The men at Serpentine-Jarrahdale Men’s Shed have been busy of late finalising construction of their new standalone storage shed.
For years they have been increasing the size of the facility to accommodate new members and new equipment, but this new structure will be a game changer for them, according to Secretary Ray Schmidt.
“Many of the projects done for the community are large items that take up a lot of space, especially if not picked up or delivered when completed. So, thanks to a generous grant from Lotterywest, we were able to build a large storage facility complete with a mezzanine floor for all our larger items awaiting pickup.
“The existing shed was getting a bit small. Some days we get probably 20 to 25 people here, so it just wasn’t enough. We ultimately decided we’d build another shed. We managed to get $80,000 in funding, which was perfect.
“Thanks also to another generous grant from local Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones, we have been able to purchase our own small front-end-loader to move those bigger projects, as well as moving slabs on and off our saw mill. This grant will also enable us to construct a second storage shed for our equipment, such as the mill, the caravan that we take to shows and the loader itself, once we get the building permit approved by the shire,” he said.
Mr Schmidt has emphasised the continued support of Hugh Jones for the Men’s Shed.
“We are extremely grateful for the assistance that Hugh has shown us over the years since he has been our local MLA and shed patron, and especially grateful to Lotterywest, whose grant got the ball rolling for us.”
Various exciting, and immensely useful, projects are being undertaken at the moment. These include buddy benches for schools, funded by Rotary International and Bendigo Bank. These are not just for schools in the area, but other Rotary districts as well.
“We also do quite a bit of work for other Men’s Sheds, especially large slab tables, resin work, CNC router work and laser printing,” Mr Schmidt said.
Mr Schmidt, the only remaining original member of the club, was lucky enough to be the recipient of this year’s Rotary Club Australia Day awards for service to the community, along with his wife, Rose, who co-ordinates the op-shop in Byford as part of Uniting Church Crisis Care.
“Whilst volunteering sometimes seems to be without recognition, it is a great feeling when that recognition comes along,” he said.
Ray and Rose last year visited the only Men’s Shed in Kenya, that being the Navisha Men’s Shed in the village of Inhindu.
The SJ Men’s Shed were happy to present the Kenyan establishment with a donation to enable the purchase of a few modern tools. The crew at Men’s Sheds WA are also trying to arrange for donations from other sheds to help out the Kenyan branch.
Mr Schmidt has expressed hope for the success of these donations and has stated that the Serpentine-Jarrahdale shed will utilise its extensions to continue its projects, including furniture, picture frames and children’s toys and puzzles.
The shed’s activities are not slowing down at all, according to Mr Schmidt, with many members coming down regularly to assist with projects.
“We are always looking for new talent to complement our fantastic existing members,” he said.
“So, if you feel you have a skill that we can utilise, whether it be woodwork or welding, if you have an artistic flare, or you simply want to learn new skills yourself, please feel free to call in for a visit on Tuesday or Thursday between 8am and 2pm. Smoke-o and Lunch is provided every day.”
