Keys to Shed Handed Over

AFTER two years and nine months the Aberdeen Men’s Shed finally have a shed of their own to call home.

All smiles at new shed: Kerry Devine, Paul Hobbs, John Presland, Bob Mitchell, Frank Heap, Ross Peahuru, Ron Tillerman, John Taylor, Hock Lw, Maurie Wadwell, Tyrone Power, Peter Tillerman, Doug Avard and John Sadler.

The 23 members are glad to have the keys and are ready to get to work said Frank Heap, president of the Aberdeen Men’s Shed.

“First, we will need to line the interior walls, build the bathroom and we’ll need to get the electricity connected,” said Mr Heap.

“Then we need to build a car park for 16 cars and a handicapped spot,” Frank Heap said.

The men had fundraised more than $36,000 for the shed and thank the Scone Neighbourhood Centre, Bill Rose, Aberdeen Treasures, Godolphin and the Upper Hunter Shire Council for their support.

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre helped establish the Aberdeen Men’s Shed, the shed became incorporated in May 2013 and they have stood on their own two feet since then.

Time for a cuppa: Kerry Devine, Paul Hobbs and Frank Heap knock off for a cuppa at the new Aberdeen Men’s shed

The Council administers the Crown Land the shed is built on in Jefferson Park and has given them a 20 year lease, which they signed on Friday.

The Council also built the shed to lock up stage.

The next task is to raise money to connect the electricity and wire the shed, which will cost nearly $16,000.

The Aberdeen Men’s Shed encourages people to drop by and see the new shed.

They have a gas stove top with kettle at the ready.

Members are usually at the shed between 1pm and 3pm on a Wednesday, with more hours soon.

More information:

• Location: 27 MacQueen Street, Aberdeen.
• Directions: Turn right at the entrance to Jefferson Park, where the Aberdeen Bowling Club is located. It is the big green shed on the right.
• Contact: Frank Heap: 6543 7390 or Paul Hobbs: 6543 7423