LBT in his area.
I hope he has.

Paul.

Every shed seem to have a different atmosphere. Some are busy , busy, busy with everyone seeming to have a defined job, others like the one I attend is very relaxed and a lot of the guys just come for the chat and the company. What ever shed you go to you will get out of it what your put in

I'm sure if you have boat building skills that you are willing to share you will be well received. You will find others there that have compatible skills in other areas that you can learn. We have one yachtie that keeps on suggesting we start on a sailboat project - it will probably be the first thing we do when we build the extension. At the moment we have no room.

and Snowyskiesau we have both women and dogs at our shed.

No Geoff , there is nothing like LBT here , if there was , I would have been a member long ago.
As a matter of interest , we have been toying with the idea of shifting down to Sthn Tasmania , somewhere "boaty" , that I can get a mooring close handy , and Franklin turned up some interesting properties .
But we think we will just get a nice motorsailer , and go where we please , much less hassle.
I've got some good mates who are happy to help me with HS , but I'd like to get some of these jobs that have sat in front of me for years finished , and out of the road , I'm hoping the "mens shed" might give me that nudge.
But LBT , man , that is really something !.
Regards Rob J.
PS , and thanks for the contributions

Well , I went to my first Mens Shed meeting.
A friendly group , but we spent our time talking.
Nothing else was done.
But , I'll bring along my boat next time , and see what happens then.
Regards Rob J.

Yes there is always lots of talking in a men's shed.
That is a big part of participating. Just connecting with other chaps.
Your boat project might encourage some involvement.

Good Luck and enjoy the experience.

Paul.

Mens shed here got a bit of publicity in the local rag , when a local timber merchant gave the mens shed a heap of pine offcuts.
But today , was a meeting day , more talking , although I did bring the PDR down , on the trailer.
But halfway through the meeting , a bloke stuck his head around the door , and announced if we wanted it , he had a tandem trailer load of timber we could have.
It was accepted gladly , but no time could be agreed when to pick it up.
I asked the bloke if it was ok to pick it up today , to which he agreed.
I told the meeting if they took my boat off the trailer , I would take the trailer down to the blokes place , and the whole crew could soon load the timber .
And that is what happened , at the conclusion of the meeting , I took the trailer to the timber , and we loaded up a ton or so of some pretty good timbers , and ply , some of it marine grade.
Took it back to the temporary home of Mens Shed , and unloaded it.
So , still no work on the boat , but I must have got some "brownie points!".
Rob J.

Sounds like a good result Rob.

I wish our men's shed could get some timber donations.

Paul.

No chance with them greenies down there Paul.
(Sorry , couldn't resist).
Regards Rob J.

"HA" BXXXDY "HA. Rob.

I will get you back for that comment.

Paul.