Media Release
Somewhere to Go. Something to Do. Someone to Talk to.
The Bruce Men’s Shed group continued to grow over the last year and a half since it was started and we try to collect surveys from members as they join. Of the seventy or so surveys collected, about 60% indicated interest in woodworking, over 50% checked social get togethers and about the same checked field trips.
The woodworking and social aspects could be covered by gaining a work space where we could set up a shop. So far our projects have been carried out at a few excellent home shops in Lion’s Head, Pike Bay, and Oliphant. Many of our discussions revolve around having a shop of our own. Ideally, it would be located near Ferndale, heated and with washrooms available. A number of tools have already been donated to our group and many more are promised by members when we get a place to set up in. I am storing the donated tools in my basement, garage and shed until we can find a home for them and put them to use. A double car garage-sized space would suit quite well. If you know of such a space please let us know.
In a similar vein, as many retirees find it has come to a time where they can no longer use a machine or their shop, they look to find a home for the tools they’ve collected. I recently read that other Men’s Sheds in Canada have been able to help out by accepting tools as donations or they help the owner sell them off. Just this week I visited member Eric who had purchased high quality machines and is looking to part with one of them, a fine wood turning lathe.
So far we have not organized field trips as many other Sheds do, for example the Brantford Men’s Shed has toured a car plant in Cambridge, another that manufactures hockey sticks in Brantford, a, World War Two Canadian destroyer HMCS Haida in Hamilton plus other activities. There are few such factories or attractions on the Bruce, but if you’re a business owner open to having small tours through please reach out to us to let us know.
Every Monday morning we meet for coffee 9-11, and our monthly meetings are the third Saturday morning of the month. You don’t need to be a member to drop in for coffee. Both are held at Canadian Legion Branch 202 on Highway 6 just north of Ferndale. Doors open at 8:30 all are welcome. If you would like further information on how to get involved with the Men’s Shed movement, please don’t hesitate to contact the Bruce Men’s Shed at brucemensshed@gmail.com or call Gerry at (519) 793–3005. We do not have any membership fees.
