September 4th 2023
We, the WCMS were asked by AMSA to provide a display table and a speaker for the 30th Anniversary celebrations, held on the Senate Garden garden and grounds.
The Tuggeranong Men’s Shed were to do the BBQ catering and had been advised to caterer 100.
AMSA was represented by Paul Sladdin, Chairman, David Helmers, Executive Officer, Beth Gow, ACT/NSW Shed Support and Jim Thornton Area 13 Representative.
The weather was fabulous after a cold start to the day. Parking was a nightmare due to a large protest rally being conducted outside on the front lawns.
At the allotted time, guests started streaming out of “the House” and filled up the area. Everyone expressed interest in the Shed movement and many requested photos with the AMSA people, and one or two with Allan and myself. meanwhile Dennis was busy giving an interview to John Paul Young, who as you know is the media voice for AMSA, and a keen shedder himself.
The formal part of the event was hosted by AMSA Chairman, Paul Sladdin, who gave a brief rundown of AMSA history and introduced the guest speakers, Rob Mitchell, Member for McEwen, Ted O’Brien, Member for Fairfax, and yours truly.
Rob Mitchell and Ted O’Brien are co-chairs of a parliamentary group known as Parliamentary Friends of Men’s Sheds. To quote from the PH website: “It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with Australian Men’s Shed Association and other organisations on matters relating to Men’s Sheds.” Friends in high places, indeed.
I have to admit that it was just a little bit daunting to deliver a speech in front of 200 or so professional speech givers, so I just apologised in advance for reading mine, thought about them all standing there naked and gave it my best shot! I hope it was well received, and judging by the polite ripple of applause they either thought it was OK or were just pleased that I had finished.
Anyhow, the Tuggeranong men cooked themselves to a standstill and everyone got a snag or a steak sandwich and a cool drink. Well done to them all. I snagged a steak sandwich and rather good it was too.
And well done us for waving our WCMS banner in such auspicious company. We done good.
