THE community is invited to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Tilligerry Men’s Shed on Saturday, 11 November between 9.30 am and 1.00pm.

Free coffee and a sausage sizzle will be provided.

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Visitors will be given an inspection of the shed and members will answer queries.

The Men’s Shed was an initiative of the Tilligerry Lions Club when they realised the importance of older men engaging in social interaction to support their health and wellbeing.

Years of planning and negotiation with government authorities, Port Stephens Council and grant applications saw the shed opened by Mayor Bruce MacKenzie in 2013.

Local tradies and Lions members provided the labour and skills to bring it into reality.

The shed is now open for business Tuesday through Friday between 8 am and 12 noon.

A joining fee of $30 covers insurance.

Leading light Kevin Colman OAM said many donations of tools, machinery and materials came from widows and tradies.

“We actually get many duplicate tools donated so we have days where we sell off the surplus,” he said.

“We also do this with produce from our greenhouse and garden,” he added.

“People bring along furniture to be restored and we also make children’s toys.

“These can be seen for sale at our monthly market stall at the Kooindah Centre car park.

“We even have a sharpening machine which puts an edge on knives, cutting tools and garden pruners and do small jobs for pensioners at their homes.

“Safety hand rails are one example.

“We are not-for-profit’ and just need to cover costs,“ he stated. The best idea for prospective members and those unsure of what services are on offer, is to just turn up and all will be explained. The shed is located at the end of the Mallabula swimming pool car park.

By Geoff WALKER