They can rebuild tractors, make pottery urns, do timberwork and now even metal fabrication.

Their first foray into fabrication was the construction of a new wrought fence for a Dungog resident in June this year.

Malcolm and Anne McDonald were looking for someone to make a new fence for their Dungog home.

They wanted someone who could do replica lacework, and while it took two years to complete, the couple is thrilled with the finished work.

Menshed member Ron Jones, who is a boilermaker by trade, said he didn’t have any experience doing scrollwork.

“So it was my first attempt and I was really happy how it turned out,” he said.

“I have since gained an interest in it and now we are getting a bit more work out of it.”

Jeff Trustum is currently constructing four fence panels and two gates for his daughter Jodi Robinson.

“I selected a pattern on the internet and Phil Long did the drawing and calculation of how much material was needed,” he said.

“Ron did the transformation onto the bench and T & S Steel in Dungog supplied the material.

“We have been working on it for the past five or six weeks, doing it in between other jobs like fixing mower decks.

“We are always looking for new jobs to do and it keeps the men here busy, active and socialising.”

Dungog Menshed is a not-for-profit, community based, non-commercial organisation that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men.

They aim to provide support for all men, whether retired, transitioning from work to retirement or for men who have been forced into early retirement due to disability or retrenchment etc.

They also aim provide support for men experiencing depression or who have lost a loved one and are experiencing grief.

The shed, in Simmonds Lane, is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9am to 12.30pm.