Shed seeks new members

More than 50 men (and even a few women) attended a meeting held in Orewa recently to find out more about the Men’s Shed proposed for construction in Silverdale.Hibiscus Men’s Trust chair Stuart Johnston said he was “staggered” at the size of the turnout, which he said underlines the value of the Men’s Shed movement and the local interest in it.

Men’s Sheds consist of not-for-profit community workshops where members can drop in for a chat and to work on projects for themselves or the community.

While the majority of those at the meeting were men of around retirement age, there were also a few women – some of whom said they were there to find out more on behalf of their fathers.

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board has been facilitating the creation of the shed, and members Lisa Whyte and Janet Fitzgerald also attended the meeting.

The Hibiscus Men’s Shed Trust is in the process of recruiting members, which Stuart says will provide a firm footing on which the shed can eventually be built. The meeting underlined the value of joining the group to support the fledgling Trust of retired men. “If one or two of us get sick or get run over by a bus, the project could fail if we don’t have more men to step in and fill those gaps,” he said.

It was clear from Stuart’s presentation that the real value of the Men’s Shed is in giving men a place to go where they can work, share their knowledge and skills, talk and enjoy the company of other men.

“Many men begin to feel isolated and lacking in purpose after retirement and the shed provides a place where friendships and meaningful work can happen,” he said.

He said one of the most important rooms in the shed is not the workshop itself, filled with tools and machinery, but the lunchroom where men can chat over a cup of tea.

“The sheds have proved their worth in keeping men active and contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing.”
There are currently 107 Men’s Sheds operating or under development in New Zealand, and building the Hibiscus one (which is number 97 on the list) alongside Silverdale United Rugby Football Club, will require more than $250,000.

Most of that money is expected to come from grants – these can be applied for once building consent is granted.

A large quantity of tools and equipment will be donated, but Stuart said there will still be a fit out cost of around $150,000.

He said if the process goes to plan, the Hibiscus Men’s Shed could be up and running by the end of next year. The Trust’s projections indicate that it could eventually have in the vicinity of 200 members.

For more information, or to join, email hibiscsusshed@outlook.com or phone Stuart, 027 492 3357 or 09 424 7854.