Established in 2014, Eltham Men’s Shed is a community-based, not for profit, volunteer organisation that provides a safe and friendly environment where men can meet other men, develop new friendships and connect with their community. Our purpose is to support the health and well-being of our members.

The Shed offers a variety of social and practical activities throughout the week including Wood and Metal Workshops, Bicycle Restoration, Gardening, Technology and Photography. Members are able to work on projects at their own pace in their own time and in the company of other men.

Our weekly social gathering updates members on current activities, invites guest speakers and provides an opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and chat. A variety of other social activities are available including group travel, 4WD outings and dinners.

President's Report

Well, this time of year everyone is thinking about Christmas and at the shed we are no exception. Our Christmas function was held early this year being held on the 3^rd of December.  The venue was the Eltham Community Centre, and the evening featured 3 bands who had the crowd dancing away which was wonderful to see. The bands all had a close connection to the shed. Malcolm Osborne's Band (Loose Plans) opened the evening and got everyone dancing followed by the Sheds own band (Time Bandits) who played the three songs that got them 2^nd place in the Nillumbik Battle of the Bands competition.  Leon Higgins managed to get his old band together (Good Times) to finish up the evening. We had to close by 9:00pm and it was clear nobody on the dance floor was keen to leave so the band needed to do a few encores. 

I must acknowledge the hard work that went into the event, particularly from Leon and Malcolm for setting up the venue and the sound stage.  The team of helpers, the sponsors who provided raffle prises, and the Shed members and their families who attended, made it a night to remember.  

Our Annual Raffle was drawn at the Christmas event with the main prize going to a family member of one of our members.  This was a great result and I must give a very big thank you to everyone who made this possible.  It is very gratifying to see the support the shed enjoys in the community when members are out and about selling raffle tickets. The donations of prizes make the raffle possible and make this event a success.  A big thank you to Colin McGregor and his family for the donation of the Opal as the first prize.

The Bike Group are holding their Christmas lunch at the Greensborough Hotel and members will be picking up their hams over the next week.  Thanks to Peter Roden who runs this fund raiser for the shed every year. 

Our new chairs arrived last week and my thanks go to all the willing walkers who helped with the unboxing and setting up in the shed.  The old chairs have been donated to the Friends of Kangaroo Ground Memorial as part of our relationship with the RSL and avoids the need for our members to cart chairs around for services.   A big thank you to Ged Doyle and Mark White who did all the research and groundwork to acquire the new chairs.

Members will notice the display of the Blue Man at the shed.  This is part of the association with the Prostate Support Group who have now branded the Blue Man in the hope that this will be a national recognisable symbol to support their activities. Thanks again the Ged for all his work on this project.

The Shed Christmas Lunch will be held at the Shed again this year on the 17^th and Sundowners will be held early this year on Monday the 22^nd of the month.

November Highlights

Events

The trip away to Yarrawonga was most enjoyable with over 60 of our members and family in attendance.  One of the highlights being a paddle boat ride around the lake where the boat was filled with members from the shed.  A big thank you to Collin McGregor and David Aplin who organised this event.  Colin has already set the location for the next trip away in March 2026.  Thanks again Colin.

Remembrance Day was again supported by our shed and Terry Phillips and Rocky Fodero organised this with the RSL.  Our relationship with the RSL is an important part of shed life and we will continue this into the future. 

The Eltham Festival was washed out this year.  John Skinner is very involved in the organisation of this event, so it was a big disappointment to him and the local community. However, our relationship with Rotary will continue and we will support them when we can.

On the 20^th of November the council ran the Amped up for the Ages concert at the Community Centre. This was a sold-out event and for those of us participating, it was great fun to be part of. The shed band the Time Bandits managed to get a second out of the 5 bands competing. A big thank you to the council and all the organisers.

The Dine out was held at the Yummy Duck in Templestowe and thanks to John for organizing again.  A very enjoyable evening in another venue that copes with our increasing numbers very well. 

Thanks again to Roula and Mark and the team for organising another great lunch at the shed.  Thanks again to Kevin for his most generous contribution of the wine for the event.

Ian Dwyer has been busy this month organising a Ceres Garden visit in Brunswick, a Cabaret Evening of Big Band Music and the Jaz on the Green table for members.  The members attending had good reports on the events and the photographers had some good photos of Ceres.

Guest Speakers

This month’s Guest Speaker was Sandra O'Connor from Vic Police who provided the members with some real-life ideas on How to avoid scams.

My very best wished to all members and their families for Christmas and into the New Year.  Stay safe and I wish you all the best family time over the holiday period.

Bill Cooper