The Mudgee Guardian went along to the Mudgee Men's Shed on Friday, November 19, for a small ceremony to thank some local businesses who have helped make the shed a better place for its members.

But more than that, it was a chance to chat with members remind the community how important the Men's Shed is and encourage anyone interested to reach out and join.

The Men's Shed just installed a brand new pool table thanks to money from Club Mudgee's Clubgrants program that gives back a portion of gaming profits back into the community.

For the men, the pool table is more than the sum of its parts. It's a place to have a game and talk with mates and a way to keep hand-eye coordination sharp. It's all part of the plan said member and publicity officer, John Witheriff.

"There's something that says, 'if you if you have five hours of useful work a week of your retirement, then you won't go - It's good for your well being,'" he said.

"We're inclusive. Everybody's welcome and the amount of knowledge there is, is important in this shed. Because everyone's got something to give to give and that's what makes them feel that they're wanted somewhere."

For some members, the Men's Shed was a lifeline. Hayden Beck found the Men's Shed during a dark time in his life. Doctors told Hayden he'd never work again after injuring his spine in a car accident.

"I fell into a really deep rut," he said.

"Someone mentioned the Men's Shed and the wife said 'well go out and have a look'. And I went and had a look and I have never looked back.

"And it's just improved me. I've made a lot of good mates here. And you know, we all help each other and we have good nice social days and exercise days.

"It's really picked me up it's really changed my life. It really has."

Mark Willis, CFO and acting CEO at Club Mudgee said for many retired members, the Men's Shed has replaced after work knock-off drinks.

"It's to do with men's mental health, you know, we used to go and - we work in the industry whereby people go and have a drink on a Friday afternoon," he said.

"But certainly that's not the same as it used to be. A lot of men get isolated in the community, there seems to be not many activities. And, again, this is just a great centre where men can catch up and talk to each other and support each other and give them a little bit of purpose as well.

"It's a fantastic concept."

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