THE Kilmore Men’s Shed celebrated its 20-year anniversary last Friday night with more than 80 people in attendance for the celebratory dinner.
Members of the men’s shed both past and present as well as wives, loved ones and others tied to the shed were treated to dinner and a specially baked cake to commemorate the two decades of the shed in Kilmore.
Entertainment for the night was extensive, with a video of some of the best and most memorable moments played followed by a live music performance from the country and western-style band The Dalton Gang.
President of the Kilmore Men’s Shed Paul Harvey told the Review that it “finished up a good night” as attendees were up and dancing around while the trio played some hits.
Initially based at the old Kilmore Fire Brigade premises owned by shed member and former treasurer Phil Clancy, Mr Harvey said the men’s shed had come a long way since things began.
“We started off with six to eight members. And then we outgrew the shed, and we moved to the Bylands tram museum,” Mr Harvey said.
Nowadays, the Kilmore Men’s Shed is the biggest in the Mitchell Shire and one of the largest in Victoria, boasting more than 100 members who meet multiple times a week.
In 2017, a new shed was constructed on Hunts Road, meaning a shift away from the Tramway Heritage Centre and into the purpose-built facility.
Mr Harvey, who took over from inaugural president John Perrett about five years ago, said the men’s shed has a proud history of helping out around the community including local schools like Assumption College.
“We used to go up there and do training for woodworking. We’ve done a lot of kindergardens, making chairs and doing cupboards if they want them,” Mr Harvey said.
“We do a bit for Dianella (Hostel), we’ve just done up all of their outdoor equipment … We do a fair bit.”
The men’s shed is open three times a week, operating as a more practical, hands-on group on Mondays and Tuesdays alongside a less formal Thursday meeting which Mr Harvey said offers a chance for likeminded men – many now in retirement – a chance to connect.
“Mainly, (we try) to get them to come and sit down and talk amongst themselves because men don’t talk very much,” he said.
“It gets them out of the house, it gets them … amongst their own type of men.
“We’re quite happy to welcome anyone. We’ll show them around, and if they like it they can join. If they don’t, we’ll give them a tea and something to eat anyway.”
