THE IPSWICH MEN'S SHED

[Maureen K Clifford]

I just wrote this for the blokes at the mens shed here in Ippie at their Presidents request - they are doing a bit of work for me fixing up some chairs that have got the wobbles - I am happy about that because I was looking at having to buy some new ones and really didn't want to as I have had my dining room setting for over 40 years and I love it.

THE IPSWICH MEN'S SHED ....Maureen Clifford © The Scribbly Bark Poet


A few blokes got together and this is what they said
“We reckon it’s important that all men have a shed
a place they can retreat to, a place to call their own
a place where they can make a mess, a place to be alone.
Somewhere their mates can drop on by if they just want to chat,
a man cave where the missus has no power – we'd like that.
So how about we gather up a few mates – John and Fred
and Les and doubtless Tim will come – let’s go build us a shed.”


The die was cast, the thought let loose and inspiration fired.
They’d build a shed, a mighty shed, each man there was inspired.
With their collective talents and a fair degree of nouse
they built a shed, a mighty shed, and all there thought it grouse.
They put in a pergola and a paved path and a pond
and someone bought a calendar – a buxom brassy blonde
to put somewhere where all would see, but no one would offend
a place where all men get to go and a little time spend.

The gardens – well they flourished, cuttings came from near and far
not everything was recognized but that’s the way men are.
And projects started coming in - they’re working on a boat.
A plywood boat sans bottom – now how will that thing float?
It will once they are finished, there’s lots of blokes here keen
to get their hands on this old girl, restore her pride and sheen.
They’ll turn their hands to most things if you make a small donation
they’ll fix, renew, rebuild and glue with sheer determination.

Stewarts been making rifles – a collection of great note;
scaled down versions of the real thing – long hours he did devote
to each and every one of them, three hundred hours or more
each one a work of art by a master craftsman for sure.
Brian’s been making children’s toys and doubtless the delight
he sees on little faces just inspires his inner might.
His rocking horse with saddle red, and leather reins and bridle
is testament to this bloke’s skills, his hands are never idle.

Yes every bloke should have a shed, a place to sit and ponder
to think about their projects, to sketch, to cost and wonder
whether an idea that they have might ever come to pass.
A place to fix the mower, sharpen blades to cut the grass.
Somewhere that mates can sink a beer or simply have a chat.
A man cave where the missus has no power. Think of that!
I reckon it’s important that all men have a shed.
A few blokes got together and THAT is just what they said.

[Neville Briggs]

Goodonya Maureen, they might make you an honorary man for that

[Cropduster]

Good one, Maureen.

The men of Men's Sheds all round Australia should stand and salute you.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you Neville and Allan They may Neville - I will find out tomorrow

I'll be happy if they just fix my chairs Allan - it's only taken me 34 years to get around to doing them