Shed 9: Blenheim Menzshed. South Island. New Zealand.

Visit date: Saturday 16th February 2019.

I had phoned Trevor Dennis (Secretary), and he told me that it would be best to visit on the Saturday as both they, and other Community Groups on the site were holding a Garage Sale.

Saturday came, and off I went.  I found it just around the corner from the town railway station, where earlier that afternoon I watched the steam hauled ‘Marlborough Flyer’ arriving from Picton with its trainload of Cruise Liner tourists. Walking towards the entrance I saw two sign boards, one read: ‘Menzshed Garage Sale’, the second read: ‘Bike Sale’.  I entered the yard and I saw the stalls set up by the various community groups, including a small grey shed with second hand bikes displayed outside it, next to a long white shed where Trevor was waiting for me.

After our introductions; my visit to this comfortable little Shed started.

The site on which the community groups occupy was gifted to the Council by a local land owner, after which the Shed was started in 2012. The lads then gained sponsorship, Grants from Councils and Charities to buy and erect the original part of the building, which is separated for a storeroom, toilet, office and woodworking shop.  An extension has since been added that houses the Engineering / Metalwork workshop.  The structure is an industrial design supplied in kit form by the NZ Company ‘Totalspan’.  It measures 13m x 8m, giving a floor area of 105m².

The small grey shed is also a part of the Shed, from where a number of members refurbish second hand bikes of all sizes, which are then sold.

The Shed has a very healthy bank balance of NZ$17,000, which is the result of all the projects undertaken, that include:

• Assisting the elderly, schools and deserving families by undertaking repairs to property, etc.  Obviously, these projects are taken on within their capabilities, and with the intention of not undercutting the local tradesmen.
• The sale of the refurbished bikes brings in approximately NZ$500 per month
• ‘Sausage Sizzles’, run on a regular basis bring in approximately NZ300 per session.

Running costs are fairly minimal, with no rates or rent to pay, and services costing NZ$80 per month. Public Liability Insurance is around NZ$350 per year.

Membership currently stands at 40, with approximately half being active in various projects.  The membership fee is NZ$25 per year.  There is no tea club, as the supply of tea and coffee is paid for out of Petty Cash.

The annual Christmas Party is paid for out of the Shed funds!  A grand gesture on the part of the Committee to thank the members for their hard work over the past year, I’m sure you will agree!

In recognition to its community projects, the Shed has recently received an ‘Award for Wellbeing’ which was sponsored by ‘Trust Power’, the regional electricity supplier.

Time soon came to close the Garage Sale.  After clearing up and packing away, we all retired under the shade of a ‘Coolibah tree’, got out the tucker-bag and the esky, and had a wonderful, relaxing picnic.

Then, from the distance was heard the lonesome wail of a whistle!  The train was leaving; so was I!

For more information: The Shed has a Facebook page, and local media websites.