Menz Shed opens door to Carterton

Tony Russell, president of the Carterton Menz Shed.

Carterton has joined the ranks of Wairarapa towns offering its residents a space for mixing DIY with comradeship.

The newly-formed Carterton Menz Shed will be opening its doors next week after securing a home at the Clareville Showgrounds.

After holding its first public meeting about a month ago, the group has finally found a home at the Young Farmers' Building at the A&P grounds.

Menz Shed president Tony Russell said the agreement with the Wairarapa A&P Society had been signed this week and the official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor John Booth would be held at 11am on Thursday.

The Menz Shed movement had been tremendously successful and it was time for Carterton to get on board, Mr Russell said.

"There's been an effort to make one in Carterton for three years but they all fell through and eventually they said we've just got to have one."

There was a growing number of senior citizens in the town and it was important to offer them somewhere they could go to "talk about anything, no holds barred".

"They need to go somewhere for comradeship. What we are going to do is provide somewhere safe and secure for men to gather and have a cup of tea and a talk.

"We are there to support the men and to give them a purpose as well."

As well as offering advice and equipment for building, the group hopes to build a glasshouse and donate its spare vegetables to the foodbank.

They also aim to set up visits for rest home residents, as well as helping Carterton preschools with repairing toys.

As the group is starting from scratch, any donations of tools, equipment or building materials would be much appreciated, Mr Russell said.

"We've got to start somewhere."

Opening hours are yet to be confirmed but the group hopes to open four times a week.

The group's committee members include Marty Sebire, Don Hancox, Mike Osborne, Ian Reid and Dennis Buckner.

Those interested in joining can contact Mr Russell by email: theolivetree@xtra.co.nz or call: 06 379 8118 or 027 500 6650.