Les from Rowville Men’s Shed
Written by Les, from Rowville Men’s Shed, Victoria
Although the 4th era of life can have its issues, loneliness does not have to be one of them.
Most of us progress through the school, child rearing and work in close proximity to many of our peers in age and interests. Sharing a common past, friendships are formed here – many based on the era. If we are fortunate, some of these friendships survive shifting circumstances and geography into the 4th life era.
When a close friend recently died, I realised just how important to our friendship that shared life experience was. The common understanding that allowed an easy communication based on our shared backgrounds. I also realised that even when surrounded by pleasant neighbours, that kind of easy communication was mostly achieved with people of my era and background.
Hence I looked to the Rowville Men’s Shed. The statistics on Sheds were reassuring. Thirty years in Australia, 1,200 sheds, about 50,000 blokes, and despite the name, a few women.
The name and reputation suggests a membership of wood and metal gurus beavering away at ancient esoteric machinery doing their technical wizardry. A bit daunting when the limit of my technical expertise is making a cup of tea, with a teabag.
The reality was not that far removed in that there are a few in the guru class, and the array of equipment, some recognisable, some not, is impressive. But the activity is not all sawdust and sparks. The image of the club secretary picking grapes, then crushing them with his bare feet on the club decking is one that I am unlikely to forget. Although I have not heard a lot of demand to try the wine. And the Shed’s bee hives provide a sweet contribution to the clubs coffers.
Although not mandatory, I have used some of the equipment. The clubs rules require that you are competent to safely use the gear. Therefore, venturing forth I was coached on the equipment’s safe use. This included how to turn it on.
The Rowville shed is well appointed, warm in the winter and not too hot in the summer. Although the shed and grounds are supported by the council, the club pays its own way with a range of community projects providing opportunity for member’s to exercise skills beyond trades.
So after some time as a club jacket wearing member, I can proudly boast that I can still make a cup of tea with a teabag! And a bonus is the pleasure of talking with people who understand and can talk my era.
Our Shed is on Police Rd Rowville, 100m East of Stud Rd.
If you want to know more about Rowville Men’s Shed go to our website or our Facebook page.