Swan song from Torquay Men’s Shed singer

THE Torquay Men’s Shed farewelled its first and only female member in fitting fashion recently, with over a dozen singers and musicians forming to give Carol McAlister a rousing send-off.

Ms McAlister came to the Men’s Shed over a decade ago after its fledgling singing group went in search of a leader and was referred to the talented local singer and musician.

“I rang her and she agreed to lead the group … it was the best phone call I ever made,” the shed’s Tim Robinson said.

Ten years later, Ms McAlister’s time with the Men’s Shed Singers is coming to an end due to the growth of her professional work.

To honour her time there, the musicians and singers performed The Beach Boys’ Sloop John B, the Bee Gees’ Massachusetts, Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler, Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, Bette Middler’s The Rose and finished with The Seekers’ I Am Australian.

In a final sign of its gratitude, the group presented Ms McAlister with its Max Trophy, named in honour of now deceased shed member Max Kitchen for service dedication.

“It’s normally given around Christmastime, but for Carol we decided it was important to bring it forward,” Mr Robinson said.

Ordinarily the little dish medallion is presented unadorned, but Ms McAlister’s was mounted on a wooden bass guitar and stand and, when it was given to her, is quoted as saying “oh, straight to the pool room”.

Although the send-off was at the Men’s Shed in Torquay’s Price Street, the Men’s Shed Singers don’t normally perform there anymore because it’s not big enough, they’ve long since out grown it.

For now, they sing at the Torquay Improvement Association Hall, but are eagerly awaiting a planned move to new premises at Spring Creek.

“We do a bit of work around the local nursing homes, have sung at the markets and we’re occasionally invited to sing at events … have done a few shed member funerals,” Mr Robinson said.

“We don’t call ourselves a choir, we don’t aim to be the best singers, our primary aim is to look after men’s health and group singing is one of the best ways to de-stress.”