The Grumpies

One of the must have items semi-retired and retired men would like is a big shed full of equipment and tools. This is so they can get on and do as well as deal with all those repairs and jobs they have been promising.

Bridgetown Men’s Shed, (aka The Grumpies) is one of the best well-equipped wood working sheds you will ever come across, and they are looking for new members.

They have a large table saw, planers and thicknessers, band saws, spindle moulders, drop saws, drill presses along with clamps and just about any hand tool you would ever need, as well as a dedicated spray room.

They also have qualified people who can guide you on any wood working project, supervise you when using the equipment and they have the experience and knowledge you will need to complete the job well.

Terry Linz is the secretary at the men’s shed and he talks of the benefits of the men’s shed. “Men’s physical and mental health is the major benefit which semi-retired and retired men obtain from being involved in a men’s shed.

“When men retire either through early retirement, disability or they have a ‘tree change’ they may find themselves without a network of work colleagues or friends.

“The Men’s Shed is the ideal place to make new friendships and to have those discussions about your wellbeing in a place where men feel most comfortable, in a shed.”

Dave Roberts has recently joined the Men’s Shed; he finds the shed has been welcoming as well as being an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ full of the best equipment anyone could ever need.

“When I first came along to the shed it was so I could work on picture frames, I have since moved onto other projects. As a fundraiser for the shed, we have been making ‘bee hotels’, mostly from offcuts, we must have sold hundreds of those.

“The shed has recently sourced a lot of timber pallets from the mine, so we have been using pallet timber to make an assortment of projects.

“I was one of those men who always imagined I would need a pretty big shed for when I retired, but for me the Men’s Shed has been just right,” Dave said.

Terry elaborated, “The shed is open three days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 12noon.

“There are fees involved with the shed: there is an annual fee of $40 for insurance, a daily fee of $3 for when using the shed and a morning tea fee of fifty cents.

“Really, no wood working experience is necessary, some men come along for the company. There are community projects to be involved in, where being part of a group which makes items like lending libraries, benches and recycled cabinets or repairs items like the odd broken chair or table, are projects which benefit the community, not only giving you a worthwhile feeling but also giving you a project where you can apply your newly acquired skills.”

If you are new to town, or you are someone who would like some further information you can call Terry on 0419 856 883.