Shed keeps blokes busy
TEENS and retirees could soon be bonding over building projects if a new community shed gets the goahead.
Henry Langguth from Remuera is leading a small group that is applying to the Auckland Council for a site to run the project from.
The community shed would be similar to the North Shore Men’s Shed in Glenfield and is based on a social movement popular in the United Kingdom.
The idea is to provide a non-profit community workshop where members pay a small annual fee and drop in to spend time chatting and working on projects with support and machinery provided.
Langguth and his wife moved into a smaller apartment in 2013 after 40 years of living in the same home.
The ‘‘typical DIY guy’’ says it was difficult to give up his three-car garage where he spent thousands of hours working on vehicles and other projects.
‘‘It was a proper mancave,’’ he says.
‘‘I think my wife was quite concerned that all of a sudden I’d lose my hobby interest.’’
Langguth was determined that wouldn’t happen.
‘‘You could very easily just give up everything. I’ve got friends who are retired who have gone back to work – they’re bored. They didn’t have something else to do.’’
Langguth says he is keen to continue making things to give back to the community.
High schools can also get involved in the concept so students can learn real-life business skills, he says. The team has already checked out a handful of sites around central Auckland where public transport is available.
Members particularly like the World War II long sheds in Auckland Domain and they are hoping the spot will become their second home.
North Shore shed chairman Ross McEwan says the group helps forge bonds and camaraderie for people who may not network often.
Downsizing when moving to a retirement village may mean the loss of a workshop, income and tasks. This can lead to depression, he says.
North Shore shed members have helped build Christmas parade floats and small dinghies.