When Chris and Yolette Huon retired from their very lively careers in the entertainment industry thirteen years ago, their lives changed quite a bit. While Yolette still had several social outlets, Chris found himself working at home with much less social contact.
During their entertainment career Chris and Yolette ran several theatre restaurants, the last being The Kryal Castle in Ballarat. With a modern vaudeville vibe, they performed variety cabaret including illusions shows, tribute shows such as Neil Diamond, and other shows that involved audience participation, like the Rocky Horror Show. Chris laughs “Recently some of our grandkids found an old video of me performing as Frank-n-furter – they were rather surprised!”
Married for 33 years and both on their second marriage, between Chris and Yolette, they have four adult children and nine grandchildren – the youngest is eighteen months! About four years ago, their daughter Nikita noticed that Chris’s social world had become much ‘smaller’, and having worked in such a vibrant environment all his life, Nikita was concerned.
Over several conversations with her parents, Nikita encouraged Chris to get down to the local men’s shed in Melton Victoria. While still very healthy, Yolette was aware that if anything happened to her, Chris would be on his own, and didn’t have a strong social network anymore.
Yolette explained “I think women are better at finding things to do when they retire. Men need a bit more of a push! I would never have thought of sending Chris down to a shed, so I was grateful Nikita suggested it”.
Chris said he made a couple of attempts to get down to the shed, and finally managed to turn up at a time when they were open – on a Tuesday, one of the “woodies” days. A shedder called Max showed him around, and told him their next open day was ‘Social Fridays’. So Chris started going along Tuesdays and Fridays.
Chris and his daughter Nikita
Yolette says she’s found the Shed is uplifting for both of them. “Such good conversations have come from the shed, and then there are the special guest speakers they’ve had in and invited the wives and partners along. Things like talks on diabetes, wills and power of attorney, factors to consider in nursing homes – all important topics! And it’s been great to meet the shedders’ wives too.”
Chris said “we’ve made some great friends at the shed. We even had a bunch over for new year’s eve last year!”
Yolette said “it’s not just the social aspect of sheds that’s great. It’s also that the men are getting to contribute and give something back too. At the Melton shed they are making things that are then donated to charity”.
Chris said “that’s right. But you don’t have to be able to manufacture things at a shed – we’re manufacturing a sense of well-being. The Shed is like a second family – we concern ourselves with the welfare of others in the shed – just like a family does. And being an alcohol-free environment, the shed provides a safe environment for everyone”.
Yolette says Chris will often get a phone call from one of the shedders, who might be going through a tough time and need some emotional support. Chris says he gets a lot back from these interactions too.
Chris was already involved in a number of things at the shed including driving the bus for the monthly bus trip, when he was invited to be a team leader at the shed. He said “It’s nice to be recognised.”
Chris with a magic show
“When you retire, and don’t have to get up every morning to go to work, you still need some structure – still need to feel needed. And the shed is great for that. I’ve only missed a Tuesday or a Friday three times in the last three years!”