Many a Shedder really values their shed time. But would you go as far as choosing where to live based on the local Men’s Shed?
Sculptor Ian Dodd and his wife more or less did when they chose their retirement community.
“We moved into Valhalla a little over 2 years ago and the Men’s Shed was one of the main reasons for picking this particular village,” Ian told us when we recently visited his residents’ only shed in Chain Valley Bay.
His initial motivation was for practical reasons – he wouldn’t otherwise be allowed to do his beloved craft.
“The Men’s shed allows me to make noise that I cannot make in my garage and also to work in a dedicated workshop with ducted air and dust removal.”
However, Ian soon found Valhalla Men’s Shed was so much more than just a place to work – it became his new community.
He said: “I couldn’t ask for a better group of shed friends than I have found here in Valhalla.
“They are always interested in what I am doing and I often have one or two watching on and chatting about the process while I chip away at a piece of stone or wood.
“And they are always keen to see the finished piece, often taking photos to show their wives.”
Ian sells his work at local sculpture exhibitions across the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and as far away as Mudgee, and has even won prizes for his work.
But Ian describes the pursuit as largely a “self-funding hobby.” Most of his sales go back into the purchase of raw materials such as pieces of stone or exotic timbers like Mahogany, Rosewood, Huon Pine, or Silky Oak, as well as new specialist tools for wood and stone carving.
In exchange for the space to work, Ian enjoys contributing to the shed, where his sign writing trade background often comes in handy.
“I am always happy to help with Men’s Shed activities in and around the village and am often called upon to make little signs for various projects,” he said.
Men’s Sheds are full of building and mending useful items. But alongside these practical projects it’s also rewarding to see labours of love that exist purely for the joy of them.
“I do it because I love it and it keeps my mind and body active… and it gives me an excuse to go tool shopping!” Ian laughed.
Membership of Valhalla Men’s Shed is only available to residents of Valhalla Over 50s Lifestyle Community at Chain Valley Bay. Find an available Men’s Shed near you here.