Bridge funded from $10,000 left by trustee

He always wanted a bridge across here and he kept pestering me to get one done.Mervyn Brown, Mens Shed member

A new bridge in memory of Mens Shed trustee Gordon Cook completed in Henley Lake wetlands on Monday.

Mr Cook died in 2010 and left $10,000 to the Mens Shed.

Half has gone towards building the bridge and the other $5000 has been used to purchase a golf cart.

Mens Shed member Mervyn Brown said he has spent about 100 hours building and painting the bridge, which he designed himself, for Mr Cook who was very involved with the Mens Shed.

"For a number of years it was just his life, he spent every day here.

"He always wanted a bridge across here and he kept pestering me to get one done."

Mr Brown thought Mr Cook would be proud of the bridge if he could see it.

"His son came from the Hutt to see the bridge go in and he said his dad would be just thrilled to bits."

It took Mr Brown about two months to build the bridge.

It is the fourth bridge he has built.

The golf cart, driven mostly by Mens Shed member Kevin Ball, was purchased with the idea of offering rides around the area to elderly people.

"Elderly used to come down to the complex but just sit down in their van, the original idea was from Mayor Garry Daniell who wanted to cart his mother around.

"When we got the bequest from Gordon we decided we'd buy it," he said.

The elderly are given a trip around the wetlands with commentary and a cup of tea afterwards for $6.

"It means they can see it, it's really good for them."

Henley Mens Shed has been operating for four years.