Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Lancefield Men’s Shed Meet Jim

One of the many great aspects of being part of a Men’s shed is the interesting people you meet.

I get a lot of satisfaction fixing people’s chairs, making planter boxes,fixing all sorts of bits and pieces for our local community. The next bench over from me at the Lancefield shed stands Jim, working away at some of the most interesting nest boxes, and cutting boards I have ever seen.

Not for Jim the plain old nest boxes, he constructs these amazing little houses that have all sorts of interesting features, and best of all, besides the satisfaction he gets from constructing them , they sell like hot cakes at our monthly market in Lancefield. I enjoy walking past Jim and asking him if the bit of scrap timber I am about to put in the fire is any use to him. He gets a bit of a gleam in his eye and the mind is ticking over with the possibilities.

Now Jim is a pretty interesting character. Up until a few years back he never had much time for a hammer and chisel, but after his last bout with a brain surgeon, I think it was his wife Helen who suggested that he might like to give the Men’s Shed a go. I am pretty sure he thinks it’s the best suggestion she ever made.

Jim was a movie projectionist for over 30 years, and did a stint as a landscaper before he gave work away. He hasn’t had the best of health over the years but he is a classic example of a man who, in spite of some setbacks he is still very keen to contribute in a very creative way to his community.

Although our Men’s Shed is a very welcoming place, chaps who just want to come along and socialize seem to really enjoy their time there.I am sure there are some men who avoid the place because they think theyneed some sort of skill. That couldn’t be further from the truth. On the other hand, if a chap would like to learn some skills, bit like my friend Jim, there are plenty of blokes to give them a helping hand.

The Shed Bloke – Lancfield Men’s Shed