‘Weallhavegoodandbaddays butweknowsupportisthere’
SOCIAL inclusion is never more important than in rural areas as isolation can creep in to those living alone, unemployed or retired.
The Avoca Men’s Shed has just celebrated its first birthday and founder member Noel Fallon believes that it has definitely made a positive impact on the male population of the local community.
A man who has experienced difficult times in his own life, Noel was keen to seek out like-minded men, also at the same stage of life.
‘I drove trucks for years and before I retired I drove a bus. I have been in a few accidents in my life – once an RSJ fell on top of me so I know what it takes to pick myself up and keep going.’
As a person who ended up on the streets following a difficult personal period in the ’80s, Noel values all that his good in his life and the friends he has made through Men’s Shed.
‘I have overcome my own difficulties and when I was homeless I was saved by Focus Hope in Dublin. There was somebody there to help me and I can now share my experiences with others. I firmly believe that my life is laid out and that everything happens for a reason,’ he said.
Starting up a Men’s Shed was a gradual process and after the group located a long term premises adjacent to Woodenbridge Golf Club, things took off from there.
‘We have been making gradual improvements to the building. We were delighted to get this premises and it has lots of parking as well. We got a second hand stove and the lads got it going so we could have a fire in our meeting room and so we can continue to meet when the winter gets colder. We are lucky that we have one of the biggest Men’s Shed workshops in the county – other groups have already asked us if they can come down and work here when they have larger projects to finish.’
Like Noel, many of the 17 current members do not come from a carpentry background but little by little, they are improving their skills by working together.
‘We have people from both Ireland and overseas, we have people who worked in offices, driving, teachers, even a retired banker. We all help each other and we share our skills.’
While the physical work that goes on inside any Men’s Shed is worthwhile, the real meaning behind such groups is the peer support and the social interaction it affords members.
‘We can get together and paint a fence, for example. Myself and another member can be side by side painting that fence and chatting. If it never gets finished, that is not what’s important. The main thing is that we have been able to talk and perhaps share a problem or advice. I have had people come to me with various problems and it is surprising that just talking them out helps. I share my stories with them and we see that we are not alone.’
For Noel, himself, Men’s Shed has taught him new skills which he has been able to turn into a business venture.
‘I wouldn’t class myself as a carpenter but I when I started I decided I wanted to make a garden chair. I got some odd bits of wood and kept at it. There is a certain sequence to making it so it folds out and then folds flat again. I sold the first couple and then I sold about 30 more as soon as I made them. At the moment, I have an order for 30 more and I can hardly keep up with the demand. I made one as a gift for my nurse. When I asked her what colour she wanted it painted, I told her she could have any colour of the rainbow. She said to paint it like the rainbow, so that is what I did.’
Avoca Men’s Shed members tend to have a variety of projects on the go at any one time.
Currently they are restoring old furniture from a house clearance and making a ‘Buddy Bench’ for a primary school in Arklow, a concept that fits well with Men’s Shed, as it encourages children with a problem to share it with a friend, on the bench.
One of the members who is a retired woodwork teacher is leading this project and it is providing members with a great sense of satisfaction.
‘We are all delighted with how the shed has come on during the past year. We all have our good days and our bad days but we know there is a support network there. Being involved has greatly benefited my life. I have learned so much and my life is now so full.’
Avoca Men’s Shed meets every Tuesday at the premises beside Woodenbridge Golf Club from 6 p.m. and the last Tuesday of the month serves as an open evening to the public.
The group also meets on Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. For information contact Noel at (089) 4539860.