Forever ago I joined a small group called the A.C.T Woodcraft Guild guess we had a few older members but a lot of us were young marrieds very busy people with lots of varied interests. Of course the bulk of fund raising finding locations to meet each month there was always plenty to do. I threw myself into had a few very close friends. I have had a wonderfull time in this group that grew to the present three hundred membership. My philosophy is you get from anything benefit if you contribute and volunteer. I have been a life member for a long time now and attend regularly the club has their own huge fully lined shed and the last word in gear. Fantastic oportunity to learn. Whatever gear they have I used to have two of and so I prefer to work in my own sheds in my own time.
I contrast this with joining a mens shed run by the Vietnam Veterans Association very sensitive PSDS suffering people hard to handle at times on joining I ticked a column saying I was interested in hospital visiting Vets and families so I opted out of the workshop hassles and became one of a team of visitors. Very rewarding just love it, I had to get a police clearance pass E Exams on ten subjects all worth it.
Our Wood group pioneered in this country SIG,s or special interest groups that meet separately each month join in with as many as you like eg Furniture Making, Blacksmithing, Scroll Saw, Restoration ,Tool group,Sharpening,Timber gathering,Turning several sub groups..Between Centres, Bowls. Penmaking small objects, Scroll Sawing Anto Fret cutting, Carving and many others such as Cane making (walking sticks) Musical Instrument making.. A refreshing gaze at the Aussie U beaut Forum also gives a new perspective on diversity this way.
I say look around examine you perceived needs figure out what you have to offer in Canberra the population of round 4 to 500000 people there are fifteen at least Mens Sheds an active Arts Community get in and have a go or as Woody says pick your mark find what suits you.
Peter.
