JOCELYN Strutt is now a proud new member of the Goulburn Men’s Shed.
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That’s right, she hangs out with the blokes at their Blackshaw Road digs. Despite discussion about the issue on social media – and a talkback caller on local radio complaining about women membership – Ms Strutt has been warmly welcomed by the local fellas.
“She is not only a capable cook, but she can also hold her own in our woodworking shop and is also more than happy to give of her time at our fund-raising outings,” Goulburn Men’s Shed president Garry Miller said.
“I would suggest the person objecting to full time lady members of Men’s Sheds should move forward into the 21st century.”
Ms Strutt approached the Goulburn shed earlier in the year requesting that her transfer from Kempsey Men’s Shed (where she was also a member) be accepted.
After much discussion by Mr Miller and other committee members, it was agreed she could become a member, which Mr Miller said was the best decision the club has made in recent times.
“I must admit she is a little bit spoilt by all of the male members, some of whom took a little while to ease up on the bad language, but she has now fitted in as ‘one of the boys’ and we wouldn’t want to be without her,” he said.
“Jocelyn is also a member of the local Rural Fire Service.” Ms Strutt says she feels very comfortable around the men, but also respects their space.
“I absolutely love it here and I feel it’s a privilege to have been invited to join the group,” she said.
“We all ‘take the mickey’ out of each other and have good fun, but I’m always careful to let the men have their own space and let them do their own thing, too.”
Ms Strutt has been busy recently, with a couple of woodworking projects on the go, including the restoration of a wooden tea trolley, the inlay on an old coffee table and even a garden bench.
“I’ve also been working on renovations to my house, which I have done myself,” she said.
“So far I’ve made some windows and also a timber screen door for my place.”
Ms Strutt used to live in Goulburn in the 1970s and then moved up to Kempsey, where she started a women’s section at the Kempsey Men’s Shed in 2007.
“It initially started as a group of widows who needed to learn how to do projects around their homes that their husbands had started and it grew from there,” she said.
“But moving back to Goulburn was the best thing I could do. I actually don’t mind the cold weather - in fact I prefer it to the hot and sticky weather in Kempsey!”
Mr Miller was also quick to address a complaint made by a person on local radio and a story in the South Coast Register last week from a Men’s Shed member about women recently joining the Berry club.
“Service clubs such as Lions and Rotary decided long ago to admit women, and some of those ladies now hold high positions such as president and district governor,” Mr Miller said.
“As President of Goulburn Men’s Shed, I can assure the person who complained that we have one very capable lady member in Jocelyn, and many more are very welcome to join us in our fellowship and workshops.”
For more information about becoming a member, contact Shed Secretary Ian Marsh on 4822 9541, or Mr Miller on 0408 523 901.