Acclaim for Greytown Menz 'shedders'

SNIP: The tape is cut at the formal opening of the Greytown Menz Shed on West St. Greytown Menz Shed president John Boon (left) with fellow "shedders" Ron Allan, Don Brooker, Shane Atkinson, Barry Griffiths, Bryan Butler (obscured) and South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples.

Greytown's Menz Shed received national acclaim from its peers yesterday when it timed its official opening with the national Menz Shed conference in Wairarapa.

"Shedders" from Christchurch to Hamilton arrived by bus to witness the cutting of the ribbon ceremony for South Wairarapa's first Menz Shed on West St in Greytown.

The cutting marks a year of hard work on a former South Wairarapa District Council contractor's shed and yard, which was full of junk, leaking and had small creatures scuttling about, said Greytown Menz Shed president John Boon.

Today, thanks to volunteer help, support from South Wairarapa Rotary Club, Henley Mens Shed, JNL, and a $15,000 grant from the Eastern and Central Community Trust, the rooms have electricity, skylights, insulation, a mezzanine floor and lots of serious machinery.

"It's been fabulous," said Mr Boon. "It was 12 months of very hard work, building, sweating, cussing - and more laughs in an hour than I have ever had in my life. It's just been an experience of how good people are, how helpful they are."

This includes a "gentleman" who inquired what they were short of, and on hearing they needed a drop saw, went out and purchased a brand-new one from Mitre 10.

Mr Boon thanked their landlords, the council, for their support with land that had to be prime Greytown real estate, and easily accessible to their members.

"Everyone can walk here, everyone can walk home.

"The Menz Shed, the heritage of the movement, it's getting together, sharing wisdom and resources."

He said there will be a phase two for the Menz Shed, to build toilets, kitchen and a meeting room, and possibly and metal workshop.

They have 50 members, and are looking for more.

South Wairarpa Mayor Adrienne Staples said the Menz Shed concept is a "great idea".

"We have retired people in our community with vast amount of skill which we shouldn't let disappear."

She said Featherston's Menz Shed was not far behind for their opening.

"It's something we, as council, believe is a great asset to the community."

National Menz Shed chairman Ron Hall said yesterday was a "shedders ramble" around Wairarapa and the opening was well-timed with their conference and AGM in Masterton.

-Greytown Menz Shed, 85-87 West St, offers a woodturning class on Fridays 9am-11am. The shed will be open regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am to 12pm. Subscription is $30 a year.