The Mooroolbark Men’s Shed is busy prepping and preparing for a busy period of selling, with its second major market day just around the corner.
Opening up the Shed to the community on Saturday 15 November from 8am to 3pm, a range of handmade and beautifully crafted items will be sold alongside both new and used machinery.
A selection of wooden chopping boards and serving platters, different dog breed-inspired planters, pens, coasters, wooden trucks and cars, and trollies will all be available to purchase.
Having collected a number of tools, saws and screws, all in useable condition but just in need of new owners, these will all be up for sale as well, with a sausage sizzle to add to the occasion.
Joining forces with the Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway, the Shed will also be selling its handmade goods on the fourth Sunday of every month.
President Peter Gray said the idea of the market day is to fundraise for the Shed but also to clear out some stock, especially in time for Christmas.
Hosting markets is a new way for the Shed to generate much-needed funds to ensure it can buy materials and provide a space for men to gather.
With its Mooroolbark Coles barbecue tenure ending in August, Mr Gray said the Shed is looking for new ways to raise funds now that the regular bi-monthly barbecue and stall will come to an end.
“They’ve given us only two a year, instead of getting two a month. So that’s going to cut our costs down tremendously,” he said.
“So next year, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll have to try and concentrate on markets. There are only certain things you can do, because in any club, footy club, or whatever it is, it’s the same people week in and week out that help you.
“We might have to have our monthly market here and do a regular sausage sizzle outside, then Denis and the boys can sell all the goods that we make.”
Mr Gray and the committee are hopeful the market days will be a success to ensure the equipment, supplies, and facilities are at a standard suitable for the members.
If people have a project they need help completing, the members love a challenge or taking on custom work.
The market day will also act like an open day, for people to see what the Mooroolbark Men’s Shed is all about.
Head down to the Mooroolbark Men’s Shed, located on the corner of Ellen Road and Croydondale Drive.
The Shed is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 2pm every week. To find out more, visit mooroolbarkmensshed.org
