Photo caption from left: Russell Boyle (Men’s Shed Sponsorship Manager), Haydon McDonald (President), Greg Ekfeld (Heritage Auto Group – Manager Kia Lilydale), Rod Collins (hand crafted the clock in the shed), Paul Jones (Secretary).
The Tudor Village Men’s Shed committee recently gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: five years of continuous sponsorship from the Heritage Auto Group Lilydale. This enduring partnership highlights the synergy between local business support and community wellbeing.
To mark the occasion, the Men’s Shed presented a unique, handcrafted wall clock made from local Mountain Ash to the Heritage Auto Group. The gift serves as a symbol of the "hands-on" expertise and dedication found within the shed.
Greg Ekfeld, Manager of Kia Lilydale, accepted the gift on behalf of the group. He emphasised that supporting spaces where skills are shared and connections are built is an investment in the people and traditions that keep the Lilydale community strong.
The growth of the Tudor Village Men’s Shed has been remarkable, now boasting 95 members. Of these, 60 are fully inducted to operate the high-end equipment available in the Residents Workshop, a facility that has become a major drawcard for the village.
Secretary Paul Jones noted that the workshop is often the deciding factor for retirees choosing Tudor Village. Recent layout changes and equipment upgrades have turned the space into a professional-grade environment that impresses everyone who enters.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship, the committee has been able to upgrade dust extraction and air filtering systems. These improvements, alongside new air conditioning provided by management, ensure a safe, comfortable, and operational workshop for all members.
The presentation clock was a labour of love, taking member Rod Collins several hours to shape on a bandsaw and lathe. The meticulous process of hand-polishing and aligning the numbers reflects the high standard of work produced within the shed.
The Men’s Shed is expanding its reach beyond traditional woodworking. Just before Christmas, the group hosted its first pottery class for seven Tudor Village ladies, with plans to make this a regular activity now that they have mastered the potter’s wheel.
In addition to indoor crafts, members recently completed a new 'relaxing area' outside the workshop. This space provides a dedicated spot where residents can gather to enjoy a coffee or a BBQ, further fostering the social spirit of the village.
