Sue's uncle was quite artistic and did a lot of wood carving in his day. I'm not sure where most of his work ended up since he did not have a family to pass it along to. He created many masks among other things, but we were unaware of this ↓ carving, which he could have created anytime from 25 to 75 years ago.
Morton was Sue's maiden name, and this piece recently wound its way to her after her nephew, who still bore the name, Morton, died a few years ago. |
The question was what to do with it. We have neither the space nor inclination to hang a wood carving that is more than a meter (or yard) long. Eventually, Sue thought about adding legs and turning it into a low table. When we ran into Al at the pharmacy, she asked him about whether the Men's Shed might take it on as a project.
This is Al in the Shed. He was our neighbour for a number of years, and he is still being quite active in in the community despite being in his late eighties or even early nineties. |
When the little project was completed, we headed over to the shed to pick it up and, of course, take some pictures.
In case are you are wondering, Men's Shed is international in scope after starting in Australia. These local gentlemen, among others, are part of the local Hackberry Men's Shed. There is an unusual stand of hackberry trees in our town, and it seems to be an appropriate name for a group that mostly works on wood projects.
Members don't have to be involved in woodworking, but it probably helps in this particular chapter. I have been told that I could be a part of this group, but I don't think my personality and interests would mesh very well.
There are several Men's Shed chapters, just in our little region. Maybe there is one near you. If not, perhaps you or someone you know might be interested in starting one.
The following description is from the Australian organization's website.
Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions many do not take an interest in their own health and well-being. Unlike women, most men are reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means that they usually don’t ask for help. Probably because of this, many men are less healthy than women, drink more, take more risks and suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression.
Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own. Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive, contributing to your community, connecting with friends and maintaining an active body and mind. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe and busy environment where men can find many of these things in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mateship. And, importantly, there is no pressure.
Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for. Members of Men’s Sheds come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with that time. A good Men’s Shed has a Management Committee that has developed a safe and happy environment where men are welcome to work on community projects, specific Men’s Shed projects or a project of their choice in their own time and where the only ‘must’ is to observe safe working practices….all in a spirit of mateship. The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of our community.
18 comments:
How wonderful that such a community exists that can make such great looking benches and more. Thanks for introducing me, and the cool final result.
Tbe bench/table is superb! They did a fine job with it. Your photo of Al is a keeper, worthy of framing. I like the concept of the Men's Shed. I guess many men use a bar for that purpose, but not nearly as healthy an environment!
Great idea to convert the carving. And I follow a blogger from Oz who's talked about men's sheds, and getting her husband to drop in. For men it's like a pub with the mates but healthier.
Super way to use the family name as a bench! Wood does last well. And men who come together in any camaraderie is something good...best if not including militarism to my mind.
They did a wonderful job on that table.
I've never heard of Men's Shed and I am not only not a man but no stripe of a joiner, but I think that's great. Now, that bench -- and the original sign that comprises most of it -- is extraordinary! What an heirloom piece! That's thrilling. xoxo
I've not heard of such a group but would join one in a heartbeat. Sounds like a lot of fun to me. I used to be part of a woodworking club years ago but that changed after the infamous Jan 6th in our country. The de facto leader of our group wanted to draw political lines in the sand even though we never talked politics at any of our meetings. Many people quit. I told the leader that I welcomed people of all political persuasions in our group that focuses on woodworking. I was kicked out of the group. Perhaps I should start something like this as a rival group.
That is a wonderful group! I love that idea. They also do good work! That bench turned out great!
That is such a beautiful table/bench!!! I just love it. It's not only beautiful, but functional as well. I think Sue's uncle would have been very pleased.
Beautiful job on the table. A family treasure!
That's a fine concept. And the men of your local Men's Shed did a great job turning that sign into a table or bench.
The new table is well done. That's a new concept to me.
What a good thing to do with the carving. And the Men's shed sounds like a great idea.
That bench is wonderful. Well done, Men's Shed.
I've never heard of Men's Shed, but what an awewome idea! Wow, that sign!! That's some beautiful woodworking, and it's transformation into a bench is really impressive!
I've never heard of that group but what an excellent opportunity for men to get together and bond. Male friendships can be rare and are sometimes focused around sports and/or drinking. I love the new table! It looks wonderful.
First of all, converting the table was a stroke of brilliance! It makes a wonderful table -- or as Sue demonstrates -- bench! And it is a special way to keep a memory intact.
The Men's Shed sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing about it.
I donated some tools to them!
Nice to see your bench!
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