The Rand Aid men’s shed has been renamed to honour one of the founding members and former chairperson George Green, who passed away in May 2022.
Now called the George Green Men’s Shed, it was established in January 2019, following months of planning.
George was a resident of Rand Aid’s Inyoni Creek Retirement Village and a member of the Witwatersrand Woodworkers Association, which makes toys for distribution to orphanages.
He explained at the launch nearly five years ago that men’s sheds are community organisations that provide a space for social interaction, and the hobbies and DIY projects that are usually done in home garages or workshops. The founders said at the time that the concept was well aligned with the Eden Alternative philosophy, to which Rand Aid subscribes. The core belief of Eden Alternative is that ageing is a continued stage of development and growth, rather than a period of decline.
“George was a passionate woodworker who had visited men’s sheds in the UK and was determined to set up an equivalent – or better – shed within Rand Aid. Under his guidance, our men’s shed has developed into an awesome facility,” says the secretary of the organisation and Elphin Lodge resident Diego Sella.
The shed occupies a comfortably sized 200m² at the corner of the Rand Aid maintenance/warehouse complex at Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre in Whitney Gardens, Johannesburg.
“In common with the majority of men’s sheds worldwide, the facility is made available to us rent-free. However, our use of the facility is subject to certain conditions, namely, that it is for the exclusive use of Rand Aid village residents, and that all work performed be for personal needs or the needs of fellow village residents,” says Diego.
There are currently 16 active members.
The shed is normally open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 08h30 to 12h00. Strict safety rules are enforced.
“We welcome anyone from any Rand Aid village who may wish to join us for a small membership fee. Our focus is on manufacturing and repairing wooden furniture for ourselves and our fellow village residents, but we also make flower pot holders, TV remote holders, wooden toys, etc. While the focus of the shed is on woodworking, we also offer repairs to small electrical appliances,” says Diego.
Proceeds from the work go towards the purchase of necessary tools, machine maintenance and consumables.
“We are equipped with a range of woodworking machinery and equipment, a couple of which we inherited from Rand Aid, others donated by members, and a couple bought and/or fabricated by our members.”
The shed has a social corner where members sit and have tea or coffee and exchange news and general chatter.
“We all have an enormous amount of fun!”
The men’s shed’s two office bearers are Gordon Roberts, (treasurer, 082 992 8218, fixform@vodamail.co.za) and Diego Sella (secretary, 082 652 5311, dsella@iafrica.com). Contact either of them should you wish to join.
The members of the George Green Men’s Shed with late chairperson George Green’s widow, Shelagh.
Shelagh Green, former chairperson George Green’s widow, and Jenny Sella, wife of the organisation’s secretary, Diego Sella.
David Attwell, Merle Matthews, Shelagh Green, and Roger Matthews at the official renaming of the George Green Men’s Shed. David and Roger are both Sheddies.
