The Men’s Shed is so much more than a place for the retired to gather.

Toby Walker of Salamander Bay is one of the younger regulars at the Men’s Shed, attending during his down time as a lighting designer.

Toby told News Of The Area, “At the Men’s Shed, I get positive male input and guidance to learn skills I wouldn’t otherwise be able to.”

Mentoring is tailored to meet the individual’s needs and matched to the most suitable volunteer.

Mentoring is available to all age groups, backgrounds and experience. The door is always open for new members.

Along with their own projects, which are donated to the Recycling Centre for sale, the Men’s Shed is heavily involved within the community, some of their previous undertakings have included community seating areas, private creations and council projects.

The Men’s Shed encourages and welcomes community involvement, and for a reasonable cost, you can have them make anything from a small jewellery box to, well, just about anything.

One project they are currently working on is a display cabinet for a puppet, complete with glass and lighting.

Working collaboratively with Salamander Bay Recycling Centre, (who support the Men’s Shed financially), the environment is community supported and based.

John Weaver, Chairman of Men’s Shed Committee, said, “We are an eclectic group of people here and I feel we are stronger for it.”

“We are currently revitalising our business plan for the fourth year, and will continue to engage with the community and encourage the public to utilise our service and to give us some interesting projects.”

Backgrounds vary from engineering, butcher, air force and one member, Roley Manton, has recently been accepted into Tamworth Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Men’s Shed accepts donations of materials and tools, and can collect items.

By Mandy ELLIS