As November dawns, the Martinborough Mens’ Shed celebrates another satisfying year of service to our community.
Over the past twelve months we’ve completed more than 60 jobs for locals – everything from refurbishing the Rugby Club scoreboard numbers, building over 20 penguin shelters for the Aorangi Trust, and constructing 21 predator traps, to restoring outdoor seating for the Tennis Club. Add to that a steady stream of “Repair Shop” tasks: mower and small-engine fixes, coffee table repairs, furniture restoration, welding, carpentry, painting, and the professional sharpening of more knives, secateurs, snips and chef’s tools than we can count. If it needs fixing, we’ll usually have a go.
For newcomers to the district, you’ll find us in the old Courthouse on Cork Street, just around the corner from the Medical Centre. Behind it sits our large workshop, woodturning space and storage area. We’re open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to noon — bring your jobs along and we’ll let you know what we can do. New members are always welcome.
Saturday 21 November is our annual sale day, and members have been hard at work producing and repairing items to go on the tables. We’d love contributions from the community too. Have a wander around your shed or garage – old tools, unused equipment, furniture you no longer need, garden gear gathering dust. If you’re happy to donate it, drop it in. We’ll clean it up, refurbish it and get it ready for sale. Funds raised are vital for keeping the Shed running: maintaining equipment, covering costs, and enabling our dedicated team of local men to keep doing what they enjoy most. Mark the date and come with open wallets — eftpos will be available.
This year we’ve also received several motor mowers destined for the transfer station. Out of these, we’ve rebuilt more than a dozen fully working machines, which will be on sale for $40–$80. With spring grass growing fast, it’s a great chance to pick up a reliable mower at a bargain price. Pop in on a Wednesday or Saturday morning if you’re in need.
