The group of men have been meeting since they established Aberdeen Men’s Shed in April 2013 however have not yet got a place to call home. 

Despite efforts, they have met some challenges, but with a recent donation of almost $10,000 they are much closer to their goal. 

The members are extremely excited to reveal they received a donation of $9820 from the Scone Neighbourhood Centre. 

This brings their current fund raising total to about $28,000.

Despite having grant applications knocked back, the men have raised the significant funds themselves and are currently negotiating a possible site with the Upper Hunter Shire Council. 

The donation was made possible from the Neighbourhood Centre’s Virtual Shed Program, which had some funds left over that were decided to be put into making a virtual shed into a real shed.

Scone and Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centres manager Lee Watts has been a big supporter of the men’s shed since its               establishment, being an honorary member herself. 

Mrs Watts said she was extremely pleased to be able to support them with a donation.

“The sheds are an important place for local men to meet and do activities, or just have a chat with one of the boys. 

“Unlike most women, men tend to be reluctant to talk about their emotions and that means they usually don’t ask for help,” she said. 

“Men tend to try and deal with any issue they may face alone, which is why the sheds are a great place for the barriers to come down.

“I can’t wait for the  Aberdeen men to begin construction, they have been very patient and I am so pleased that they can now move forward.”

Aberdeen Men’s Shed  secretary Paul Hobbs said the donation was very, very important to the men and he thanked Lee very much.

He said they hope to have a location set in concrete in coming months.

“This donation is the biggest one we have received so far, so it is very important to us,” Mr Hobbs said. 

“It puts us in a situation where we should be able to build a shed once we have a location.”