MenzShed New Zealand – Chairman – Trevor Scott
I became interested in Men’s Sheds over twelve years ago and travelled to Australia to learn more about them. Attending conferences and visiting Sheds. On my return, we established the McIver’s Oxford Community Men’s Shed. That was eleven years ago. I have been involved in spreading the word about Men’s Sheds in Canterbury since then. I have helped to establish a number of Sheds in Canterbury and shared many resources that I have obtained with Sheddies.
Once we went into lockdown Sheds had to become inventive to look after the wellbeing of their members. This was achieved by setting up ringing trees, email on a regular basis, and Zoom meetings. There is a lot of life experience that is interesting to hear about and some Sheds had members deliver a short presentation on their members’ interests in Zoom meetings. These were also available for all the Sheds in the region to log into.
Once we went into lockdown Sheds had to become inventive to look after the wellbeing of their members.
Transitioning back to normal was for some a difficult time as some folk were less confident about meeting up with a group. It took folk a few weeks for a full turn-out of members. We are on level one at present and Sheds supply hand sanitiser and ask that all members log in so that contact tracing can take place if there is another community breakout of Covid. Some folk wear masks down at the Shed.
Christmas “Getting to know you game”
Q: What’s your full name and title?
A: Trevor Scott Chairman of MENZSHED NZ
Q: Where in the world are you based in?
A: Our executive is based all around NZ we come together for meetings using GoToMeeting. I am based in Christchurch which is the largest city in the south island.
Q: you prefer Tea or coffee?
A: Usually tea but coffee when out and about.
Q: Guilty pleasure when it comes to fast food?
A: Pizza
Q: What’s your favourite film?
A: Any James Bond movie especially the early ones.
Q: What is your favourite book?
A: Any thriller is great
Q: How good of a Maker / Shedder are you?
A: I don’t like to brag but… I am a highly skilled trade-based person who has devoted my life to sharing skills with others through being a teacher of students and adults in the workshop environment.
Q: Besides Shedding what’s your favourite pastime?
A: American classic cars. I was the president of our local club, and sailing radio controlled yachts.
Q: What one thing we’d all be surprised to know about you?
A: I am not sure if I am full of surprises as what you see is what you get. A caring person.
Q: What makes you laugh?
A: Almost anything as I always have a smile on my face.
Q: What makes you sad?
A: Seeing folk under stress.
Q: If you were a tool in a Men’s Shed which would you be and why?
A: A chisel as I am sharp as a tack and very useful.
Q: What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned this year?
A: Being patient in my old age.
Q: What surprised you the most this year?
A: The enthusiasm of Sheddies to meet up after we were back to level on the Covid scale and able to hold meetings face to face.
Q: Can you summarize what you believe Sheds have learned this year? A: Taking on board our values of men’s health and wellbeing and putting them into practice.
Q: Thinking forward to next year what can Shedders be optimistic about?
A: Keeping the Shed open and not going back to lockdowns.
Q: You’ll probably get more socks, but what do you hope you get for Christmas?
A: Something made by our grandchildren.
[1] Email: chairman@menzshed.nz
Tel 03 960 4919[1]