Men’s Shed structure reaches next stage

LINTON and District Men’s Shed hope to be in their new facility by Christmas after the frame of their purpose-built home went up last weekend.

President, Michael Hough said “excited” members volunteered as labourers, supporting the builders developing the Shed at the Obeirne Lane location, behind Linton CFA.

The social centre for makers will have a workshop, welding shed, lounge and barbecue-courtyard space which flows into the town’s ongoing community garden project, led by the Shed.

“Since we had our first meetings in the Linton café at the start of this project, it’s all been great fun,” Mr Hough said.

“We’ve come across gems of people along the way who have inspired us, encouraged us and nudged us along. It’s all very exciting.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, including finding pavers for the courtyard area, but we’ll be in by December. There must be someone around with some pavers,” he laughed.

Committee member, Jeff Martin met Mr Hough about six years ago. Having thrown around ideas about a new facility for a long time, he said last Saturday was a “red letter day.”

“It’s very satisfying to see some building start to commence. I’m over the moon, as is my wife Julie who’s accompanied me along the journey,” he said.

The site was acquired by the Shed committee about 12 months ago and excavation started over six months ago.

“It’s been a slow, frustrating process, especially with the virus, but things have chipped along with a core group of people,” Mr Hough said.

“People in the town always ask how it’s going. It’s good to see it coming to fruition, and it’s not just the Shed, but the link to the garden which is the community part… and that’s what it’s about.

“It’s such an important project. If the blokes are being looked after, then their wives, kids and neighbours all benefit from it.”

A tree planting day is planned for Sunday, 4 October, where volunteers will work at a safe social distance across the large block, and all around the building site.

A barbecue will be put on and community members can have a look at the development.

Contact Michael Hough if you’re interested to help, or donate some pavers for the outdoor area on 0418 572 257.