MEMBERS of the not-for-profit Mid North Coast Hot Rod Club (MNCHRC) presented the Woolgoolga Men’s Shed with a cheque for $1,000 in April, as a donation towards equipment, and as a gesture of thanks.

Darren Bromell, spokesperson for the MNCHRC, said the Hot Rodders’ gift comes from its members’ debt of gratitude for the “wonderful work the boys do in providing a friendly and active environment for blokes to gather and maybe have a chat as well as gaining valuable skills working with wood”.

“We align well with the Men’s Shed as we provide a very similar environment.

“We have a love and passion for our vehicles, we help each other out with our projects and problems, and it keeps us very active and busy,” said Darren.

“If a fella has a purpose, whether it’s fishing, gardening, Hot Rodding or working with wood, whatever, he is less likely to have problems with his mental health, that’s what we’ve found anyway.

“It keeps your brain active, off the sofa and away from the pub,” he said.

Darren believes the commitment of turning up to a group activity for a set time is also a great driver to staying in good spirits.

“If you’ve got others who are relying on you to turn up, it gets you there, and then you have a laugh and a cup of tea; it’s good.”

Gathering for the presentation of the cheque, Mark Bloor from Woolgoolga Men’s Shed thanked the Hot Rodders “very much” and said the members had begun building what will be a perpetual trophy from top grade timber.

The trophy will be awarded to the owner of a standout Hot Rod vehicle each year, chosen by the Men’s Shed as their pick.

The inaugural award will be presented with the trophy at the club’s annual three-day Rod Run held over the Mother’s Day weekend – 13 and 14 May.

“Fingers crossed,” MNCHRC member Mark Casey, who is organising the engraving, told NOTA.

“I’m 99 percent sure we’ll have the engraving and trophy ready for the presentation on Saturday.”

The Rod Run weekend will feature a Show and Shine at the Woolgoolga Diggers Club on Saturday morning May 13 from 9.30 to 2pm.

Here, over 100 of the best Hot Rods vehicles from locally and interstate will be on display and open to the public.

“Please come and check out the cars and vote for your favourite,” said Darren.

“It will be a huge event and our friends at the club will be open and supplying food and beverages.

“Free entry to all,” he closed.

By Andrea FERRARI