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Blenheim Blokes Welcome At New Shed

Thursday 22 November 2012, 3:06PM

By Marlborough District Council

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Menz Shed Steering Committee project manager Terry Cummock helps Mayor Sowman snip the wire at the opening ceremony.
Menz Shed Steering Committee project manager Terry Cummock helps Mayor Sowman snip the wire at the opening ceremony. Credit: Marlborough District Council

BLENHEIM

Instead of the usual ribbon cutting ceremony, Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman used bolt cutters to snip a piece of number 8 wire to officially open the doors to Blenheim’s new ‘Menz Shed’.

The Council has provided the land for the new Shed, next to the Bright Centre just over the railway line in Dillon’s Point Road.

The Shed is a place for men to come, to work on projects or just to have a yarn and a cup of tea.

Mr Sowman said it was very satisfying to see this resource for the older men in our community as it was a sad fact that depression, even suicide, was an issue for some men heading into retirement.

“Whether it’s the loss of the daily job or the death of a wife, life in later years can be difficult for some older men. In my previous life, I was well acquainted with grief and I know the difficulty some men have getting through that and adapting to life alone - so having a place like this could quite literally be a lifeline for some men,” he says.

Mr Sowman thanked steering committee chairwoman Ailsa Carey and her team of supporters and sponsors for bringing the project together.

The Shed’s opening times will be announced soon.

There are Menz Sheds in Blenheim, Picton, Renwick and Kaikoura – with plans underway for Havelock. More information, Ph: Ailsa Carey 03 578 7848.