MOREE Men’s Shed members acted with military precision when members of Moree RSL Regional Military Museum asked about commissioning a special project recently.

Military museum president John Williams and his committee members are often called up to speak at official engagements each year, especially around Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

Museum executive member, Darryl Brady, said a portable lectern was needed to use at these engagements as well as at museum presentations and functions.

“Our president, John Williams, needed a lectern to take around to the venues where we conduct ceremonies for the RSL, and we decided to check out the boys at the Men’s Shed to see if they could help us out,” Mr Brady said.

Men’s Shed president Eric Noakes was quick off the mark, and designed a suitable piece to suit the military museum’s needs.

“The boys brought in a photo of a lectern and said they wanted something similar made for the museum,” Mr Noakes said.

“I already had a timber stand that had been used for a light that wasn’t working anymore, so all we really needed to do was cut it at an angle and put a base and some castors on it.

“It was pretty easy to help them out, and didn’t take long at all,” he said.

(from left) David Gillan, Darryl Brady from Moree RSL Regional Military Museum, Bruce Clyne, Moree Men’s Shed president Eric Noakes and Men’s Shed secretary Ron Baker and the specially-commissioned lectern made for the military museum.

Mr Brady took delivery of the new lectern from the Moree Men’s Shed headquarters at Moree Showground at the weekend.

“Eric took up the challenge, and the end result is fantastic,” Mr Brady said.

“The lectern they’ve made for us is absolutely perfect.

“It’s very light, and can be wheeled around on its castors. Anyone can pick it up and carry it to wherever it has to go – it’s easily transportable.”

Mr Brady praised the work being done by Moree Men’s Shed members, who meet twice a week at their headquarters in the south-eastern corner of Moree Showground.

“The work these blokes do is marvellous,” Mr Brady said.

“Not only the work they do for themselves, but for the community. They always step up when asked to take on a project, and they’re always so happy to do it.

“It’s a great organisation, and good for the blokes involved. They enjoy doing what they do, and it gives them a great outlet,” he said.

Men’s Shed members now share the fully-equipped facility with Moree Women’s Shed, who meet each Tuesday morning.

Men’s Shed members meet Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

“We’ve got plenty of tables and benches to do up and restore,” Mr Noakes said.

“If there are any projects anyone wants us to have a look at, please call over to the showground and let us know.”

Mr Noakes encourages new members to come along and discover what Moree Men’s Shed has to offer.

“There’s always plenty on, and not enough members – it’s a huge shed and there’s plenty of room,” he smiled.

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]

Moree Women’s Shed

When: Every Tuesday morning

Time: From 9.30am until around lunchtime

Where: Moree Showground, south-eastern corner at Moree Men’s Shed

New members welcome: Contact president Jayne McDouall on Jayne 0428 548616

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/moreewomensshed