Womens Sheds

Reading this thread with some personal interest.
Few years ago, I seriously needed & wanted to join a "Woodworking/Shed/Group" of any kind... struggling with grief I'd realised that socially I needed to interact with fellow woodworkers(male or female) just needed like-wise, understanding, fellow wood-enthusiasts that would inspire, involve & encourage my woodworking skills to either help, learn or participate in community active programmes.

So, enquired locally & found a group who made toy's & pottered... it wasn't a Men in Sheds Group...But a Community Active for both women & men attend the Community-Centre run facility...however there were only 6 men who participate in the wood-workshop section. On being shown & introduced through the complex on my very first visit... I was stunned & horrified when one self-elected(& obviously self-conceited arrogant pompous ASS...) participating member who was asked to show me around...obviously very audacious & ill-mannered he asked me, WHY did I want to come outside in the shed & use up bench space.... when the men didn't really want me there, instead of doing craft work with the women next door, stick to needle work & unimportant stuff that WOMEN SHOULD DO...!!!!
OMG I was STUNNED & BEWILDERED
I dissolved into tears immediately & hence became reclusive for the next 3 years... didn't want to mix or go out...
Shunned my woodwork...
Self doubted my passion & ability...

I'd ventured out at a time that was emotionally & personally very traumatic to me... & some jerk, just shattered my belief that "woodworker" were the friendliest & helpful group of people you could meet............ why did I think that ???? because I'd met, either personally or online many forum members & chatted to fellow Ubeaut participants from all over the world & presumed woodworkers were all like us..... mmmm WRONG!
I've only just re-established my links back here... & started making furniture again....

Now coping emotionally, time is healing my grief & I'm stronger & believe that it's absolutely imperative that all groups cater for both MEN & WOMEN...

*** NOW THIS IS THE PART THAT SURPRISED ME....& as much as this scarred me for mixing...
I actually came away from the day, with one consoling memory... & for most of you who've seen my work (pictures in the Albums) & read my posts, or met me at Ubeaut BBQ's in Perth... will know that I can actually do some pretty good woodwork....(trying to be modest... hehehe)
BUT honestly.. the workmen-ship that I saw during that one quick walk through was far below average... in fact it was sadly lacking of any quality. SO... I didn't complain or attempt to go back.
Decided that I'd spend my time better doing woodwork solo... It was a no win situation... IF I'd persevered & returned... I would have been ostracised from the group, due to being female or being of a better standard than any of them!

NOW strong enough after 3 years to re-visit and perhaps before I approach or join the members who attend, I'll facilitate a proposal & meet with the directors with an exciting concept & structured programs to initiate a WOMAN's WOODWORKING day. Using my example as the floor plan... as that was the one thing I did... after bursting into tears & initially driving off... I reversed up... walked straight into the manages office & told them what I thought of the insulting members inside.....
EVERYONE should remember ... thoughtfulness, compassion & kindness is FREE....
Only those who chose not to incorporate these into everyday life are arrogant, bumptuous, self-absorbed, egotistical & supercilious morons.... !!!
Ops... I guess they really did upset me!
Time to venture out again!
Share & Care... :U:2tsup:

Kekemo

Unfortunately there is always somebody like your bloke at the Community Centre. Good that you are getting back into the swing of things and good luck in finding a working solution.

Just on the quality of the work, I don't think it matters if their work is poor, not up to even average standard as it is the community aspect and camaraderie that is important. However, I take your point that this bloke was bound to be aggravated whatever you did.

Regards
Paul

Kekemo, a terrible way to find out that dinosaurs still walk the earth.

I think its good to have a place where we can all do stuff and socialize that is not a pub. We can have a conversation and work on common projects. And be FRIENDS. It gets hard to find anywhere to do that with people you aren't related to.

I don't really understand the problem.

I am a female woodworker, am a member of my local Woodcraft Guild and have done pyrography teaching at the local mens shed but am not able to become a member and I don't want to be. The woodcraft guild provides everything I need and has a growing number of female members who can give as good as they get with the guys.

Blokes have had a lack of a place (apart from the pub) where they can get together with other blokes and talk with each other while having the opportunity to create something as well. It has nothing to do with discrimination; but it has everything to do with mens survival statistics.

Women, statistically, have lower suicide rates and as mentioned, already have numerous places and groups they can get involved in.

And the biggest difference? Mens sheds are government funded. Guilds and associations are not for profit but are not supported by the public purse.

Here is a saying I like:

Brave women fear nothing. Brave men fear women.:D

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Originally Posted by mythicagothiga

And the biggest difference? Mens sheds are government funded. Guilds and associations are not for profit but are not supported by the public purse.

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Oh, for goodness sakes.

How do you explain the disproportionate healthcare funding for men and women? Breast Cancer gets a significantly larger amount of funding in research and facilities over Prostate Cancer. This is despite an equal amount of occurrences in both groups.

We can go on forever arguing about funding however I think it's about time men and WOMEN recognise that men NEED a place to call their own to address issues such as elderly male depression and loneliness.

I haven't mentioned this before however my father developed severe depression when my mother left him after he retired. He joined the local mens shed when everything started and it was truly a MENS shed. Then they had women pushing to join and it was made so. My father left the mens shed and became unwell again. As did roughly a dozen other men. They honestly felt undermined and depressed that their group was feminised. The shed, roughly 6 months after letting females join, folded. My father has since taken up fishing, a solitary pursuit, and is a lot happier. He also can choose his company rather than have situations thrust upon him.

I just don't understand WHY the mens shed movement needs to become equalised. It's for men to solve mens problems. Leave it be.

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Originally Posted by mythicagothiga

Women, statistically, have lower suicide rates and as mentioned, already have numerous places and groups they can get involved in.

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I can assure you that there are women in my area that are or have contemplated suicide :C..and they don't have numerous places to go!:no:..MM

Statistically, men have been have had a shortfall of groups designed for positive health outcomes which was why the mens sheds were started.

I also agree that Mens shed stay whatever the men need them to be. If women want to get involved in woodworking or other associated groups, there are guilds and societies everywhere.

I do agree that men need some time with men, I know I do & I'm nor really sure that women, or at least some women, understand this.

I also agree that there is no reason why women can't use the facillities of a gov funded shed to do wood work, metal work or what ever, but I fail to see why there can't be days set aside for Men, Women (if they want) & combined.

My self, I went to a mens shed once, & to be honest, it wan't for me, but I have since become friends with a bloke that has an Engineering Shop about 10 mins from where I live, & he is also into building small planes & restoring a P40, although work hasn't actually started on the P40 as yet.

He has Lathes & mills & even a Morbidelli (?) that he is happy for me to use & learn to use. I try & help out a bit, but I don't really know much about these machines, but the social aspect is really good. He has several blokes drop in from time to time, and most of them are pretty cool except the one Bloke that knows everything about everything.... You know the one don't you.

Anyway, the point is, I found my Mens shed. & I do need it to help keep me sain.

I was pensioned off at 37, so for nearly 20yrs, I have been a Domestic Engineer... The job that just keep sucking the life out of you, So I need access to my mens shed


Steve

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Originally Posted by Scott

men NEED a place to call their own to address issues such as elderly male depression and loneliness.

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i am with you on that one Scott:2tsup:,but we also NEED a place for young and elderly women as well.They too suffer,if the greater community fully understood the level of sexual and physical abuse that our women folk put up with,then maybe attitudes will change...there are many many depressed women out there,for goodness sake,lets help them just like we help our brothers,lets build them some bloody sheds as well..time to eat some humble pie and unite to help the ladies..is it really that difficult? As i said earlier,if the 'sheds' are good for the blokes,then they will be good for the ladies.The 'mens sheds' are a great concept,and i still believe sheds for women is a concept with merit too..for those women folk who are unable to articulate their fears,and are socially stranded..MM:2tsup:

Ok, Mapleman, women need their social places too but why do they need a 'shed'? The mens sheds are set up a lot for carpentry and woodwork and I know many of the wives of our male woodcraft guild members don't come and do woodwork because that is not what they are interested in. Woodwork and carpentry, no matter which way you look at it, is hard work, dusty and not something suited to elderly women who want to go for a coffee afterwards or get their hair done.

However, pyrography is perfect as it is a sit down activity, is great for groups and involves woodwork but again, doesn't require a 'shed'. The CWA could accomodate it.

Again, if a 'combined' place is needed, woodcraft guilds provide that and there are plenty around.

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Originally Posted by mythicagothiga

Ok, Mapleman, women need their social places too but why do they need a 'shed'? The mens sheds are set up a lot for carpentry and woodwork and I know many of the wives of our male woodcraft guild members don't come and do woodwork because that is not what they are interested in. Woodwork and carpentry, no matter which way you look at it, is hard work, dusty and not something suited to elderly women who want to go for a coffee afterwards or get their hair done.

However, pyrography is perfect as it is a sit down activity, is great for groups and involves woodwork but again, doesn't require a 'shed'. The CWA could accomodate it.

Again, if a 'combined' place is needed, woodcraft guilds provide that and there are plenty around.

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Why NOT a shed?...the women can deck it out and stylize as they wish..just because its a 'shed',doesn't restrict what can be done in it:?..the women i have spoken to DON'T want to hang out at the C.W.A:doh:,they want their own Shed,where they can go and talk,and talk,and meditate,and do anything but some of the outdated activities that the C.W.A and others offer...only some folk are getting my point....men socialise in THEIR shed,let the ladies do it too,in THEIR shed...what is wrong with that??:?

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

Why NOT a shed?...the women can deck it out and stylize as they wish... THEIR shed...what is wrong with that??:?

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MM

Nothing's wrong with that. Nothing at all.

Regards
Paul

When we came to this beautiful part of the world, my first job was to extend the existing shed to facilitate my wood work machinery. This activity created interest from the local community and I was approached by both sexes for a sticky beak. Idle curiosity gave birth to bravado and I was asked if I would allow spectators (I hate being watched.) So, to avoid disappointing, I offered the use of my premises while I was unable to work after major eye surgery. They accepted with enthusiasm and begged me to supervise, which I would have done anyway, in the interest of equipment preservation. Well, supervision soon turned into refereeing as fellas tried to show the gals how it should be done and the gals circled their wagons in no uncertain manner. What could have been a pleasant experience for all had become a free for all. Being a hog for punishment, I have allowed things to continue with one major change... Fella's one day, Gals the next. There has been some deviation from this roster where husband and wife have wanted to work on the same project, which effectively gives them two consecutive days to work together. So far so good.
One shed, two groups, too easy.:2tsup:

Frankly, there's a lot of women I'd rather share my shed with than many of the blokes I know.

Dunno if the women would feel the same way, though.

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Originally Posted by Ticky

I have been a Domestic Engineer... The job that just keep sucking the life out of you, So I need access to my mens shed


Steve

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Yes well, I agree with that. Being a domestic engineer does suck the life out of you. Hence my need for a shed.

But if I was stuck with Pyrography as my only "appropriate" outlet I think I would do myself in.

Here you are Patt Gregory author of "Woodworking for Woman" as well as her own Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RALMIZvP9k

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

'Mens Sheds' are popping up all over the place,which is great..but what about the idea of 'Womens Sheds',as they too(women) enjoy woodwork/craft etc!And they too need and deserve a place to unwind and be creative and social :;.Just thought i'd put the idea out there,hope it comes to fruition..Cheers MM :2tsup:

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G'day all,
Thought this might be a good place to let anyone know in Mens or Womens sheds that we have an electric pottery wheel
that is looking for a home,so if you are, or if you know anyone who is after one, this might be ideal.
It's in good cond working order and it's free.
I'm 10 klm east of Melbourne.
If you're interested,send me a message and I'll send you my ph number.
Thanks and all the best........Polski

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Originally Posted by Polski

G'day all,
Thought this might be a good place to let anyone know in Mens or Womens sheds that we have an electric pottery wheel
that is looking for a home,so if you are, or if you know anyone who is after one, this might be ideal.
It's in good cond working order and it's free.
I'm 10 klm east of Melbourne.
If you're interested,send me a message and I'll send you my ph number.
Thanks and all the best........Polski

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Think there is a local group near Belgrave that do pottery. Will inquire for you and send PM.

Thanks Tea lady.....much appreciated.
My emai is [email protected] if anyone is interested........in the potters wheel,that is...

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Originally Posted by AlexS

Frankly, there's a lot of women I'd rather share my shed with than many of the blokes I know.

Dunno if the women would feel the same way, though.

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Well, I'm happy with either but found the Woodcraft Guild, with majority of men, had a fantastic attitude of acceptance and respect. Again, Mens sheds were created for a specific health purpose and are cheap or free for members. Other woodworking groups, though not for profit, are not government funded and therefore require membership fees to cover equipment and resources.

If women want to do woodwork, why not join the local woodcraft guild?

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

'Mens Sheds' are popping up all over the place,which is great..but what about the idea of 'Womens Sheds',as they too(women) enjoy woodwork/craft etc!And they too need and deserve a place to unwind and be creative and social :;.Just thought i'd put the idea out there,hope it comes to fruition..Cheers MM :2tsup:

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I just found this one:

http://www.mycommunitylife.com.au/Ev...es-in-the-Shed

The regular meetings are on a day that I work, but I have heard that they are starting Saturday workshops too. I have never done any woodworking before and thought a women's shed would be great - I would find it way too intimidating to make an initial approach otherwise. I'm sure the blokes are all lovely and very willing to share their skills but I also get that men need their own spaces to enjoy the company of other men...and I'm a bit over being told that I am a 'good girl' when I do something right! :~

Welcome to the Forums Tia2.

I think the combination of a woman's shed and the Forum is all any woman could aspire to: Good or otherwise.

In case you haven't noticed there is also a section specifically for women on these Forums: "Wood Whispering Women," but please note that is not a restriction! The last time I looked there were more men posting there than women.

Regards
Paul

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Originally Posted by Tia2

I just found this one:

http://www.mycommunitylife.com.au/Ev...es-in-the-Shed

The regular meetings are on a day that I work, but I have heard that they are starting Saturday workshops too. I have never done any woodworking before and thought a women's shed would be great - I would find it way too intimidating to make an initial approach otherwise. I'm sure the blokes are all lovely and very willing to share their skills but I also get that men need their own spaces to enjoy the company of other men...and I'm a bit over being told that I am a 'good girl' when I do something right! :~

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Thanks for posting Tia2...that is terrific news for the ladies :)
And welcome to the forum too...MM:2tsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MAPLEMAN

'Mens Sheds' are popping up all over the place,which is great..but what about the idea of 'Womens Sheds',as they too(women) enjoy woodwork/craft etc!And they too need and deserve a place to unwind and be creative and social :;.Just thought i'd put the idea out there,hope it comes to fruition..Cheers MM :2tsup:

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Resurrecting this thread.
Some great (and amusing) responses, but little in answer to the OP.
Several years on there doesn't seem to be a lot of progress in this direction.
Women's sheds or mixed "men's Sheds"

I've been semi retired for a year now (and what a year to pick)

Someone upthread noted that there were some places for women to go, create (pottery, drawing and various crafts mentioned)
Not to demean these activities ( I like to throw pots) there still does not seem to be much action on Women's woodworking sheds.
Lack of interest or lack of experienced mentors to facilitate such a thing?

There have been some developments;
According to this article. Women’s Sheds | Barry Golding there are 5 Mens sheds in WA that have female members.

Two I know of are;
Fremantle shed have 3 sessions (days) week where women can attend plus an evening each week that is form women only.
Cowaramup MS has a day (or maybe 1.5 days) a week when women can attend - this one is not included in the 5 above.

Hornsby Men’s Shed in Sydney has a goodly number of female members.

Astrid

I think that women are a little more versatile than men and don't require a shed to congregate. This is a little self defeating in that it is not immediately obvious to all and sundry that something is happening. Men seem to require a dedicated "spot" otherwise they can't function.

Of course, the men would argue it is more a requirement of their toys.

Having been mischievously flippant there does seem to be an imbalance.

Regards
Paul

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Originally Posted by Bushmiller

Astrid

I think that women are a little more versatile than men and don't require a shed to congregate. This is a little self defeating in that it is not immediately obvious to all and sundry that something is happening. Men seem to require a dedicated "spot" otherwise they can't function.

Of course, the men would argue it is more a requirement of their toys.

Having been mischievously flippant there does seem to be an imbalance.

Regards
Paul

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I think Paul is saying woman are the more intelligent species,
Men still need to function under a hierarchy system
We need to know who is the king pin,who is the bottom feeder,an we’re do I stand.
Women can just flock together get S... done, with a zero pecking order.

Cheers a Male(Matt)

All flippancy aside, why should one think that there is no need for women to get together for pretty much the same function as Men's Sheds?
Especially women in retirement.
It's a bit of a stereotype to think that women's needs in that way are already taken care of by some "sisterhood" in book clubs and pottery classes.
Could I dare go out on a limb and say that women who have done, or want to do real woodwork are not necessarily the type to bond well with the book clubbers.
Women are often in much the same headspace as men when they retire from a long career, their kids have gone "and their husbands just don't understand" why they are not happy now they've put the mouse or stethoscope or pliers down for good
Just like men, they find they've lost contact with the world.
They need friends and purpose too.
The problem with starting Women's sheds that do formerly blokey things, is there's not enough skilled women to mentor them and by and large, the Men's sheds won't.
I really don't understand why their cant be a couple of co-ed sessions and a women's only day at these places. Maybe it's the old "No toilet facilities" argument and a fear of cushions and curtains :D

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Originally Posted by astrid

All flippancy aside, why should one think that there is no need for women to get together for pretty much the same function as Men's Sheds?
Especially women in retirement.
It's a bit of a stereotype to think that women's needs in that way are already taken care of by some "sisterhood" in book clubs and pottery classes.
Could I dare go out on a limb and say that women who have done, or want to do real woodwork are not necessarily the type to bond well with the book clubbers.
Women are often in much the same headspace as men when they retire from a long career, their kids have gone "and their husbands just don't understand" why they are not happy now they've put the mouse or stethoscope or pliers down for good
Just like men, they find they've lost contact with the world.
They need friends and purpose too.
The problem with starting Women's sheds that do formerly blokey things, is there's not enough skilled women to mentor them and by and large, the Men's sheds won't.
I really don't understand why their cant be a couple of co-ed sessions and a women's only day at these places. Maybe it's the old "No toilet facilities" argument and a fear of cushions and curtains :D

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astrid

There is absolutely nothing you have said that I could contradict.

I would suggest that the dearth of women's sheds and men's shed where women are overtly welcome is fundamentally a twofold problem, but not entirely limited to two reasons.

Firstly, it is one of the age old issue in economics of supply and demand: There are not enough women actively wishing for a dedicated women's shed. Sad.

Secondly, the first reason does not address why women either do not or cannot participate in the men's sheds either on a mixed day or on a women only day or, dare I say it, at any time! Living in country Queensland where the likes of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun would be seen by our conservative populace is rampant Lefties I think that in this state there is a large degree of prejudice. I can't say whether this is so true for other states, but I would suggest there is a big element of this attitude: At least enough to stifle interest and momentum.

From my own point of view, I don't understand it, but perhaps I am atypical.

Regards
Paul

astrid

Not quite a men's shed, but Pat Gregory runs courses that may be of interest if it is not too far to travel:

Home | Woodwork for Women Australia


Regards
Paul


Edit: Hmmm. I read in my mind's eye "Armidale" and not "Armadale" so probably a bit of a travelling stretch. Pity that.

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Originally Posted by Bushmiller

astrid

There is absolutely nothing you have said that I could contradict.

I would suggest that the dearth of women's sheds and men's shed where women are overtly welcome is fundamentally a twofold problem, but not entirely limited to two reasons.

Firstly, it is one of the age old issue in economics of supply and demand: There are not enough women actively wishing for a dedicated women's shed. Sad.

Secondly, the first reason does not address why women either do not or cannot participate in the men's sheds either on a mixed day or on a women only day or, dare I say it, at any time! Living in country Queensland where the likes of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun would be seen by our conservative populace is rampant Lefties I think that in this state there is a large degree of prejudice. I can't say whether this is so true for other states, but I would suggest there is a big element of this attitude: At least enough to stifle interest and momentum.

From my own point of view, I don't understand it, but perhaps I am atypical.

Regards
Paul

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I totally understand why men's sheds are by and large for men (One wonders in these days where the trans might go)
As someone upthread said, would men be welcome in a womens shed?
There's a confusion as to purpose.
Certainly if a women's shed was to assist in mental health and to give women somewhere to let it all out..Well, we tend to do that anywhere with other women. As a woman of a certain age, I certainly wouldn't want Men in a Shed for women.
Pretty soon they'd be "mansplaining" and attempting to dominate..the latter is of course what many women are trying to escape.
Many sadly need a Man free space.

Sure we could start our own Sheds without impinging on the funding for The Mens Sheds.

Problems.
There may be many many women out there, sadly denied any formal high school WW who simply don't know where to start looking or even if they'd like WW seeing as they may never have been given a go with the Festool.
Second, getting teachers that won't "mansplain" or patronise.
Like the woman in the above post. I've been to Woodwork Victoria sessions. Certainly women are welcome. As long as they don't expect to be taken seriously.
Hopefully a younger generation won't have these issues with younger male teachers, but I wouldn't count on it.
So, the only solution I can see is to Hire the facilities from Men's sheds and pay for a teacher from their ranks.

Yes Armadale Vic :)

Our mens shed started at the local senior citizens following a survey of the membership and activities. The centre ran something like 28 regular activities and I understand men regularly participated in less than 1/4 of the activities. Apart from activities like, art classes, cards, and dancing, the numbers of men attending other activities were down to one or 2 at each session. I believe this is also pretty common at other seniors citizens centres.

The Senior Citizens Board identified they had to try and get more men involved and it was one of the female members of the board that suggested starting a mens shed. Response to a proposal to establish a mens shed from senior citizens male membership was very promising so a committee was formed and a temporary site was found in the largely unused prevocational centre at a local high school. Despite the promising initial interest a few months later when it opened it only had something like 6 members. Over a period of about 3 years a new shed next to the Senior citizens was planned and built - by then there were close to 50 members - about half active and there is simply no more room for any more members.

I ended up on the Shed Committee and was also Shed Supervision at least one but often two days a week. There was discussion at the committee meeting on several occasions about allowing female members but I was the only committee member who was even partially supportive of the idea. What it really came down to was supervision - no one was prepared to supervise if female members were admitted. I kept schtum! because if I said I would supervise sessions with female members attending I would be given all the sessions to supervise/ Problem was I was in the process of stopping all my supervision. In the end nothing happened and as I no longer attend this mens shed on a regular basis I'm not sure what the situation is. I do however visit many other mens shed and apart from Fremantle and Cowaramup have not see any females working in these sheds.

The issue of male and female only spaces is interesting.
A number of members have told me many times they love the Mens Shed because it's a male only space.
Likewise a number of female partners of mens shed members have also told me they also love the shed because it gets "Joe" out of the house and out from under my feet.

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Originally Posted by astrid

I totally understand why men's sheds are by and large for men (One wonders in these days where the trans might go)
As someone upthread said, would men be welcome in a womens shed?
There's a confusion as to purpose.
Certainly if a women's shed was to assist in mental health and to give women somewhere to let it all out..Well, we tend to do that anywhere with other women. As a woman of a certain age, I certainly wouldn't want Men in a Shed for women.
Pretty soon they'd be "mansplaining" and attempting to dominate..the latter is of course what many women are trying to escape.
Many sadly need a Man free space.

Sure we could start our own Sheds without impinging on the funding for The Mens Sheds.

Problems.
There may be many many women out there, sadly denied any formal high school WW who simply don't know where to start looking or even if they'd like WW seeing as they may never have been given a go with the Festool.
Second, getting teachers that won't "mansplain" or patronise.
Like the woman in the above post. I've been to Woodwork Victoria sessions. Certainly women are welcome. As long as they don't expect to be taken seriously.
Hopefully a younger generation won't have these issues with younger male teachers, but I wouldn't count on it.
So, the only solution I can see is to Hire the facilities from Men's sheds and pay for a teacher from their ranks.

Yes Armadale Vic :)

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I was thinking Armadale WA! :oo: Failed geography at school :(.

Both your post and Bob's post indicate that what at first glance appears to be quite simple between two groups of people is actually a complex issue and the requirements of individuals are both manyfold and diverse. Within cities there are sufficient numbers to find a solution. In small towns this may not be so easy.

I absolutely take your point of male teachers treating female students with deference. My wife enrolled in a Tafe course more than thirty years ago. The teacher, who was a local builder, was completely indifferent to the two or three women in the course. He would impart a minimal explanation or a throw away line and then walk away and stand alongside a male student: A disgrace to the male half of the human race.

My only solution is that enterprising women have to get a group together and then make representation at a men's shed to use the shed one day a week (for example) and then try to find a mentor. I am not suggesting for one moment this will be easy or have a good result.

I should add that I don't belong to the local men's shed. It has only recently been formed and as I still work I don't have enough time. If I had enough time, the first thing I would do is take up scratching myself again. :wink:

Regards
Paul

“Women’s Shed’s” do exist; I am affiliated with the Gin-Gin Women’s Woodworking Guild who have an enviable range of tooling available to them. The funding was supplied by the local regional council who also supports the Gin-Gin Men’s Shed; both organisations have purchased good quality tooling such as Laguna.

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Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

“Women’s Shed’s” do exist; I am affiliated with the Gin-Gin Women’s Woodworking Guild who have an enviable range of tooling available to them. The funding was supplied by the local regional council who also supports the Gin-Gin Men’s Shed; both organisations have purchased good quality tooling such as Laguna.

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So do the women get tools AND have their own dedicated shed like the blokes?
Mr Fiddleback :)

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Originally Posted by Mr Fiddleback

So do the women get tools AND have their own dedicated shed like the blokes?
Mr Fiddleback :)

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Yes.

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Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

Yes.

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Good stuff :2tsup:
Thanks for the positive post Chief Tiff :;
Mr Fiddleback :)

Like Bob I have had dealings with Mens Sheds over the last ten years but even when asked I refuse to join for my own reasons which don't need explanation. Why Mens Sheds predominantly end up as woodworking or metal working centric is a bit of a mystery but I know one that started out that way and now has other interests which would also suit women and some of those interests would be classed as primarily for women. I know my local shed has looked at the idea of having separate days for both but the place is not set up for any other activities beyond WW & MW and I am not sure the interest amongst the ladies of this town would be there. Having said that I am always astounded by the number of women who attend woodworking courses when they have to opportunity so I might be wrong in my assumption.

On to a really touchy subject and that is the direct interaction sometimes required in teaching manual arts skills. A lot of men are very wary of direct interaction between themselves and women because of the possibility of how direct physical contact can be interpreted, this is also the case between men and children but that is not the issue here.