Social Activities

Social Activities in the Mosman Park Men’s Shed support us in being men together as well as the very obvious doing of projects and tasks in the workshops.  This ambition to enjoy the company of good men (and our families in some events) is central to much of what the Men’s Shed movement nationally aspires to.  We are currently building a separate social/recreation area in the Shed to make it easier for groups to hold events that help us fully enjoy this aspect of membership.

Morning tea (smoko on old-school terms) is the most obvious part of our informal socialising.  When the bell rings at 10 am all machines are turned off for the break.  This time of the day is often enhanced with members bringing along food or things of interest to brighten up the discussion.  It’s a great time for potential members to drop in and see how we go about things.

There is a general meeting of the shed open to all members each month.  This couple of hours includes a talk usually on some aspect of health and wellbeing; the meeting where current topics are aired and explored; and a social time after the meeting for a casual meal and drinks.

Wine appreciation nights are always well attended by Members and their partners.  This usually involves a meal and a touch more than a sample taste of the wine of the night.

The annual Christmas Party is always well attended with members and their partners listening to our band (“The Shed Men” from the music interest group) and enjoying terrific food and Christmas cheer.

While it’s not so relaxing, busy bees at the Adventure Playground at Russell Brown Park built and maintained by Mosman Park Men’s Shed are another way we share good company together.

The Shed runs a community mini-bus available to various community groups.  This is put to good use by Shedders as well in visits to other sheds or places of interest.  There’s always enjoyment in dropping in on other sheds and seeing how they run their place and enrich their lives through membership of a Shed.

Other social activities generally revolve around the men who form interest groups that pop up from time to time and fall into the four pillars of our aims:

• Manual arts – for example, woodwork, metalwork, automotive, electrics, 3D printing, gardening.
• Creative arts –you can be part of music, photography, painting, sculpture, fine furniture making.
• Intellectual activities – including discussion groups, book club, bridge, general cards and games such as snooker, billiards or darts.
• Community contribution – Getting into problem solving for groups and organisations that have a need we can fill, community involvement in fairs and charity events, etc.