With just over three months until Christmas - 14 weeks for those who are not too afraid to hear the number! - the talented gents at the Cootamundra Men's Shed are working on some beautiful, handmade items for little people to love for a long time.
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Their range includes everything from wooden cars, tractors and planes to dolls cradles, ironing boards, child-size table and chairs sets, even toy storage in the form of their popular 'zoo' stuffed teddy cages.
The Men's Shed closed for a period in the first half of this year as Covid hit, but is now back in the swing of things and members are keen to make up for lost time.
Long-time member Richard Cairns was so impressed by the handiwork of his shed mates he asked their permission to post some items for sale on Facebook.
The response was overwhelming with orders stacking up for the beautifully crafted items.
"I couldn't believe how popular it was," Richard commented.
He puts the popularity down to a trend in people preferring quality items and unique items over vast quantities.
Such is the workmanship in the toys it is not only the child who receives it for Christmas this year who can enjoy it, it can likely be played with for years to come and even passed onto the next generation.
People interested in checking out the items for themselves can contact the Men's Shed to set a time to visit. The Men's Shed operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am until 4pm.
They can also find the Men's Shed on Facebook and order online.
Hours have been extended since the return from the Covid shutdown to accommodate the need to spread the men throughout the day cutting out the possibility of too many people to adhere to regulated social distancing.
The Men's Shed still operates as it did previously with a cuppa and a friendly ear on offer for anyone through the door.
It is about more than just woodwork, it provides much needed mateship to a vulnerable sector of our community - those men who have retired and find themselves at a loose end after much of their social interaction circulated around their work life. The Men's Shed, however is not just for retirees - all ages are welcome.
Check out the Men's Shed Facebook site by searching for the group 'Coota Men's Shed inc.'
As well as preparing for Christmas, the organisation is also looking to a positive future for themselves as they prepare to enter a newer, larger shed at the old gasworks site in June next year.
The currently have 37 members.
