A place of timber and friendship

IF you’re looking to learn new woodworking skills, share your existing skills or even just in search of some new friends, the Port Fairy Men’s Shed is the place to be.

By Staff Writer

Members of the Port Fairy Men’s Shed enjoy companionship and the chance to put their hands to work with the tools.

The men’s shed has been running in the town for more than 15 years and has spent the majority of those at its current location at the town’s showgrounds.

Current president John Addinsall believes the group not only offers its members the chance to “make things from timber” but, for many, it offers companionship and a sense of belonging.

“The men’s shed truly is about more than just building things,” John said.

“Some don’t even pick up a tool, they just come for a chat and enjoy lunch and that’s perfectly fine too.”

The group currently meets twice a week, every Monday and Wednesday, from 10am-4pm, with participants enjoying a $5 lunch and even a cards session towards the end of the day.

“We also have just over 22 ladies who have formed a craft group and meet here on a Thursday and that’s also growing in popularity.

“It’s certainly a well utilised facility and one that we’re very proud of.”

Keith Bunge, one of the shed’s original members, can recall the group initially meeting in a private garage.

“A group of blokes originally met in someone’s garage,” he said.

“There were about 15 of us and we were keen to formalise a group and find a home. We opened the shed here at the showgrounds in April 2010 and it has really taken off.”

According to John, the Port Fairy Men’s Shed has a very well stocked workshop with all the tools needed to build a variety of things.

“For some it’s about the build, for others it’s about the companionship and for most of us it’s a combination of both,” he said.

“We do sell quite a few items and that helps cover our costs for materials, insurances, those types of things.

“We build and repair everything from garden benches through to kids’ toys and everything in between.

“At this month’s Moyneyana Festival we made about 160 toys which the kids get as like a flat pack and then we help them put them together.

“They are always very popular, as are our fairy houses which have been popping up all over town.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Port Fairy Men’s Shed is welcome to “pop in” to their home at the showgrounds any Monday or Wednesday and have a chat to members.