Did you know there are over 1200 Men’s Sheds in Australia? Bringing men together, working shoulder to shoulder, helping each other through life. Serving their communities, just like your Helensburgh Shed serves the 2508 area and beyond. One way in which we are helping our locals is through our new “Introduction to Woodworking for Women” classes.

Wednesday the 7th of February saw a full class of 10 excited ladies learning the basics of woodwork safety, measuring, cutting the raw material, and machining the timber to create their first project, a brushbox and maple cheeseboard. Stephen Dodd, Ron Balderston, Mike Croft, and Peter White were the happy instructors.

I popped into the second class and had a quick chat with some of the ladies as they worked on their cheeseboards. Cathy came to the class to reinvigorate the woodwork knowledge learned from her dad, and to fulfill her dream of restoring an old cabinet she cherishes. Lou was keen to learn how to do things properly and was enjoying the proper equipment the Shed had to offer. And now that Kelly’s kids were both at school, she had time to create and make – that new bench will be great, Kelly!

So many great stories; Kim on Maycation; Kerrie, learning so she can restore her 1900’s daybed, and Lyn, as a schoolkid, who wasn’t allowed to do woodwork; she was making up for lost time.

All the best, ladies, and thanks for coming along.

At our current facility, the Shed pays commercial rent, and we are one of only 3% of Sheds in Australia to do so. Alan Blackwell?, our landlord has been very generous to us. Still, as our search for land on which to build our shed continues into its 7th year, community help will be invaluable and needed as we also consider purchasing the property we are now using.

We are very grateful to our generous Sponsors because, without their help, your Shed would not be able to continue. Helensburgh Anglican Church, Tops Conference Centre, Equilibrium Healthcare, Helensburgh Car Services, Ian Pepper REA, Razamataz Mobile Car Wash, Helensburgh Tyres, and Gary Laker, thank you all so much.