Article content Annapolis Valley Men’s Shed promotes community, connection, and camaraderie while working shoulder to shoulder on projects. Berwick’s isLance Bolland, left, and Gordon Stanley of South Berwick are working to renovate a dollhouse for Bolland’s granddaughter. Photo by KIRK STARRATT /PostmediaArticle contentDollhouse gets a renoArticle contentThere were seven members in attendance for the July 15 meeting, some tasking themselves with woodworking projects while others sat, engaging in conversation or enjoying a cup of coffee. Among them were Lance Bolland of Berwick and Gordon Stanley of South Berwick.Article contentBolland is working on a wooden dollhouse for his seven-year-old granddaughter, and Stanley is lending his assistance. Bolland said the dollhouse was originally built by his father-in-law in the mid-1980s. It spent its life at the home of his sister-in-law, who had several daughters, and now they’re renovating the dollhouse for his granddaughter. It has become a family heirloom.Article contentWork has included making hardwood flooring out of popsicle sticks, putting tiny cedar shakes on the outside walls, and making and installing new miniature windows and moulding.Article contentArticle content“It can get a bit tedious, so we can only do so much at a time,” Bolland said.Article contentHe said he’s been attending for a couple of years and enjoys the group’s camaraderie most of all. Everyone comes from different walks of life and has different experiences to share. They usually sit down to enjoy coffee or cookies, and Bolland said he enjoys listening to their stories. It’s a fun place to spend some time and work on projects.Article contentOne project saw members help him replace the motor and battery on his recumbent bike, while on another occasion they helped him put on new tires.Article contentStanley said there should be more places like the Annapolis Valley Men’s Shed for men to congregate. He started attending about a year ago and said he really enjoys the social aspect.Article contentStanley said he first came because he needed some wood cut, and a friend told him about the shed. After being introduced to the group, he began attending regularly. He said it’s a great place to go if you have a project to work on. If not, you can help someone else with theirs or sit and chat over coffee and doughnuts.Article contentArticle contentStanley said he has always enjoyed working with wood and tasks such as refinishing furniture.Article content“I enjoy working with my hands. This is right up my alley,” he said as he glued another tiny cedar shake to the dollhouse.Article content Annapolis Valley Men’s Shed members enjoying coffee and a conversation at their July 15 meeting in Berwick. From left are Berwick residents Bill Naylor and shop co-ordinator Jim Walker; Paul Tessier of Windsor, Colin Bell of Berwick, and John Willins of Canaan. Photo by KIRK STARRATT /PostmediaArticle contentBuilding shoulder to shoulderArticle contentWalker pointed out that the shed’s sign says, Men building, shoulder to shoulder, and this relates to a characteristic of men’s relationships when it comes to sharing or engaging with each other.Article content“I’m fond of saying here, ‘Eye contact is allowed, but it’s not encouraged.’ Being a guy, it’s easier for us to talk if we’re shoulder to shoulder rather than looking straight at each other,” Walker said.Article contentWhen asked why sponsoring the shed is important to him, Walker said two things he’s looking for in life are “allies and information.” He finds allies in group members who share a similar philosophy and gains information from the vast knowledge, wisdom, life experiences, and skills they share.Article contentWalker said that in late August, some big and little brothers from Big Brothers Big Sisters Annapolis Valley will be guests at the Annapolis Valley Men’s Shed. As part of the visit, he’ll have them put together a wooden boot jack to take home.Article contentGo onlineArticle contentFor more information on the Annapolis Valley Men’s Shed, visit www.valleymensshed.ca.Article content
Berwicks Annapolis Valley Mens Shed promotes community, camaraderie
