Avoca gets a new lease of life
THE railway station in Avoca, beside the picturesque Woodenbridge golf course is long closed but the building has been given a new lease of life.
The historic structure, with its impressive granite foundations has become the HQ of the Avoca Men’s Shed, under the chairmanship of Noel Fallon.
The initiative was taken last year when it was decided to take on the refurbishment as the most important among a series of projects which are being tackled by the new organisation.
Also on the list is the production of nesting boxes for kestrels in accordance with a blueprint laid out by the wildlife service, each one more than three feet tall and featuring a landing platform for the majestic birds of prey.
Also in the pipeline, after a recent visit to an expert apiarist in Bunclody, is a plan to make beehives specially designed for the laying down of honey in the local climate
Meanwhile, golfers in the already stunningly lovely course at Woodenbridge have been enjoying the addition of flower boxes made and planted up by the Men’s Shed.
With its roof repaired, new floor laid and plumbing installed, the railway station is now a most attractive facility for the 22 members, most of them of retirement age – a cast of characters which includes teachers, bank managers, engineers and lorry drivers.
‘The craic is terrific,’ says secretary Mike Fallon, who is plotting to raise the Avoca group’s presence on the internet and on social media.
The highlight of the week is the Tuesday meetings but the pool table, television and sitting room are available at other times.
Not all of the energy is devoted to the various projects as the secretary stresses: ‘some guys just sit and chat.’