With the second lockdown now over in Narrabri, the local Men’s Shed was keen to get back to its regular meetings as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, September 22, members and their wives met at Pirate Park for one final outdoor gathering to discuss a return to the shed.
President Peter Hammond declared the Narrabri Men’s Shed would reopen the morning of Monday, September 27, according to secretary Paul Robinson.
“Everyone was very pleased with the news,” he said.
“Especially the wives, who will get the house to themselves for a while now that the men are back at the shed.
“The decision to reopen was celebrated with a great cheer from everyone present.”
While things won’t be totally back to normal, many of the Men’s Shed activities will be able to continue in a COVID-safe way.
“We’ll still be wearing masks and abiding by the four-square metre rule,” Mr Robinson said.
“Members can continue working at benches, using the metalwork facilities and tending to the garden.”
Meanwhile, Narrabri Police’s Inspector Robert Dunn has given the group the go-ahead to play cards, so long as the four-square metre rule is obeyed.
Morning tea, which Mr Robinson says is a big part of the Men’s Shed gatherings, will continue in line with COVID restrictions.
“We’ve got a number of big circular tables, so we can sit spaced out and enjoy our morning tea together in a safe way,” he said.
“So, there’s a few things we’re doing differently, but we’re just glad to be back.”
Treasurer Gordon Cain echoed this sentiment, saying members were keen to revisit the Men’s Shed on Monday, their first time back post-lockdown.
“We had a dozen or so people there on the day, it was good to be back,” he said.
“We’re taking things steady for the moment, with one new community project currently in the works, but we’re always welcoming new people.”
Mr Cain says the sign up process is straightforward, with interested locals asked to get in touch with him to become part of the Men’s Shed.
See more from the Men’s Shed:
- Men’s Shed donation to child centre
- Celebratory lunch for Narrabri Men’s Shed | PHOTOS
- Plenty to talk about at the Men’s Shed
