Calling all singers to the Men’s Shed

TORQUAY Community Men’s Shed Singers are looking for new members to join their group as they spread joy throughout the region.

The group sing songs from the 50s and 60s, performing at aged care centres around Geelong and Torquay and at the Cowrie Market.

Peter Ellis joined the singing group about two years ago and said the music does something special.

“I think we can all agree, there’s a power in music, good popular music.

 

 

“We just enjoy singing; we enjoy each other’s company and I think it’s good for our mental health and community.”

The group has been operating for more than 10 years and is made up of mostly retirees who enjoy singing.

Along with their singers, a band made up of drums, guitars, keyboard and a squeezebox add to their sound.

Mr Ellis said one of his favourite parts about being in the group is the social aspect as well as singing at the aged care homes.

 

“It’s really rewarding to see people sitting there, particularly those with maybe dementia or those sorts of things.

“They hear a song they know, and they just switch on and they clap, they tap and it just brings joy and it brings joy to us, it’s just a great group.

“I think it’s seeing the joy it brings to those in aged care centres or wherever we might be.”

 

 

Along with being a singing group, the members are also very social, catching up once a month for a chat, cup of tea or coffee and cake.

Rod Madden joined the group after retiring from his career in telecommunications and has watched how the group has grown.

“When I first started seven or eight years ago, our practice would be in the men’s shed lunchroom and

we just simply outgrew it, which was good,” he said.

“Eventually we landed here and we’re fortunate enough to get a couple of council grants to buy the gear, microphones, speakers, amplifiers and that’s made a huge difference to what we’re doing.”

The group meet every Monday afternoon, practicing from 1pm until 3pm at the rear of the Torquay Improvement Association building in Pirce Street.

Those interested in joining the group are encouraged to drop into and have a listen.