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Men's Shed turns 5

September 2016 was an auspicious time. That’s when Helensburgh Men’s Shed was brought to life by local blokes from around 2508, who saw the need for somewhere men could come together, pursue hobbies, undertake community projects and talk with...

Paul Blanksby  profile image
by Paul Blanksby
Men's Shed turns 5
Paul Blanksby at the glowworm tunnel, with the station sign restored by Helensburgh Men's Shed.

September 2016 was an auspicious time. That’s when Helensburgh Men’s Shed was brought to life by local blokes from around 2508, who saw the need for somewhere men could come together, pursue hobbies, undertake community projects and talk with mates to help them enjoy longer, more active, healthier and happier lives.

Recently my wife and I were watching an episode of The Repair Shop (ABC iview). Amongst other precious items, an old steam-engine toy ship was restored. The looks on the face of the owner and of the craftsman who brought the vessel back to life were so lovely.

What touches us so much when we see something rescued and restored to a new life? I think it’s because we see so much plastic pelican poop stuff in the world; unfixable objects with a seemingly inbuilt obsolescence.

In your Men’s Shed, we have been so blessed to be trusted to bring someone’s treasured heirloom back to life. And we can do that. Because old stuff is built to last. Built tough. Repairable. The 1930s Cyclops tricycle, just getting its new tyres on; or the pond yacht built in the 1960s by a Pentridge inmate for his warder’s son; the 1954 timber rocking horse; an exquisite Japanese hexagonal table.

So, when we restore or build something at the Shed, we do it for the long haul. We do it to last. We put our heart into what we do.

And we put our hearts and lives into each and every one of the men we are proud to call our mates at the Shed.

That can be you, too. Come along and see, once we are open again, and in the meantime we’re always ready for a chat.

Visit helensburghmensshed.org.au or contact Michael Croft 0413 401 522; Ron Balderston 0410 564 752; Paul Blanksby 0403 701 788

Paul Blanksby  profile image
by Paul Blanksby

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