For nearly a decade it has worked from a shed on the outskirts of the North Canterbury town, thanks to the generosity of Helen Newton.
But the property is for sale, and a desperate search is on to find an alternative home for the group, while it looks at the affordability of building in the Amberley Domain.
Menz Shed member, Steve Middleton, says the shed is more than just a bunch of ‘‘men with chisels’’.
It provides a great space for people to gather, share their skills and tools of the trade, and enjoy the camaraderie, he says.
But it is ‘‘dying’’, and the group is feeling quite aggrieved because it has done a lot for the community.
It is hanging on to the hope someone in the community, or on the outskirts, might have an old woolshed or farm building they are no longer using that they could move into in the meantime, or an existing building in the township which might be suitable.
The group just does not have deep enough pockets to fund the set up — drainage, power and site works — let alone build a suitable building.
‘‘Worst case scenario is the group goes into recess,’’ Lindsay says.
Site preparation alone is expected to cost $100,000 in the domain in an area identified by the Hurunui District Council for the Menz Shed, before a building can even begin to become a reality.
While it has $100,000 in kitty thanks to fundraising, it will need more than that again for a new home.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie says a range of options were offered when the Menz Shed was looking to build a new home, and it took up the site in the domain as its preferred option. It was then the issue of services needed to be discussed, he says.
Mr Dobbie says he is aware the Menz Shed would prefer something in the centre of town, but the council does not have any reserve land available.
Meanwhile the Menz Shed's 35 members are in despair, particularly as getting any substantial funding from a funding agency is proving difficult because Amberley is ‘‘too wealthy an area for it to receive any sympathetic funding,’’ Lindsay says.
Some members have offered their small workshops or garages to help out, but it would not be a regular thing and they would be too tiny to accommodate the gear the Menz Shed has.
Lindsay says the group, which often attracts between 18 or 19 members on a Wednesday, has over the years completed dozens of community projects. Members have built lecterns, hen houses, hot houses and toy boxes for schools; produced outdoor furniture for playcentres, reserves and libraries; and constructed predator traps for conservation work.
‘‘They are also well known for their fundraising initiatives, from selling bags of kindling to making coffins and wooden toys.’’
Beyond the practical projects, the Shed has provided something less visible but equally important — friendship, camaraderie, and mental health support.
‘‘Many members are retired, some are widowed, and others live with chronic health issues.
‘‘The Shed gives them purpose, connection, and a safe place to share skills and laughter,’’ says Lindsay.
Scrumptious morning teas prove to be an added bonus, providing a great time to sit, relax and chat.
If anyone can help the group find a new home, or wants any further information, phone Lindsay Moir, 0211 166 713, or email brightonmoirs@xtra.co. nz.
