Men’s Shed

1 Cape Road, Wyong 2259

Ph: 02 4352 1886

Email: info@alisonhomestead.com.au

The Men’s Shed began operations in 2013 and in 2015 an extension to the Shed was added.  This has provided much needed extra space and the opportunity to welcome new members.  It operates on Mondays – Thursdays.

The Shed has a large range of  equipment available for use by its members and undertakes a wide variety of activities including assisting with maintenance of the Museum and grounds, community and special interest projects.

New members are always welcome.

 

 

 

 

With great sadness we advise of the passing of Joe Brett who was a great asset to the Men’s Shed and Museum. Not just the work he did, but his companionship, camaraderie, enthusiasm and his attitude to life. 

Joe took on the huge task of restoring the Museum’s fire engine which included rust removal, panel beating, relining of the cabin and restoration of the motor which is ready to be fired up. The fire engine is now ready to be repainted and put on display for all to see.

A unanimous decision from everyone in the Men’s Shed is to name and paint ‘Joe’ on the side fire truck.

 

 

 

The finished cart

A cart for display at the Museum currently undergoing a renovation by the Men’s Shed.

        

          

 

 

Our old phone box beautifully renovated by the Men’s Shed

Alison Homestead Men’s Shed recently held an official opening to celebrate the new extension to their Shed. Special guests at the ceremony were three members of the Elderslee Foundation, Janine Gibbs, Ruth Jordan and Howard Oxley. The Foundation came to the rescue after Council took 3 years to approve the extension to the existing building, resulting in the loss of the funding The Shed had secured for the project through a State Government Grant.

On hearing of the situation, the Elderslee Foundation offered to cover the cost as they saw the extension as an important community project. Their enthusiasm and support is greatly appreciated by the members of The Shed and also the volunteers who manage Alison Homestead Museum, as members of The Shed play an integral part in the successful operation and maintenance of the Museum and grounds.

The new ‘Elderslee Wing’ is already proving a great success, providing much needed additional workspace as well as the opportunity to welcome new members.

 

 

 

The Royal Hotel Wyong table number holders made by the Men’s Shed

 

The finished extension to the Shed

Finally, after 4 years of waiting for Council approval, the extension to our Men’s Shed is underway.

              

              

Current and recent projects include:

• Restoration of discarded or unwanted bikes for distribution through neighbourhood centres in Wyong Shire to those in need and those who cannot afford to buy a bike and to underpriviledged children in other countries.

• Construction of a large car track at Jilliby Public School for the children to use for their cars, dinkies and other toys and the construction of 2 model garages for the car track.

            

• 11 easels have recently been made for the Wyong RSL Sub-Branch to hold brass plaques which they donated to 11 local public schools on Anzac Day 2015 to commemorate the Centenary.

• Assisting the Wyong District Museum and Historical Society in restoring and preparing items for display in the onsite museum when the reconstruction of the Homestead is complete.

• Construction of 25 display cabinets for the new Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• A new gate for Jilliby Public School.

• We would like to thank the Men for making and installing our new driveway gates.

                     Their assistance is priceless!!

• Fireplace grate made by our Blacksmith, Steve.

Coach wheel

Our New Ned Kelly Letterbox

• A big thank you to the Men’s Shed for their latest project – the creation of some wonder wildlife which features in the grounds of the Homestead. Brilliant – a great hit with the school visits !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Brent has just completed the challenge of restoring the commercial scales:

• Morrie and the boys have made a superb set of stairs exiting the Men’s Shed with Richard adding a rustic handrail.

• Richard has also restored an old safe to look better than it ever was.

 

• The Men are also in the process of installing a concrete slab for a 10,000 litre water tank to be installed at the top of the car park which will trickle feed that garden area.

• Steve and Ian have been busy making and painting new additions to the wildlife collection in the grounds.  See the Gallery for their latest creations.

 

• The Men’s Shed were asked to build a ‘Buddy Chair’ for St. Cecelia’s School at Tacoma.  This is the finished product.  They have since had orders from more local schools for a similar style of chair.

• Lead light window work.  The Museum was donated these lead light windows from the old Church of England at Tuggerah and the men made frames for them and then undertook their installation at the Museum.  A huge project with an amazing result!  See the What’s On page for the story of the windows.

 

       

 

 

• The Men’s Shed has just completed a project to paint 500 posts to be used for the surveying team who have been contracted for the widening of the M1 Motorway from Tuggerah to Doyalson!!!  Very appropriate as it will go right past our back fence.

 

On a SAD NOTE

 There are times in life when most of us believe we should be a better person for having met someone special. Such was the case with STEVE HANCOCK…one of our treasured volunteers. Steve was a blacksmith and was a warm, friendly and extremely obliging man who was always happy to share his skills and who loved to take on projects that would enhance the character of the Homestead. There are several wonderful reminders of his craftsmanship around the grounds.

Sadly Steve passed away in late March. He was just sixty-two. He is so missed.

               

Steve’s Workshop