LOCAL Men’s Shed members who were itching to return to work had their wishes granted last month when Men’s Sheds across the state reopened their doors.
The Loxton Community Men’s Shed, which was forced to temporarily close in March when coronavirus restrictions came into force, finally reopened its doors to members on June 23.
Loxton Community Men’s Shed secretary Des Schliebs said the shed’s reopening was a welcome relief to the older members, who had missed the social interaction for three months.
“There were a number of members who were very keen to get back to the shed and they’re the ones who turned up in the first couple of weeks to get over that social isolation that they’ve endured for the past three months,” he said.
“It’s a long time for any organisation to shut down completely, which we had to do, and we’re very pleased that we’re able to reopen and offer our members the opportunity to come back, to start recommencing (or) start new projects, and to importantly socialise with their fellow shedders.
“It is a very harmonious family that we enjoy at the Loxton Men’s Shed.
“They enjoy each other’s company, and I’m sure, as we all did, missed that comradery and that men’s social activity, where we actively rubbish each other and enjoy a good laugh.”
Men’s Sheds were designed to make a positive contribution to the Australian community through the prevention of social isolation, the promotion of positive health and wellbeing and the opportunity for men to participate in their local community.
Mr Schliebs said while the shed was closed for three months, members did not have that opportunity, and so many are looking forward to returning now that it has reopened.
“Some of our members, whilst they may have partners at home, as we all know males also enjoy the company of other males,” he said.
“They’re able to express themselves freely, and to enjoy a good joke and lay a bit of rubbish on each other – that’s sort of the way males like to socialise and laugh.
“I’m sure as we go forward now there will be a spring in their step.”
Mr Schliebs said this is only the second week the shed has been open, but on average, about 19 to 20 members have returned to work and a number of calls have already been made for community projects.
He expects member numbers will increase as the weeks go by, but said everyone should be encouraged to pop down to the shed, as there is “plenty of work to do and fun to be had along the way”.