The Gentlemen's Wood Shed

I recieved a post on my message board from Yvonne
who lives in Melbourne Australia.
She was wanting ideas for setting up a "Mens Shed"
I thought, Wow ! what a great idea.
So I owe the creation of this page to Yvonne.
Yvonne thank you for the idea.

Ever since the beginning of time Men have needed
a corner of their own to tinker or do whatever men do.
And we all know a man needs a hideaway from us women at times. LOL

But seriously, this is an area that has long been neglected.
I think it is high time more was added to our facilities for men.
This idea goes hand in hand with the new Pioneer Movement.

When I was young and spent lot's of days playing
at a Nursing Facility where my Mother worked
The men had lots to do. Some raked & some mowed
Others tinkered around in a garage out back.
In fact a few of the gentlemen built a club house
in the garage for us girls to play in.
And I can remember talking with the men as they worked in the garden.
Those were some of the happiest days of my younger years
and I think it's great if some of these ideas can make a comeback.
So Below I will be putting idea's for "Men's Shed"

What Is A Men's Shed ?

It features a fully equipped workshop where men
can make and repair toys and other items, learn new skills,
and overcome the isolation which can plague many older men.

This would be a great community project.
You can get the whole community involved in fundraising
to build a workshop for your gentlemen & for tools & supplies.

Once your "Men's Shed" is up.
Have men from the community volunteer
to come in and help your gentlemen residents.
You can make woodworking projects, repair toys, bikes & trikes.
And the men can socialize & tinker.
Kinda like the old days when all the local men
all hung out at the town garage.

Check your local Lumber yard for donations of scrap lumber
Many have piles of lumber they are throwing away.
Yard Sales are great for cheap project items & tools.
Explain your program to your local Hardware store
and ask for donations of tools, sandpaper, nuts & bolts etc.
Be Creative !

Be sure before beginning this project if you plan on puting up a building to check on
insurance costs, building permits, state & safety guidelines etc.
Cover All Your Bases

With the help of my Hubby
(who spends many hours hiding from me in his workshop)
I will be posting different shed sizes & occupancy
Tools & Supplies that might be needed along with estimated costs.
Plus ideas for different cognitive levels.

If you already have a "Men's Shed at your facility
your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
You can e-mail me below.
Blessings, M.E.

Making Memories 101 E-Mail

Check Out The "Men's Shed" Below
Thank You So Much Kathy For Sharing With Us
Kathy will be sharing more with us in the future.
Including Ideas From Her Men's Gardening Group

"Men's Shed" - Magnolia Cottage - Nowra NSW Australia

Magnolia Cottage is a dementia specific day centre.
Our "Men's shed" is actually a room in a multi purpose building.
The concept can be run virtually in any situation if you put your mind to it.
Our clients have high needs and behaviour issues but when
they are occupied in the "shed" they are totally focused
on the tasks at hand.
We restore all sorts of things from pushbikes, picture frames
(we use the frames to frame collages)to wheelbarrows and
highchairs to use as garden projects.
The clients are closely supervised by group leaders and male
volunteers, they are mindful that it is the process, rather
than the finished product that counts, we can take months to
complete a project.
Our shed has been in operation for over 4 years and we never
run out of ideas, all our clients get involved even if it is
only to sort nuts, bolts and nails to simple sanding.
Kathy Emerson
Coordinator

Click On The Thumbnails to view full photos.
               
We acquire our projects mainly from excursions to the local tip.
(the towns refuse and recycling centre)
Below are photos of some of our men scavenging at the tip for items to restore.
      

King Of The Road