Our woodturning shed is now in the final stages of construction. With the dust extractor extension complete all that is required on the inside is to install the ducting which is now well in hand. The outside still requires the painting to be finished (weather permitting). A dust extraction “extension” is almost complete. Guttering and connection to the storm water sump will be the final phase, a little time away yet. 

 Our progress on the new building has hit a major roadblock due issues with the consent. These are quite complex and we are working through possible solutions with our building supplier and the Council to get it sorted. 

It’s also sad to report, that yet again our neighbours like to shop at our expense. The materials taken were not high value (recycled wood) but frustrating all the same. Materials were also stacked against the fence ready for pick up the next day, which we returned to stock. All these incidents have been reported to Police, but no follow up action has been taken. 

Several projects have been completed in the last few weeks.  

Following up on the activity box made for a blind boy last month, we made a Swish Table set for the Visually Impaired. So, what is a Swish table? 

A table tennis table is normally used and a series of fences installed around the sides prevent the ball (a hollow ball with a bell inside) from falling over the edge. It’s a combination of table tennis and shuffleboard and the “net” is suspended above the table. Players use a pusher (bat) to propel the ball from their side to the opposite end, where the other player(s) hear the ball coming and attempt to send it back. Using eye shields, it can be used by sighted or visually impaired players. There are many clubs in Australia that play league competition. 

However, we were requested to make the set so it could be used for a variety of tables of different lengths and widths and be portable, so not league standard. Here is the finished set, in place on an ordinary dining table. The sides were made in 5 sections, each section had locating blocks on each end to locate the sides accurately. The sides were adjustable to tables of 2.7m, 2.2m and 1.7m. 

Work has also been carried out repairing and repainting an outside picnic table and a new mud kitchen has been constructed. Both projects were carried out for local kindy’s by Lindsay/Lorne and Doug for the mud kitchen. 

We also answered a call from a local family to help with restoring a toxbox. However, after inspecting the box, it was decided that it had held it’s last toy so we made a new one! Only the lid of the old one was saved. This was much more robust and we hope it will withstand the “delicate handling” afforded by young children! 

We also had an unusual request to make a chopping board holder which could be used by someone who was partially disabled and had difficulty in preparing food for themselves. We devised a prototype made from Perspex and look forward to hearing how it performed. Sorry no photo – we don’t want anyone copying our design! (Actually, genuinely forgot in the rush to get it delivered!) Other projects we are working on, are a ride on children’s truck, refurbishing outside furniture for a Care home and repairing a platform for Camp Kaitoke.                                          

As you can see, we do quite a bit of work for kindy’s. So maybe we can help you – you only have to ask. During this year we intend to be in contact with as many Kindy’s as we can and provide help to at least some of them. We have noted a few Kindy’s have been in contact already and several new projects have been requested. So don’t miss out and contact us, we are always ready to listen. 

If you have a project in mind and you think we can help, then feel free to contact us for a chat and we will do our best to assist you.  

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

Don’t forget to visit our website for details on where we are and what we do. 

You can visit it here:- 

https://upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi

We are always on the lookout for new members and later this year we will have a metalworking facility. Maybe you have seen our display in the Mall which shows some of the things we do and who we do them for. If you have and would like more info, contact us for a free tour and meet the team. 

contactus@upperhuttmenzshed.kiwi 

If you want to join us, even for just a cup of tea and a yarn, pop in to see us, you will be more than welcome. Just come along @ 10am Tue to Fri. We are open 9 – 12 Tues to Fri. You will find us at McLeod Park just past the BMX track        

A “thank you” to Upper Hutt Menzshed for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

09/07/26