Our Retirement Homes Connection
Approximately 2 years ago (2009) we were approached by one of our local residents about an idea she had.
She worked as a carer at a local retirement home and was conscious of the fact that many of her male residents would benifit from outside contact with other men who had worked and shared in similar fields.
She approached the Men's Shed with the idea of bringing her group out to our shed for a visit and see what the results turned up. Well so far on, and the results speak for themselves. The first day saw 5 visitors and 11 shed members meet for the first time.
The visitors, with wheelchairs and walking frames at hand were welcomed into the shed for 2 hours of drinking tea & coffee, munching on biscuits & cake, telling stories of the Good Old Days, swapping yarns and talking B/S (the latter being compulsory at our shed).
The men returned to their home and word spread very quickly about the great day out they had had. The next visit saw an increase in their numbers and since that day they have had some great times meeting our members and sharing times with them such as holding a Christmas Party, which included our very own genuine Santa, and some visits to the local for a friendly thirst quenching ale.
The Shed members appreciate the fact that the boys make this special trip each month that they have now become social members of the Shed with certificates and caps to make it official. The project has been such a success that we now have a second Retirement Home bringing their male residents along to enjoy the afternoon.
Visitor numbers on the day can be anything from 8 to 18 depending on circumstances.
Below are some of the photo's of the Shed members at our monthly get togethers.
She worked as a carer at a local retirement home and was conscious of the fact that many of her male residents would benifit from outside contact with other men who had worked and shared in similar fields.
She approached the Men's Shed with the idea of bringing her group out to our shed for a visit and see what the results turned up. Well so far on, and the results speak for themselves. The first day saw 5 visitors and 11 shed members meet for the first time.
The visitors, with wheelchairs and walking frames at hand were welcomed into the shed for 2 hours of drinking tea & coffee, munching on biscuits & cake, telling stories of the Good Old Days, swapping yarns and talking B/S (the latter being compulsory at our shed).
The men returned to their home and word spread very quickly about the great day out they had had. The next visit saw an increase in their numbers and since that day they have had some great times meeting our members and sharing times with them such as holding a Christmas Party, which included our very own genuine Santa, and some visits to the local for a friendly thirst quenching ale.
The Shed members appreciate the fact that the boys make this special trip each month that they have now become social members of the Shed with certificates and caps to make it official. The project has been such a success that we now have a second Retirement Home bringing their male residents along to enjoy the afternoon.
Visitor numbers on the day can be anything from 8 to 18 depending on circumstances.
Below are some of the photo's of the Shed members at our monthly get togethers.
 |
 |
| Katherine (Keith) helping to clean up after another visit | All the boys having a cuppa and a talk |
 |
 |
| Webby indicating how tall some of the Tall Stories can be. | Merridee (Murray D) and Rhonda (Ron, seated) listening to some good yarns |
 |
 |
| Colin and Ken relax after the BBQ lunch | Relaxing in the Sun |
 |
 |
| "Were all full of Chocolate Cake" | Doug, Colin, Les and Vice Pres Graham check out the machine room |
 |
 |
| "Murray D" getting lunch organised | The boys check out the local Park |
 |
 |
| A special day with lunch at the local. | The boys get into their Fish & Chips |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Time to hit the road | Les, the driver, making sure none of our members get into the bus |
None of this could be possible without a special mention to some special people. Firstly lets clarify one point, this is a Men's Shed and so we do not have women members. We do, however, welcome women to the Shed providing they adopt a male name for special occasions and a visit from our mates from the Retirement homes is something very special and could not be possible with the assistance of :-
Katherine (Keith), Clelland Lodge, Nth Nowra. The Boss
Merridee (Murray D) Clelland Lodge, Nth Nowra. Carer.
Les. Clelland Lodge volunteer driver
Rhonda (Ron) RSL Life Care Village, Nowra
Ross. RSL Life Care volunteer driver