MEMBERS of Safety Beach Dromana Men’s Shed have been keeping busy during the COVID years, getting involved in some community projects that make a difference.
A replica chateau is now being raffled to raise money for an extension of the Pier Street, Dromana shed.
Secretary Denis McKeegan said the model (pictured right) was based on the Hotel Chateau Du Grand-Luce in the south of France, which was built in 1760, and was a classic example of the architecture of the era.
Most of the model is made from 3mm MDF, with some intricate details that also include curves and steps. The tiled roof has been hand made from a sheet of the MDF with precision individual knife cuts.
McKeegan said the project took 2080 hours over 22 months, weighs 18kg and has battery-run LED lights in all 13 rooms on its two floors. It has been hand painted throughout.
“The roof can be raised, panels swing open on all sides so that you can see inside with the LED lights,” he said.
“It is so intricate, there are marble columns, staircases, lattice like windows, archways and hallways.”
The chateau will be on display with tickets being sold in the foyer of Bunnings Rosebud store 9am to 3pm on Sunday 4 December and at the Bunnings car park market 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 8 December.
McKeegan said the international men’s sheds organisation’s sole purpose was looking after the health and mental health of its members.
“One amazing fact is that not one member in any of the men’s sheds in Australia has committed suicide, which is a testament to how men mostly retired value the shed,” he said.
“There are some members who live alone after their wife has passed away and just like to come along for a chat and coffee and even participate in the workshop.
“Only this week, one member came to me thanking the shed and all the members for helping him cope with his health and wellbeing. He looks forward to coming to the shed on a weekly basis.”
McKeegan said activities at Safety Beach Dromana Men’s Shed included mobile phone, laptop, iPad and tablet training, woodwork, making wooden clocks, bread boards, hand towel holders, welding, wooden and plastic pens, beach boxes of different sizes and colours and library books.
“We are active in working with the local community, which the members have a real satisfaction in helping organisations who need projects completed where they don’t have the expertise or time to complete,” he said.
Prospective new members can have a look at what the shed does. The shed is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to midday.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 15 November 2022
