TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2, 2021
TE AWAMUTU
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DECEMBER 2, 2021
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All stand for Menzshed By Mary Anne Gill
When Freeman Court residential manager Tricia Ball rescued yet another resident from one of the many low couches and chairs at the Te Awamutu retirement community, she knew she needed help. So, she went to the “amazing people” at Te Awamutu Community Menzshed. Within days they had made the wooden raisers from old pallets and finished timber. Freshly painted and finished, the 100cm square raisers are now dotted around the lounges. The raisers go under the chairs and lounge suites, and the extra height makes a big difference. One fan of the raisers is sprightly 97-yearold Olwyn Fallwell who now gets in and out of chairs with ease. “Plus, it makes it easier for the cleaners to vacuum under the furniture,” she said. “Such a small thing, such a difference they have made to our residents. They are our local heroes,” said Tricia. Freeman Court began life as Te Awamutu Eventide Home in 1970 so the older people in Te Awamutu could have an affordable place to live that would support them to continue living independently. It is not a rest home or retirement village and since 2015 has been a part of Habitat for Humanity Central North Island. Two years ago, Waipā District Council sold the neighbouring Palmer Street 36-unit pensioner housing complex to Habitat. Habitat is about to start building new houses on an adjacent section for the Palmer Street residents who were all offered lifetime tenancies when the sale went through. Menzshed spokesperson Steve Mannington said it took him and other members three days to make the raisers using a recently purchased nail gun to put them together. No fingers or thumbs were harmed in the process, he joked.
Next project: Menzshed members, from left Lloyd Jackson, Garry Botting and Steve Mannington turn their attention to Freeman Court’s lazy boy chairs and how to raise them. Their reward, other than a donation from They are based in Raeburne Street, Te School. Habitat, was afternoon tea at Freeman Court Awamutu and have been working together They also recently completed 150 rat/stoat and a rich fruit cake baked by two residents. since 2016. The house they occupy is vested traps for use in forests where bird life is under Tricia took the opportunity to show in a trust so it will always be available for threat. Menzshed the lazy boy chairs they also have Menzshed activities. Menzshed members include former which residents struggle to get in and out of. Other recently completed projects include architects, engineers, truck drivers, mechanics, Before long, the men were debating how to mud kitchens for a kindergarten, a bug house builders and gardeners. Their premises make risers for them. and school bag racks. The men recently feature an engineering department, a Menzshed has 32 members, all retired, but purchased a bench saw which has been workshop, scroll, painting and timber supply would welcome more help from younger getting plenty of use, particularly for the rooms, a kitchen, large deck and a bountiful men, said Mannington. remembrance seat they built for Kihikihi vegetable garden.
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