Armidale Men's Shed

When did you first start coming along to the Men’s Shed?

March 2023

What do you enjoy spending time doing when you’re here?

Chatting with members and getting to know them
Organizing things. Meals, BBQ’s, filing etc.

What would you like people to know about the Armidale Men’s Shed?

I would like to know that people would think the shed is a place where they are able to come and enjoy the company of fellow shed members in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere.

AND A FEW GET-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS…

What are your hobbies?

As a child, I was always tinkering with tools and blocks of wood making cars, space stations, and buildings.

What are your favourite tools to work with?

I do not have a favourite tool, but if I had to nominate one I would probably say a hammer because I think a hammer has multiple uses.

What types of wood do you most like to work with?

No particular type, probably a soft wood.

What types of finishes do you prefer?

Coming from a wet and humid climate, I usually go for a gloss finish as they are easier to clean.

What is your favourite piece you have worked on?

Dolls house because of the joy on a child’s face when they are playing with it.

What is the most challenging piece you have worked on? 

A bookcase for my son Matthew because of the design he wanted.

What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas from?

I like a challenge. I think the old saying “necessity is the mother of invention” applies to a lot of things I do.

Is there a skill you do not currently possess but would most like to learn?

Wood turning is something I have always wanted to do.

Is there an existing skill you would like to improve upon?

Understanding people

Where were you born?

Tully, North Queensland

What was your favourite subject in school?

Maths

What did you want to be growing up?

A locomotive driver like my dad or motor mechanic like my brother.

Where did your working life lead you when you were older?

Tully Sugar Mill

What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?

Going to bed at night

What is something you do regularly that you wish could be automated?

House cleaning

What never ceases to amaze you?

People

A genie grants you the ability to have infinite amounts of one item. What is it?

Wisdom

What is your idea of a perfect day?

No such thing

What is your favourite thing to do on the weekends?

Tinker in my shed

What would be an ideal holiday for you?

Road trip around Australia

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Water

What do you think is the greatest invention in your lifetime?

Nuclear medicine because of its impact on the lives of so many people.

Do you collect anything?

Coins, stamps, bottles and anything old.

Have you ever had a nickname?

Peasey

What excuse do you use when you need one?

Depends on the circumstances

What makes you laugh? 

A good joke

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Being a 60’s teenager I reckon we had some of the best gear ever.

Is there a book, tv or radio program or podcast you are enjoying at the moment?

Have just finished watching every series of NCIS.

What is the best song ever?

I do not have a favourite, just love 60’s, 70’s and country and western music.

If you could have one song play every time you entered a room, what would it be?

Go Johnny Go!

What is your favourite season?

Spring/Summer

Where is one place you’d like to travel to again?

My hometown, Tully

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

Visit as many Australian towns as I could

If you were a super-hero, what super-power would you have?

To be able to read minds

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?

Edmund Kennedy (Australian Explorer)

If you were stranded on an island, what book would you want to have wash up on shore?

Any book on survival

Is there a quote or saying that has stayed with you over time?

How long is a piece of string?

Do you have a favourite game or sport to watch or play?

Athletics

If you could win an Olympic medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be?

100 metres track and field

If you had a warning label, what would it read?

Danger – Do Not Stir

What’s the most useful thing you own?

Clothes

What weird food combinations do you enjoy?

Curried Tripe

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pasta

What's the most unusual or unpleasant thing you've ever eaten?

Castor oil

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?

Definitely NO!

our John - always on the go