Grand plans afoot at Lismore Men’s Shed
Since securing a site in 2019, major works have been carried out by Lismore Men’s Shed to make a portion of the grounds of the old hospital a home for their organisation.
The Lismore Men’s Shed is a community-based project where men come together to learn, share skills and socialise, with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.
In 2019, the group was established with about eight members who began looking for their first site, according to group member Noel Baldwin.
“We were looking at different areas and then we discovered this place and we got it from Waterford City and County Council. This is our first venue,” he said.
Although securing the site was a success for the Men’s Shed, a lot of work was involved as the team immediately got down to clearing the site which was described as a ‘jungle’ by association secretary, James Flynn.
Buildings were covered in ivy, as overgrowth covered the entire ground and bushes, weeds, brambles and briars all had to be whacked away.
“We were clearing the place for about 12 months. It was all completely wild and overgrown. We didn’t even know there was tarmac here until we put a pole down. It was completely covered over with moss and grass,” he added.
With the site now cleared, work has been underway to ensure the space is one that can be fully utilised by the Men’s Shed as they continue to grow.
MAJOR PROJECT
Originally, it had been hoped that an old building on site, connected to the old Lismore hospital, could be used as the ‘shed’, however, due to its dilapidated condition the men have had to make other arrangements.
According to Noel Baldwin, plans are in place for the single-storey building and it’s just a matter of time as the group await grant funding to get started on reroofing it.
“Our target was to get the single-storey building reroofed and completed for the Men’s Shed. It is in such a bad condition. At the time we thought we could maybe put a roof on the existing timbers but we can’t do that because the existing timbers all need to be replaced,” he said.
In the meantime, the men work on other projects, creating a kitchen and meeting area and refurbishing an old prefab which they acquired from the council to create an office and toilet space. A lot of work was involved with the majority of the work carried out by the men themselves.
“There was nothing here. There was no ESB here, no water, so we had to put in a new water supply and we had to get two ESB poles put in, a new metre and a supply put in from the ESB to the shed. Our next job then was to get this shed built so we put in the foundations and the drains for it, and the ducting for the ESB and water in, and put footpaths around it,” Mr Baldwin explained.
According to James Flynn, the Men’s Shed got an old prefab type cabin from the council which they refurbished themselves, installing a new roof and floor to create an office space and toilet.
“The roof was after caving in on it. It was nearly gone beyond repair when we got it. If it was there another six months, it would be gone,” James added.
ATTAINING NEW SKILLS
Now, with the site secured and cleared, footpaths in place, a vegetable plot planted, indoor spaces ready and outdoor seating installed, the members of Lismore Men’s Shed have their sights set on refurbishing the existing onsite building.
Firstly, the group is aiming to restore and reinstate the roof on a part of the former workhouse and is also hoping to secure funding to restore the inside of the building which requires extensive renovation, requiring works on the plumbing, electrics, heating and more besides.
“Our big project now is to get the main building done and we have heaps of work to do then with the patio. We’ll have to get builders in for the construction work, but that patio work we can do ourselves. We’ve done everything else here ourselves, the floors the paths, the piping, the utilities,” he said.
Completing works around the site has also benefitted the members, Mr Baldwin noted, as they have all learned new skills from one another, from construction to horticulture to landscaping.
“Some would have a background in construction and gardening. It’s a skill they pick up here too. We learn as we go from one another and that’s what it’s all about. Getting people out and involved. There’s a great emphasis on the social aspect too. There are a lot of people living on their own and they may not go out. This is a place that they can come to and speak to others if they have a problem or anything.
“Most of our members are from the Lismore catchment area but we’re not restricted to Lismore. If some of the members want to come from outside the area, it’s no problem. Many of us didn’t know each other before joining,” Mr Baldwin added.
NEW MEMBERS
Lismore Men’s Shed meets Mondays to Fridays from 11am to 3pm on their site and welcomes new members to their ever-expanding
group.
The organisation consists of men of all abilities coming together, combining skills and knowledge by working with local organisations, stakeholders and agencies while alleviating isolation, providing an outlet for socialising, and ultimately benefitting the mental health and wellbeing of its members.