David D
Member of Armidale Men’s Shed
Mentor to Everyone
David and his sweet wife, Ona, have relocated to ‘warmer Winters’ .
They are both greatly missed.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START COMING ALONG TO THE MEN’S SHED?
Approximately 10 years ago, not long after we closed our photographic shop.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME DOING WHEN YOU’RE HERE?
Most enjoyment comes from doing a job that turns out well. The more perfect the job, the more enjoyment I get from it.
many of the beautiful pieces for sale at the shed, including the stunning examples of woodturning, and many of the bespoke pieces made to order, are david’s handy work.
WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE ARMIDALE MEN’S SHED?
It’s a great place to come for company, to learn new skills and improve the quality of existing skills.
AND A FEW GET-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS…
DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?
As a kid I fiddled with wood, using a pocket knife and a hacksaw as I had no tools. The first thing I made was a reel for a fishing hand line.
WHAT SKILL WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LEARN?
Good carpentry to compliment my wood turning.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT INSTANTLY MAKES YOUR DAY BETTER?
When I hear customers are satisfied with the work I’ve done.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU DO REGULARLY THAT YOU WISH COULD BE AUTOMATED?
The wiping up!
WHAT WAS/IS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY?
When the kids were little, going to the beach.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SEASON - WHY?
Spring and Autumn. In Spring things are starting to grow and in Autumn it’s the leaves we have here; also, the weather is more stable in those seasons.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE ARE OBSESSED WITH BUT YOU JUST DON’T GET THE POINT OF?
People seem to thrive on bad news these days - I don’t like that at all.
ASIDE FROM NECESSITIES, WHAT ONE THING COULD YOU NOT GO A DAY WITHOUT?
Prayer
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A NICKNAME?
Back when we had the photographic shop, it was Whispering Death.
When we first started the photo shop there were 5 in town, but one by one they closed down until we were the only one left. A guy gave me the nickname because I was very quiet and didn’t say much.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
The first thing was a Carpenter.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?
I hated the lot of it – I just wanted to get out on the farm and do things. We lived out in the never-never, school was via correspondence. Chasing sheep was more fun.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I enjoy DVD’s that are comical to watch, with a lot of humour in them.
WHAT EXCUSE DO YOU USE WHEN YOU NEED ONE?
Not inclined to look for excuses – I just get up and do it.
WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?
Every month I get the Australian Geographic and Outback magazines. I’m on the Australian Geographic at present.
IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT HAS STAYED WITH YOU OVER TIME?
My mother used to tell me, “if the job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GAME OR SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY?
At present at the village (where we live), we play Rummikub.
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WASH UP ON SHORE?
A Rescue Boat
A GENIE GRANTS YOU THE ABILITY TO HAVE INFINITE AMOUNTS OF ONE ITEM. WHAT IS IT?
Peace!
IF YOU WERE A SUPER-HERO, WHAT SUPER-POWER WOULD YOU HAVE?
Give peace to the world.
IF YOU HAD A WARNING LABEL, WHAT WOULD YOURS SAY?
Beware of this woodworker!
IF YOU COULD EAT ONLY ONE MEAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE??
I like a variety but what is nice is lamb shanks.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
I was told that whenever I got sick and was getting better I’d always ask for scrambled eggs. I was also told that when I was tiny and learning to speak I’d ask for a ‘bomato’ sandwich.
WHAT WEIRD FOOD COMBINATIONS DO YOU REALLY ENJOY?
Honey on peanut butter
WHAT FOOD DID YOU LOVE AS A CHILD THAT YOU DISLIKE NOW?
Only thing I don’t like is fresh cucumber - never liked it!
WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL OR UNPLEASANT THING YOU'VE EVER EATEN?
Cucumber
AND THE BIG QUESTION…
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTENTIOUS TOPICS OF CONVERSATION THAT CAN BRING DISCORD TO THE MOST CIVILIZED OF DISCUSSIONS, ONE OF WHICH IS THE TOPIC OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA – YES OR NO?
Yes. We don’t often eat it but when we do it always has pineapple on it.
