Shed now ready for blokes to join up

The interim South Dunedin Blokes Shed committee (from left) Taieri Blokes Shed president Bob Biggart, Roofing Solutions partner Clayton Kropp, Taieri Blokes Shed member and volunteer Warren Harris, Roofing Solutions worker and prospective shed member George Munro, and Dunedin Resident Naval Officer Lieutenant commander Phil Bradshaw, are pictured with the refurbished shed, to be officially opened this Saturday.

Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin will do the honours at the new blokes' shed, which is in the grounds of King's High School, and all interested blokes are welcome to attend.

The entrance to the shed is via the driveway off Bay View Rd closest to Kirkaldy St.

The blokes' shed concept has been pioneered in Dunedin by the Taieri Blokes' Shed, at Taieri Airport, which has operated successfully for the past year.

A second shed has long been planned for within Dunedin city, but time was needed to find a suitable venue and prepare it for use, Taieri Blokes' Shed president Bob Biggart said.

After King's High School donated one of its old sheds, work started three months ago on recladding and relining.

Roofing Solutions co-owners Shane Atherton and Clayton Kropp donated the steel for the recladding and roller door and were involved in the work, with members of the interim shed committee.

Electrical contractor Peter Atherton installed power to the shed.

Preparing the shed involved support from many businesses and organisations, including the Lotteries Grants Board, Department of Internal Affairs, Independent Welding Supplies, HMNZS Toroa, The Tool Shed alongside the Dunedin RSA, Age Concern Otago, St John, The Mission, Dunedin City Council and the Navy.

> Men interested in joining the South Dunedin Blokes' Shed can do so at Saturday's opening, or phone Lt-cmdr Bradshaw for more information on 477-8231 (work) and 489-7974 (home).