The Menshed members completely refurbished six of the school’s old tables, repairing them and sprucing them up with a paint finish in the school colours.

John Martins, one of the Menshed Vice-Presidents said the project was a team effort from the members.

“When the school P and F (Parents and Friends) contacted us about the refurbishment, we of course said yes as we are keen on taking on what community projects we can,” he said.

John Pryde, a retired professional painter provided the expertise for the task of stripping back five to six layers of old paint back to bare timber.

Bill Fletcher was instrumental in the work and carpentry head Bill Schuhmacher assisted with the repairs where needed.

“It was a complete team effort with all members lending a hand in there at some stage,” said Mr Martins.

“It took four men just to lift and transport each table back to the school.”

St Joseph’s Principal Michael Maloney said the work by the Menshed members was “fantastic”.

“The tables were structurally sound but just needed doing up by blokes who knew what they were doing, which the Menshed members did,” he said.

“Some of the mums have told me they sat at these very tables when they went to school here.

“The kids just love them and they will be here for a long time yet.”

Mr Maloney said replacement tables were in the vicinity of $1700 each which would have been a huge drain on the P and F finances.

“It’s terrific to think these men, many of whom have no connection whatsoever with the school could take this on.”

The Menshed meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Simmonds Lane, usually from 9am to 12pm.

Other projects the members have completed this year include signs for community groups and work at the showground.