Greg painting a Bird Box and a few personal thoughts.

 Greg Duff putting a finishing coat of paint to his bird box. 

A few words of background from Greg:

"A few words about my involvement with the Menshed. Some years ago I was Chair of Family Resource Centre and it was in that capacity that I heard about the Menshed, at that time we had rented a room in Ballycasey Craft Centre.  It was there that the first meetings took place. Different groups used this facility each day so it was not suitable for tools and machinery. I know Brian Kenny and Christy Collins were involved. It was when Tony Mulcahy a local Councilor made the connection to the Shannon Airport Company that we were successful in securing the former workshop of the Council in Smithstown. 

In regard to why I am member. Well! There is a number of reasons.  Firstly it's the craic and banter of a company of me who are from different backgrounds also the solidarity of support not only to fellow members but to community groups that may need support. A lot of the members I may have known to nod to as we past by but only when I joined did I get. To really know them. Especially on our outings the difference it has made is that I personally now, don't just nod to these people, I will stop and talk.  The sing song every first Tuesday of month in the shed is enjoyable.  Our musicians may not have packed concert halls in Japan or the USA but they bring their warmth and craic to the sessions."

"The bird box is something I always wanted to make, I not great at carpentry, even at Teck, the teacher used to say Duff I told you to chisel the mortice joint not chew it. Now John is encouraging me to have a go, it's a small little job but it's nice to think that come the breeding season some nice little Robin or blue tit might be taking up residence. I have paid Ted the roof purple, the sides will be yellow and the door red. A bit bright, more suitable to Florida perhaps but at least if the birds are scouting for a new house, they will spot this one no matter how high up they are."

It's wonderful when members share their personal experiences as it really illustrates the spirit and creativity of our Mens Shed.