Bloke's shed envisaged

Neil McArthur
Neil McArthur
Alexandra blokes are forming a group to establish a communal shed in the town.

A group of men met at the Alexandra District Club recently to discuss the idea.

Organiser Neil McArthur said the now-empty old stone stables in central Alexandra would be an ideal venue for the shed.

The Central Otago District Council owns the 117-year-old stables and is calling for submissions on whether it should be sold, leased, or subdivided.

Mr McArthur said the building, which was behind the National Bank building in Tarbert St, next to the public car park between Tarbert and Thompson Sts, would need a bit of work.

"The top floor would have to be fixed up with some insulation, and we would need to get power to the building, which should not be a problem.

The council has to decide what to do with it but we should be able to get it for a peppercorn rental," he said.

Mr McArthur said a proposal for the shed and submission about using the stables would be made to the council, and he hoped to gather support from those interested to give the idea momentum.

"We need people to join up," he said.

The idea for a bloke's shed in Alexandra was being modelled on those throughout New Zealand and Australia, with the closest in Mosgiel and one soon to be established in Dunedin.

Blokes who paid a token annual membership fee such as $10 were able to use the shed and communal equipment, which was often provided by people and groups in the community.

In return, blokes were able to use their shared skills and knowledge to build things needed around town, as well as create for their personal requirements.

Socialising, sharing passions, being active, and staying useful were also benefits for those involved, Mr McArthur said.

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz

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