DAVID Proctor is glad to be back at the Woodworkers Club Swan Hill shed after being cooped up during the pandemic.
Mr Proctor, the group’s president, and the 20 or so members use their woodworking skills to benefit the local community with volunteer projects while building other products for a charge.
Most recently they lent a hand at the GIFT (growing incredible food together) Permaculture Community Garden in Yana Street producing raised garden beds.
GIFT member Leanne Skipsey said the group was grateful for the men’s work.
“We are delighted with our 12 new beds, exactly as planned and built in one day with such ease,” Ms Skipsey said.
“Next jobs for GIFT are reticulation, soil, compost, worm juice and straw, then paths.”
The Woodworkers Club has existed for 20 years and each Wednesday conducts a working bee at shed 3 at the club’s Cobb Court base from 9am to 4.30pm.
“Name it, we do it, as long as it’s wood,” Mr Proctor said.
“We’ve done stuff for the library, for the Scouts, we’ve worked on tables for the hospital op shop.
“But there’s also a social side so we’re essentially a men’s group.”
The group mills its timber while timber cutters, members of the public and businesses such as Bunnings donate logs and wood.
Members, from their 30s to 80s from diverse career backgrounds, will be happy to get back together after being confined to their home workshops.
Mr Proctor, who has been president for 10 years, said there were “builders, farmers, butchers, a fitter and turner”.
He said the club was a great opportunity to learn different skills and share knowledge.
“It’s not all work though – once a month we have a barbecue lunch with our meeting, and we will sometimes go down the river on a paddleboat,” he said.
Call the Woodworkers Club on 0409 321 865 to commission a paid project or request a donated item.
