The Hills Mens Shed
In 2009, I remember very vividly sitting in a derelict scout hall surrounded by Castle Hill Rotarians as well as local residents interested in establishing the very first mens shed in the Hills.
As I stared at the night sky through the gaping hole in the roof, I wondered if this old scout hall was really the best we could do for our community.
However, the bushland setting at Eric Mobbs Reserve was perfect and the Castle Hill Rotarians were determined that the falling down Scout Hall could be transformed into something magical. And so the hard work began.
The hole in the roof soon disappeared, the electricals were redone, walls were fixed and painted and the new shed fitted out with equipment. In March 2010, the doors of the Hills Men’s Shed opened its doors and by 2016 an extension was required to meet demand.
The men’s movement began to address the physical and mental well-being of older men in the community by creating spaces for men to connect with one another, to form friendships and to find purpose by carrying out various community projects.
The Hills Mens Shed certainly does this and offers its members the opportunity to participate in woodwork, metal work, wood turning, pen making as well training programs such as wood engraving, using equipment like the scroll saw and using computers.
Some of their projects include making bee hotels, community street libraries, chopping boards, toys for charities and so much more. The Shed also fundraises through Bunnings BBQs, selling its handmade products at stalls as well as hosting its own market and open days at the Shed.
For many the Hills Men’s Shed has become a lifeline, a place of comradery and friendship as members work on various projects, solve problems, and teach each other.
Some members tend to the wonderful shed garden which includes the most amazing passionfruit vine whilst others enjoy a cup of coffee, a chat and an endless round of cards. The members also enjoy social events and once a month have a Birthday month BBQ to celebrate the members who were born in that month.
There truly is something for all men at the Hills Men’s Shed and it is no surprise thatdem and has grown so much that the shed is now open 4 days of the week and will most likely need to increase again in the future. Women are also welcome at the Shed and there are currently 3 female members as well.
The next time the Hills Men’s Shed hosts an open day, I encourage you to pop in and support this wonderful organisation or if you see them at Bunnings stop and say hello. The Shed Members are very friendly and have some incredible stories to tell.
For more information on the Hills Mens Shed go to https://thehillsmensshed.org.au
