Riddells Creek Men’s Shed is calling for new members as the group approaches five years without a shed to call its own.
Shed secretary Don Clark said that to operate without a shed, the group has been meeting at member’s houses while tools and equipment remain in a 20 foot storage container.
The group is hosting a membership drive on December 10, hoping to gain additional members before the end of the year.
“Hopefully people will call up and join our shed … our unreal shed, because we haven’t got one!” Mr Clark said.
“Next May, that’s when the next round of grants become available specifically for men’s sheds, and we’re hoping by that stage we’ve locked into a spot, have got permission for that, and can apply for a grant,” he said.
With the need for a new shed, Mr Clark said he is feeling optimistic as the new year approaches.
“I’m more uplifted now because I think the men’s shed committee is in pretty good hands … I’ve put my hand up to say this will be my last year as secretary of the shed. I’ve been secretary of the shed since the start in 2013 .. and I think I’ve done my bit,” he said.
“I’m feeling a bit more confident that next year we’ll hit the ground running and we will get a site.”
Mr Clark said that the group had received “overwhelming” support through emails and letters asking how to best support the shed, with some locals offering to donate money once the group find a site.
The group has been without a shed since April 21, 2021.
Oscar Parry
