Retired tradesmen help community
Steady demand for products made at MenzShed, Invercargill, is prompting some members to think about the need for a bigger building.
MenzShed is for older men who, for two half days a week, work together to make timber products for schools and community groups. In September, the production line is likely to be operating four times a week.
Chairman Graham Sycamore said MenzShed had 26 members and usually eight to 10 attended on each half day.
More than 10 at one session reduces work space in the three areas.
‘‘Health and safety [regulations] are important. We want the workplace safe without getting in each other’s way,’’ Sycamore said.
‘‘We want everyone to go home in one piece, not short of a finger or toe.’’
If MenzShed moved to a bigger building, larger projects could be done and metal products could be introduced.
‘‘We’re not ready to move but if something suitable came up, we would look at it,’’ Sycamore said.
Some of the products made have been Lilliput libraries, garden bench seats, and wooden trees and a half moon for a children’s playground. Among the latest projects are seats and picnic tables for a tennis club and a set of dog kennels.
MenzShed members have a variety of backgrounds, such as a farmer, exjoiners and builders, and a retired Tiwai aluminium smelter worker.
‘‘We’re sharing knowledge, utilising each others skills to do community projects,’’ Sycamore said. ‘‘No-one gets paid.’’
Money from sales is used to cover costs of material, equipment and the MenzShed facilities.