Menzshed ready to roll in new venue
Nelson men will finally have a place to go with the soon to be established Menzshed Nelson locking down a venue.
It’s been about three years since initial plans hit the workbench but the Nelson group can finally call Tyres and More on St Vincent Street its headquarters.
Geoff Golding has been a driving force behind the setup in Nelson. He said the group would fill a void in Nelson and had the potential to become ‘‘the best Menzshed in New Zealand’’.
The Tyres and More venue will be a meeting place until a workshop is found but Golding said the startup was ‘‘a lot more than a first step.’’
‘‘It’s about giving blokes a place to go,’’ he said.
Last year Golding said he could see a growing demand for a Menzshed in Nelson. He received at least one inquiry a week with residents asking to join a local group.
Tired of waiting for local government to help fund the set-up of the group Golding said he worked to find men equally interested in the concept.
The clan of seven formed the Menzshed Nelson ‘‘establishing committee’’ which has set the launch date with a party next month. Potential members can now be given good news.
The benefits of the social group include better mental health and vitality. It offers a platform for men to share ideas and talk freely over coffee and the workbench.
Tyres and More owner Adrian Curtis said he was happy to help the group gain momentum by establishing a base.
‘‘Statistically men are the least supported group in society,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s a really, really good idea.’’
Mitre 10 Mega marketing manager and Menzshed Nelson member Murray Leaning said the group’s establishment was a long time coming for the town.
‘‘They take everyone. It’s not just the retired boys.’’
Leaning said there were already a few community projects in the pipeline for the Menzshed Nelson members to get their hands on following the launch party.
Menzshed Nelson’s website will be up and running in coming weeks for interested parties to enquire about membership and follow upcoming events.
Menzshed Nelson will be launched at the Tasman Cruising Yacht Club on Monday, July 10 from 4pm. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend.
For more information on Menzshed Nelson contact Geoff Golding on 03-929 5222 or email nelson.menzshed@gmail.com.