THERE’S quite a lot going on in a big shed tucked away in the south-eastern corner of Moree Showground.

Moree Men’s Shed members have been quietly chipping away at a number of projects in the spacious, well-equipped workshop they now share with Moree Women’s Shed.

However, “chipping away” might be an understatement, according to club president Eric Noakes, a retired house-painter who still pulls out the brushes, putty and sandpaper when needed.

“We’re flat out at the moment,” Eric said.

“At the moment, we’re halfway through a big mailbox for some people as well as repairing and painting a set of tables and chairs – we’ve got plenty of projects going at once.

“We mainly deal with furniture restoration for different people. We charge a fee, depending on the job, and that money is later donated to local charities and organisations.

“We also have a lot of furniture donated to us. We do it up and sell the pieces, and people quite often call in to see what we have for sale,” he said.

Moree Men’s Shed started about 16 years ago on the north-western side of the showground in what is affectionately known as the “chook shed”.

(from left) Moree Men’s Shed members, secretary Ron Baker, John McKee, president Eric Noakes, Bruce Clyne, Jim Flegerbein and treasurer John Officer.

When the Men’s Shed moved to its current location, with the help of a $160,000 NSW Government grant announced in 2018, the “chook shed” went back to being that – and housed more than 200 birds of all shapes, sizes and colours at the Moree Show in April.

“We painted some of the cages for them,” Eric smiled.

Thousands of dollars have been raised over the years for local charities and organisations, including the Moree squadron of Australian Airforce Cadets, Moree Women’s Refuge, Gwydir Industries, Moree Hospital Auxiliary and Friends Of Moree Regional Botanic Gardens.

More than $10,000 has been raised for local groups alone.

Donations are also made to Angel Flight, the Cancer Council and men’s health organisations.

Moree Men’s Shed secretary, Ron Baker, said donations to these groups are ongoing.

“We started helping community health and cancer support in 2012, and make a donation every year. At the moment, it’s up around the $25,000 to $30,000 mark,” Ron said.

Ron turns 85 in August and is long-retired from a life in farm management. He’s been with the men’s shed since day one.

“It gives me something to do and there’re people here to talk to and have coffee with. It’s a lot better than sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs,” he grinned.

Ron and Eric always encourage new members. There are about 30 men involved at the moment, but it’s a huge shed and there’s plenty of room.

“All ages are welcome, as well as women – the Women’s Shed is here as well, and my wife, Val, has been a member for quite a while,” Ron said.

“Members can be 20 years of age or 90 years of age – male or female.

“If they’ve got skills all the better; if they haven’t, it doesn’t matter – they can help out and they can learn,” he said.

The men meet Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8.30am. They share stories and jokes, give each other advice, and get plenty of work done for the Moree community.

“We need the other days off for some downtime to recover,” Ron laughed.

Moree Men’s Shed

Where: South-eastern corner of Moree Showground

When: Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Time: From 8.30am until around lunchtime

Contact: Ron Baker on 0417 489034 or Eric Noakes on 0428 521342

Email: [email protected]