Medical madness

[Captain Kong]

You would get a chill John. painting in the nude, or the neighbours might see you, not a pretty sight,
Paint Barb with your clothes on,

[happy daze john in oz]

This is an article I wrote some time ago about Men's Shed's.
Prior to this date there was very little for men to do.
I spent some four years in the Shed with Ray who had written a book on it b ut sadly never got around to having it printed.
Now entering my 16th year as a volunteer and Shed supervisor.


When the Sunbury Mens shed began is not confirmed.

Ray Scrace was a councilor at the Sunbury Community Health Center in 1973, situated then at the corner of Gap Road where Red Rooster now sits. Sadly Ray passed away earlier this year having spent the last few in an aged care facilty.

It was early that year when he was approached by several men, all with one complaint, boredom.
They were all recently retired and missed the company of fellow workers. Wives complained that they were getting under their feet at home and that they needed to find something else to do.

Ray spoke on this matter with Ros Stevens the then CEO who said she would see what could be done to help them,.

A portable was obtained and morning coffees began for these men. It was at first just a meeting place where men of similar likes could meet to discuss all manner of things. Mens health, hobbies and many other things of common interest. A social group was the original concept and one that ermains to this day.

Soon it became obvious that more than just coffee mornings were required, a seond portable was obtained.

Through the generosity of a number of local traders and charity groups some equipment was obtained.
A docking saw, band saw and drill ,press, all of which are still use today.
Then came some materials from other sources in the town, the first green shoots of the mens shed began then.

But it was not just wood work, Ray had established a night time Chess Club which some of the memebrs belonged to, it was not un common to see some playing in the portables during the day. But that was the point of the shed, enjoyment for men.

The men were considered to be volunteers, as by this recognition they would be exempt from fees as was the case with clients. Insurance conditions have now changed and they are considered as clients now but still exempt from fees.

CONSIDERED TO BE THE FIRST MEN'S SHED IN AUSTRALIA AND POSSIBLY THE WORLD

They are now in countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, U.K. USA, Canada and others within Europe.

Within a year or so other sheds began to emerge, many approaching Ray to ask for advice on how to begin.

The men began to constuct items with the wood and othter materials supplied, items such as garden benches, the money from the sale of which went to buy further tools and materials.

In 2001 the centre moved to the curent position in Macedon street.
A purpose built shed was part of the site along with a work shop wthin the main building.

It soon became obvious the shed was not big enough and Henry, one of the members who lived in a unit opposite, provided from his own monies some $1,000 to have the concrete floor extended, the center then paid for the bulding to be extended.

There is now a nation wide Mens Shed Association.

In 2005 a convention of Mens Sheds was held in Tasmania, where the then Premier Bacon said that the sheds there had saved the lives of some 1,000 men, who other wise from sheer boredom may have suffered some form of depression or worse commited suicide.

The men now spend most of their efforts in producing toys, which at Christmas are given to chidren of families less affluent than others.

[Colin Pook]

Aaaaaargh!!!! feel faint just thinking about it

Colin
R684420

[John Pruden]

I tried that Viagra NEVER AGAIN iv'e been up all night? jp

[happy daze john in oz]

The local men's shed here has instigated a "womens" day Wednesdays. I am intrigued what they would have us do???? My husband is of the opinion that I may be too much for them as I do have wicked sense of humour what do you reckon John???

Well Victoria, maybe a knitting circle, a baby morning, gossip corner/ The list could be endless.
But here in Sunbury where I live we do have a ladies shed.
Believe it or not under the rules of the 'Men's shed Association' we are allowed to have men only sheds, though over the years we have had a couple of ladies who did some painting for us.
There are a number of 'ladies she'd opening up I am informed.
The one where we live is run by the local Baptist church and the ladies there do wood work anda number of other activities.
So go down to your local men's one and ask the question?

[happy daze john in oz]

While on the matter of health I thought you may al be interested in an article in 'Weekend Health Magazine' that is with our Sunday paper.

The German who wrote this article is genuine in his belief. He tells the following.

When sleeping in bed the best manner is in just your skin, I have been doing that since the age of 9, get rid of all the fancy bed clothing.
By going to bed in this manner, into a cold bed is best, the blood will rise very quickly to the skin surface.
This will give a soothing effect and promote a better nights sleep.
In very cold weather, winter is such, then socks will encourage core heating at a faster rate, thus also promoting better sleep.

I can hear it now, the rumblings of irate members.

[Doc Vernon]

Come on over to the Mountains in the Nuddie John i am sure you will sleep well in the Freezing cold mate LOL

In Winter here its PJ time and socks too!
In Summer well that different ,i also then climb in starkers!
Cheers

[John Pruden]

well its that day again I go to my cancer clinic for my annual check up fingers crossed? jp

[happy daze john in oz]

well its that day again I go to my cancer clinic for my annual check up fingers crossed? jp

John mate, you got this far then there is no reason why you should not carry on.

[John Pruden]

sorry Victoria one thing I never wanted was a big dose I know a few who had though? jp