Steve F
Member Armidale Men’s Shed
Mentor to Women’s Woodworking Group
Vice President (2020-2022)
Committee Member (prior to VP)
One of our go-to guys on all things workshop, machinery and woodwork
Master of the tragically awful joke - as well as some pretty good ones too!
How long have you been coming along to the Armidale Men’s Shed?
About 7 years
What do you enjoy doing when you’re here?
Building things with wood, from work benches to delicate storage boxes, outdoor bench and table sets, live show production sets, repairing chairs, windows, shortening/lengthening dining tables, detailed joinery work.
Steve is also one of a handful of members who donates his time and expertise every Tuesday - rain, hail or shine - to the Women’s Woodworking Group, as well as volunteering his time at the regular men’s shed bunnings bbqs.
Also, many of the bespoke pieces made to order are Steve’s handy work.
What do you think is the best thing about being a member?
Helping people with heirloom items to be repaired/restored to honour lost ones or precious items gifted to family members.
Having a well equiped workshop, getting good advice from other volunteers and the social interaction with members who may or may not use the workshop.
What one thing would you like people to know about the Armidale Men’s Shed?
The variety of jobs we can do to replace, repair or build items people would prefer to keep or purchase due to the robust nature of our construction work and variety of timber material and finishes we can use to best suit their requirements.
AND A FEW GET-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS…
Do you have any hobbies?
Repairing mechanical, electrical, wooden and metal things that still have a useful life but just need some TLC.
Finding the perfect partner - the search is over!
Do you collect anything?
No, but like a lot of men I know, I do have difficulty getting rid of things because you may need it one day.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Finchy
What was your favourite subject in school?
Ancient History
What did you want to be when you were young?
Cricketer
What makes you laugh?
Good jokes, taking the mickey out of people when it’s appropriate.
Good comedy like Eddie Izzard, Dawn French, Danny Bouy.
What excuse do you use when you need one?
I’m tired.
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Broccoli Salad!
The salad recipe:
1 large head broccoli , cut into bite-sized florets
2 cups seedless red grapes , sliced in half
1 cup sliced almonds - browned
1 cup dried cranberries (or cherries or raisins)
6 scallions , diced ( onions - Avab in Supermarket)
1/3 cup cooked chopped bacon pieces
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Mix mayo, vinegar, and sugar together in a small bowl.
Pour mayo mixture over broccoli mixture and combine well.
Chill for a few hours and serve.
What's the most unusual or unpleasant thing you've ever eaten?
Lamb Brains
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?
No, because it doesn’t agree with my partner
Editor’s note: Awww, such a romantic!
