We were very pleased to welcome Peter Stefanovic to our meeting last month when he gave a presentation about the work of the Men’s Shed.
The group has been active for five years now through St. Mary’s, and meet at the Barn, at Hornsbury Hill Farm by kind invitation of Liz and Ian Jones and are members of the National Association of Men’s Sheds. It was started in Australia in the 1990s and has grown a lot over the years.
Membership is for men of all ages – not just retirees – in some areas there are ladies groups, and even some ‘ladies only’. The aim is for them to meet together on a fairly regular basis for companionship, talking with others and sharing skills – giving them a sense of belonging and, of course, helps with personal growth and wellbeing.
Every member has to be individually assessed for insurance purposes.
They meet two days a week (not in winter January to March) and pay £12 a year, or £3 a day – Wednesdays 2 – 5pm and Thursdays 1 – 5pm. The group do receive a grant from the Voluntary Service to help with expenses. They have referrals for members from carers, Social Services and local groups. For people with dementia, they need to have a carer to stay with them.
There are various helpers/experts with skills both in training for use with tools and teaching to make items, mainly woodwork. They now have three lathes (donated by the family of someone who died) and a variety of other tools. A number of smaller items have been made and sold at fundraising events – occasionally at St. Mary’s – but some very impressive items have been made for the community – like the Remembrance figures displayed outside Manor Court School and the large Christmas crib scene by the Beacon and a remake of a seat in a public place.
The group would welcome donations of suitable pieces of wood – please contact Peter or Ian.
As Peter said, the Men’s Shed is more than just a place for making things with tools – it is being part of a community giving men a sense of wellbeing, confidence and personal growth – creating a powerful force for change.
There was a very good discussion between us, so thank you again Peter for an inspiring time together.
We shall be running a cakes and preserves stall at the Christmas fair on 25th November, so donations for that please.
Next month there will be a slight change to the programme. There will not be an Advent Carol service with the Deanery but instead a smaller meeting in the parish rooms on Friday 8th December at 2.30pm. Rev. Val Hoare has kindly agreed to lead us with some thoughts, readings and music for Advent through to Christmas, followed by our usual Christmas tea.
Best wishes,
Heather Elphick, Branch Leader