By Ron Lane
The first visit to the Noosa Men’s Shed by Noosa Today was to cover the hand-over of a ride on mower by representatives of the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club and it was indeed an eye opener. To see first- hand the buildings, lawns and gardens that were spread over 2.5 acre block of land was indeed inspiring.
Now some ten weeks later the occasion for the return visit was to attend the opening of the extention of an existing building. This building, to be used for the purpose of wood turning was henceforth to be known as the Gordon Craig Shed; a mark of respect to a member who had recently lost his battle with cancer.
Built under the supervision of one of their members retired local builder Ray McEwan it covers an area of 6×6 mts; consists of a concrete floor, timber frame and a roof of trim deck sheeting. On the floor stands the required work benches plus the necessary machinery that is consistent with wood turning. All in all a fitting tribute to a past and highly regarded mate.
To mark the occasion and perform the small ceremony local member Sandy Bolton was the invited guest. Before a gathering of some 35 Shed members President Paul Asbury introduced the guest of honor and then thanked and congratulated all who were involved in the project. He then invited Vice President Ian Broardfoot to give details and information regarding the construction. When also extending his thanks to the members he drew a laugh when he remarked, “At our elderly stage of life ageing is inevitable but when you are with good friends happiness is a part of lifes journey.” When one witnesses the spirit and mateship that exists their successes are understandable.
In performing the opening Ms. Bolton also extended her best wishers and in particular drew attention to those “in our local community who have made contributions to this project. And regarding the grant that you received, those thousands of dollars that helped make this a reality will, in times to come be worth millions in good will and friendship.”
Immediately following, Vice President Broardfoot presented Ms. Bolton with a beautiful hand carved wooden bowl in recognition of her attendance; this was in fact the first such article to come from the workshop.
Also in attendance was Ken Kipping, State Representative for Sunshine Coast Sheds and member of the State Committee. “What these men have achieved is amazing. A short time ago they had just 34 members now it is 220; and to think that the local Catholic Parish took the roof off their carpark and donated it to the building tells us that this group is indeed held in high regard throughout the community. There are now 184 Sheds throughout Queensland and we are still growing.” A great organization with a major role to play within the borders of our shire; and they are all- Our people.
