THERE’S work to be done, yes, but sometimes it’s just as important to sit down at a table over lunch and have a chat.
And that’s exactly what the members of the Leongatha Men’s Shed did last Friday, September 29, at one of their monthly theme events, a ‘Cook and Eat’ day, supervised by two members of the Leongatha Community Garden who came across to the shed for the day, Cheryl Lamb and Kerry Thornton.
“We brought over some of our pasta sauce, from our tomatoes, some parsley, spring onions and herbs and we made some fried rice and a pasta bake, and there were cakes and fruit salad and cream to follow,” said Cheryl.
Chipping in to help with the cooking were Doug Curphy, Geoff Burnie, Roger Donnelly, Bill Jackson and Tim Bloomer with about 25 of the shed’s 62 active members and a few new ones who had come down to the Leongatha Recreation Reserve site to take a look.
Around the tables, between courses, there was a lively hum of conversation; a little bit of football, some local news, projects on the go in the shed; just blokes getting together over good food and good company, what’s not to like.
“We have an event a month and they’ve all been a success,” said program coordinator Paull Lahn.
Club member Doug Curphy agrees.
“When you come down to the shed, you don’t always get to see everyone, so these occasions are a good opportunity to catch up. Just sitting down and having a chat is just as important as anything else,” he said.
And that’s certainly in line with the attitude of the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care which is right behind the spread of Men’s Sheds across Australia as places where you mightn’t only learn a new skill while working on worthwhile projects including toys for children, outdoor furniture, kindling bags or possum boxes for Wildlife Victoria in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment but also learn how to look after your fitness, health and wellbeing a lot better.
Coming up on Friday, October 27 is an important Men’s Health Day, incorporating a ‘Health Motivation Event’ sponsored by AW Smith and Sons.
“We’ve got myotherapist Julian Walker as guest speaker talking about the importance of maintaining muscle strength as we age,” said Paull Lahn.
The health event kicks off with the AW Smith & Sons Gift, with a prize of $400 for those who participate in a simple set of exercises over a six-week period.
“If you complete the program, your $20 entry fee will be refunded and you’ll go into the draw for $400.”
Want to know more? Simply get along to the Leongatha Men’s Shed (near the smallbore range on the recreation reserve) on Mondays (from 10am) or Wednesdays (from 9am) or contact Max Wood 0400623464 or Paull Lahn 0438326103.