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About Birkdale Mens Shed

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Birkdale Community Men’s Shed Bio

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Birkdale Community Men’s Shed is an arts based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering camaraderie, creativity, and well-being among men in our community.

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Established: Incorporated by the Office of Fair Trading on 31st August 2018
Growth: From just four founding members, we have grown to 80+ financial members and counting.

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Our Purpose

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We provide a welcoming and friendly environment where men—both skilled and unskilled—can:

  • • Pursue hobbies, pastimes, and interests

  • • Learn new skills, practice, and pass on old skills

  • • Gain knowledge about men’s health and well-being

  • • Contribute to their families, friends, the Shed, and the community

  • • Mentor younger men

We welcome like-minded men who enjoy arts, crafts, music, poetry, card games, or simply a good old-fashioned chat.

 

Weekly Meetings:
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Monday from 10am – 12noon at the Birkdale Sporting Club, Holt Lane, Birkdale

Fortnightly BBQ - Aquatic Paradise West Park, Commodore Drive, Birkdale.

 

Men’s Shed Band

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The Men’s Shed Band began with just six members and has since grown to around fifty members, sometimes more.

Led mainly by Gordon “Gordie” Beverage and Glenn Salters, who provide both lead vocals and instrumentals on guitar and banjo, the band features a variety of musicians at all skill levels. Since forming,  three songbooks have been compiled, and performances are improving every week.

Members have the opportunity to perform in an "open mic" at each meeting prior to the main music session.

We focus on the joy of music and the camaraderie of playing together as a group.

The Men’s Shed Band is often invited to play at various community events in Redland City, and revel in the opportunity to perform and entertain.

 

Member Bands

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"Off The Record" (OTR) Rock Band

Formed for the 2019 November Birkdale Community Men’s Shed Cabaret,

OTR is a four-piece rock band playing classic and contemporary hits from the 1950s to the present day. The OTR lineup consists of BCMS Members:
🎸 Rob Jerome – Bass Guitar & Vocals

🎸 John Conaty – Lead/Rhythm Guitar & Blues Harp
🥁 Ronnie Dent – Drums & Vocals
🎹 Peter Downie – Keyboards & Vocals

OTR are available for community events, clubs, and private functions including parties and weddings.

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In recent times two other member bands have also been established, being The “Travelling Wanabees,” and The “Mad Hatters.”

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The “Travelling Wanabees” band membership can vary though mostly includes:

John Matthews (Uke),

Col Grant ( mandolin uke or guitar ) / Laurie Dyer (8 string Uke),

Ron Crookes ( acoustic and electric guitar),

Ross Hazelwood (tenor uke ) / Andrew Hodgson (Uke),

Michael Witt ( bass Uke),

Steve Law ( Cajon drum ).

(The above band members may change occasionally based on availability)

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The “Mad Hatters” members are:

Denis Conaglen (Baritone UKE),

John Kolcze (Guitar),

Les Savage (Guitar),

Steve Law (Cajon drum),

Chris Young (Bass guitar)

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Several BCMS members perform at aged care facilities in the Redlands, bringing music and entertainment to residents. This includes Gordie and Glenn, The Mad Hatters, and others.

Gordie and Glenn perform occasionally at The Office restaurant in Cleveland, plus Folk Redlands / Cleveland Bayside Club monthly “Open Mic,” as do The Mad Hatters.

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More Than Music

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Beyond music, our members also enjoy:

  • • Art sessions – Drawing & painting – led by Chee Loi

  • • Card games

  • • Creative Writing – A recent activity launched in 2024

  • • Tai Chi – on our BBQ days courtesy of Chee Loi

  • • Music and mouth organ lessons – Led by John Conaty

  • • Day trips – Visiting places of interest

  • • Information sessions – various subjects.

 

Giving Back

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We are proud to support Night Ninjas, our adopted charity. Throughout the year, we contribute through:

  • • Food donations

  • • Collecting and donating refundable cans and bottles

  • • Supplying specific items requested by the charity

At Birkdale Men’s Shed, we believe in Leadership, Commitment, Contribution and Mateship, in our pursuit of creativity and community activity. If you are looking for a place to connect, learn, and give back, we would love to welcome you!

 

Contact: The BCMS Secretary, birkdalemensshed@gmail.com for more information.

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