Men’s talent on show at Leongatha shed

LEONGATHA Men’s Shed opened the doors on Friday for the community to check out its modern facilities along with examples of the men’s work.

Attendees were treated to a free concert.

The acoustics of the impressive meeting and kitchen area passed the test when the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band was driven inside by rain.

Their performance followed that of the Treble F’s, a community singing group that has a strong connection to the Men’s Shed, practising there on Tuesdays.

‘Singing in the Rain’ was an apt number for South Gippsland but, surprisingly, ‘Blue Skies’ was soon accurate.

However, the weather mattered little to the sizeable gathering, all comfortably housed in the large shed.

As well as the opportunity for visitors to wander through the men’s workshop, inspecting creations as diverse as toys and furniture, it was a chance for members to promote upcoming monthly men’s activities at the shed.

Paull Lahn is coordinating that monthly program, with South Gippsland men encouraged to come and take part.

A ‘Cook & Eat’ session features in April, bringing men together to produce nutritious food in the shed’s modern kitchen.

Meal preparations will be supervised by Cheryl Lamb and Kerry Thornton, both members of the Leongatha Community Garden, with fresh produce from the garden likely to be used.

Cheryl brings the expertise of many years in the hospitality industry and will offer the men practical cooking tips.

Those attending May’s session will learn how to make toy cars for ‘Operation Christmas Child’.

Other end of month Friday events at Leongatha Men’s Shed this year include a Men’s Health program, learning to make a possum box, a ‘Retired Farmers Forum’, and a Christmas celebration.

Locals Graeme and Wendy Evans were among those wandering the men’s workshop and checking out the handiwork.

Wendy said she hadn’t seen the shed before and is impressed with it, believing it is great to have such a place for men to get together and work, and that the open day offered an excellent opportunity to show what they can do.

One of the shed’s newer members, Jim Hendry has wasted no time getting to work, having started there around 10 weeks ago and already producing a collection of colourful wooden toys.

Having previously taught acrylic painting, Jim arrived with a creative flair, something that can be seen in his toys, such as an elephant with leather ears and a trunk made with the rubber casing from a pencil.

“My wife suggested coming here and it’s been thoroughly enjoyable,” Jim said, adding that the guys at the shed are all friendly.

Those at the open day enjoyed scones and a cuppa as well as a lunchtime snag, with the event the first of this year’s monthly activities.

The Cook & Eat session will be held at Leongatha Men’s Shed on Friday April 28, beginning at 10am.

Bookings can be made through the Leongatha Men’s Shed Facebook page, by emailing lgatha.mens@gmail.com or by calling Paull Lahn on 0438 326 103.

Full details of each upcoming monthly Friday session will feature in the Sentinel-Times on the second Tuesday of the month.