Established in 2014, Eltham Men’s Shed is a community-based, not for profit, volunteer organisation that provides a safe and friendly environment where men can meet other men, develop new friendships and connect with their community. Our purpose is to support the health and well-being of our members.

The Shed offers a variety of social and practical activities throughout the week including Wood and Metal Workshops, Bicycle Restoration, Gardening, Technology and Photography. Members are able to work on projects at their own pace in their own time and in the company of other men.

Our weekly social gathering updates members on current activities, invites guest speakers and provides an opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and chat. A variety of other social activities are available including group travel, 4WD outings and dinners.

President's Report

In November 

November is always a big month for the shed, and this one is no exception!  In addition to all the usual events we are travelling to Yarrawonga this month and I am looking forward to getting away and enjoying the Riverina.

Remembrance Day will again be supported by our shed and Terry Phillips will be liaising with the RSL to ensure the eventS run smoothly.

The Eltham Festival is also a regular event in November and this year the event is being run by John Skinner.  Rocky is organising the security effort for the fire works display and will need members who are not travelling away to assist him.  If you can, please assist, as Rotary have been an important supporter of the Shed.

Keep the 20^th OF November in your calendar because the Shed will be entering the Time Bandits into the council run Amped up for the Ages at the community centre and you are all invited.  If you are going to come along, don’t forget to book!

October Highlights

Events

Grand Sale, Grand Sale, Grand Sale!  For all those who still remember the line!

The Annual Garage Sale on Saturday 25^th of October was a great success.  A big thankyou to David Aplin for overseeing this event and to all the team leaders who have made the day such a success.  This event is our major open day for the public and almost all our members participate.  This is a major fund raiser for the shed, and I always come away with the knowledge that we are recycling a significant amount of goods and keeping so much out of land fill.

The Annual General Meeting of the Shed, held on the 13^th October, installed a new committee for 2025-26 and will be A good mix of experience and new faces to run the shed for another year. We have expanded the committee to 11 now and I am most grateful to those members WHO have chosen to take on this responsibility and look forward to working with them over the next year.

The VMSA held their AGM on the 22^nd of the month and John Skinner, Allen Lyall and I attended.  It was an enjoyable day and we managed to bring back quite a few bits and pieces for our workshops.

The Dine out dinner was held at the Bundoora Hotel and thanks to John for organizing again.  A very enjoyable evening in a venue that copes with our increasing numbers very well. This month’s dine out will be at the Yummy Duck in Templestowe and we are looking forward to the evening.

The Defence Force School of Music concert was well attended by shed members and was one of the best concerts I am told.  Loose Plans at the Montmorency Eltham RSL after Sundowners was a great way to end the month.  Thanks to Ian Dwyer for organising bookings for the Jaz on the Green.

Thanks again to Roula and Mark and his team for organising another great lunch.  Thanks again to Kevin for his most generous contribution of the wine for the event.

Guest Speakers

• Vanessa Caple - Loneliness and Mental Health Recovery" was presented to members this month.  This was an interesting insight into the effects of loneliness on mental health in a research study currently being worked on.

Bill Cooper