Heather Watson and Anne Oogjes.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Despite the name, Rochester Men’s Shed opens up its doors for one and all.
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Every Monday is community day — an open invitation to everyone ‒ while Thursday is men’s day and Friday is ladies’ day.
The shed hosted its first ladies’ day in August 2024, successfully extending to a weekly offering.
At ladies’ day on Friday, February 14, there was a solid group of members working on a range of projects, like drawer refurbishments, framing and ornament-making.
Jenny Weeks and mentor Ray Mason.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Among the members was Anne Oogjes, who has been working on a set of drawers.
Mrs Oogjes has been coming to the shed after trying it out ladies’ day, and appreciates the support of the members, sharing ideas and tips together.
She has also enjoyed learning how to use the machinery and having something of her own to work on.
“It makes you feel like you’re doing something,” Mrs Oogjes said.
“(It’s) your own little project.”
Dorothy Long and mentor Steve Harris work on the Christmas ornaments for REDHS.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Another member, Dorothy Long, is working on crafting wooden Christmas trees, with one set to go in every Rochester Elmore District Health Service resident’s room for Christmas in July celebrations down the track.
Mentor Steve Harris finds the time spent at the shed rewarding, guiding members of different experience levels to build skills and bring their ideas to fruition.
“It’s an outlet,” he said.
“Having three and a half days a week (here) is great.”
The Rochester Men’s Shed is located behind REDHS at 1 Pascoe St, Rochester.
It is open on Mondays for community day, Thursdays for men’s day and Fridays for ladies’ day from 9am to 1pm.
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