Welcome to Samford Area Men's Shed

The Samford Area Men's Shed extends an open invitation to all men, young and old, to drop in to our Shed to meet the men and see what this Men's Shed is all about.

Our shed has been operating in the Samford area for more than ten years and has developed into a place where men can meet and enjoy each other's friendship and company and in a safe and accepting environment.

The Shed not only boasts a fully equipped workshop where skilled and unskilled men can work together on creative projects but also offers other activities such as art and photography as well.

The Shed is located at the far end of Showgrounds Drive in Highvale. Just turn left in through the gates near the high voltage electricity tower. The Shed is usually open on Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

You can also follow us on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080676183375

Looking Back at the Year that Was

Although Men’s Shed are most commonly known for hosting back yard shed activities such as woodworking and metal working – there are a lot of other things going on as well.

At Samford Area Men’s Shed – affectionally known as ‘SAMS’ – there is a whole range of other activities on offer.

Let’s look back at some of the activities and events that have been happening at ‘SAMS’ in the last year or so.

SAMS Logo # 2

Let's Get Modern and Connect with the World!

For years, ‘SAMS’ trudged along with a slow and cumbersome internet connection. Frustration gave way to a longing for a better, faster internet connection.

It was quite a few months in the inception, planning and installation – but in October 2024, we connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN). Now, the men at ‘SAMS’ are connected to the World and can access information, ideas and inspiration from everywhere.

Man at Laptop The Internet NBN Cable Connect

The Concert Group Attends a Wicked Performance!

It might surprise you to know that the Shed has a core group of keen members who enjoy going to concerts and live theatre. In October, the Concert Group went to see the live performance of ‘Wicked’ and none were disappointed by the experience! There will be many events like this planned in 2025!

Wicked # 2 Wicked # 1 Wicked # 3

A Visit to the Dick Johnson Museum and Workshop !!

In September, those men who have a keen and intense love of racing cars decided that the place to be would have to be the Dick Johnson Museum and Workshop. The number who were eager to go far exceeded the number who could actually fit in. Not to worry – there are more visits planned for the future.

Dick Johnson Racing Museum # 1

The Tower of Power!

After months of planning, preparation and construction, the new central dust extraction system (aka ‘Slim’) was set to work! The inclusion of ‘Slim’ in the Shed environment has not only resulted in a huge decluttering of the Woodies workshop but has also facilitated a cleaner and safer place for the men to work

The Tower of Power Man Carrying Timber

The Woodiies Workshop

Taking the New Lathe for a Spin

In September, the Woodies took delivery of their new Vicmarc 150 lathe - a small but modern lather which complements its neighbouring bigger brothers and will add to the capacity of the enthusiastic wood turning group.

A Cut Above the Rest

The Steelies are really chuffed with their new Unimig Viper 30 computer aided plasma cutter. The men are now busily cutting out all manner of shapes, designs and decorations in readiness for Christmas and other fund raising events that happen during the year.

Steelies # 1 A Steelie

The SAMS Shutterbugs

Samford Area Men’s Shed have a group of Mad Keen Photographers!

The photographic group aka: The Shutterbugs meets every Monday morning at 9am to talk all things photographic. There are days when The Shutterbugs don’t meet at the Shed but rather go out into the big wide world to take photographs of anything and everything moving or standing still.

Shutterbugs in the Garden # 2 Photographer

The Art Group

Samford Area Men’s Shed also have a dedicated cohort of very talented visual artists. The ‘SAMS’ artists have been creating some very notable works of art, some of which has received awards at the Samford Show (and further afield) and also attracted the attention of purchasers of art.

Capably led by the Art Group Coordinator Terry Caldwell, the SAMS Art Group has been growing steadily more experienced and skilful in their creativity.

The Samford Village Pump. Read what's on in the Samford area and read a short article from Diggers about one of our members.

2025

The Village Pump 14/02/2025 by SDPPA - Giles

The Village Pump 31/01/25 by SDPPA - Bob

2024

The Village Pump 13/12/2024 by SDPPA - Neil

The Village Pump 29/11/2024 by SDPPA - Brendan

The Village Pump 15/11/2024 by SDPPA - Dave

The Village Pump 01/11/2024 by SDPPA - Dearsie

The Village Pump 18/10/2024 by SDPPA - Les

The Village Pump 04/10/2024 by SDPPA - John

The Village Pump 20/9/2024 by SDPPA - Mike

The Village Pump 06/9/2024 by SDPPA – George

The Village Pump 23/8/2024 by SDPPA - Garry

The Village Pump 9/8/2024 by SDPPA- Ron

The Village Pump 26/7/2024 by SDPPA - Fraser

The Village Pump 12/7/2024 by SDPPA - Jeff

The Village Pump 28/06/24 by SDPPA - John

The Village Pump 14/06/24 by SDPPA - Bevan

The Village Pump 31/05/24 by SDPPA - Graham

The Village Pump 17/05/24 by SDPPA - Diggers

The Village Pump 3/05/24 by SDPPA - Ken

The Village Pump 19/04/24 by SDPPA - Ron

The Village Pump 05/04/24 by SDPPA - Brian

The Village Pump 22/03/24 by SDPPA - Rob

The Village Pump 08/03/24 by SDPPA - Jim

The Village Pump 23/02/24 by SDPPA - Mort

The Village Pump 09/02/24 by SDPPA - Robert

Need Something? - We May Have It! - Or we may be able to Restore/Fix it Fo You!

The Men's Shed has many woodwork, steelwork and art articles for sale. Whether they be utilitarian or aesthetic, we may have something that's just right for you.

Also... Christmas is rapidly approaching and our members are hard at work making decorations and toys to delight children and adults alike! !

And if we don't have exactly what you need/want on hand, there's a group of very experienced craftsmen available who will no doubt be able to custom make that special item.

In addition, we regularly get enquiries and commissions from local residents for the restoration of much loved furniture, and even repair/refurbishment of large steel items such as trailers.

Prices are always reasonable - Please feel free to visit the shed during open hours to discuss your needs with the experienced members in attendance.

Initial enquiries may be made to the Sales Coordinator Brendan Maloney on 0418 402 864

The ‘Shed’ operates generally from 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday to Friday.

We welcome visitors to our weekly briefing (our ‘Talkfest’) from 9:30 each Tuesday, or other times by arrangement.

Check out the following For Sale sections for more details :

Artwork

Woodwork

Metalwork

Take a look at our What's happening

Lots of projects on from the woodies, steelies and the art team

Great work

Select the link to see some of the work that the members have been involved in. 2024 Photo Album

Samford Area Men's Shed by Simply Stories

In 2022 a company called Simply Stories approached our SHED to do a short video on the Men Shed and what we do.

This is the result and we hope it inspires all men to get out and get to know others in their community.

Click on this link to view the video. Simply Stories

Mateship and supporting others in need - The Peter Schinkel story

While helping with the clean-up of the SAMS Christmas party Peter Schinkel suffered a heart attack. If not for the quick thinking of a number of our trained members Peter would not be here today. A great story of the SAMS members helping each other out. Although it was a team effort, special mention must go to Allan Marr, Greg Prior and Phil Walters for their assistance in Peter's time of need.

Below are three TV reports of Peter's incident.

7 News - Peter Schinkel reunite

9 News - Peter Schinkel reunite

10 News - Peter Schinkel reunite

Why get involved?

Men’s Sheds have long been recognised for their demonstrated success in contributing to improvements in male health and wellness by reducing social isolation and increasing social engagement and connectedness. Maintaining strong social connections is vital for good mental health; so isolation and loneliness are serious problems. Sheds provide men with a safe, male-friendly environment for men to come together and have a meaningful purpose, to share experiences and sometimes share their problems.

(excerpt QMSA Enquiry into social isolation and loneliness in Qld 2020)

The Shed is their "Castle"

A regular sight on a Tuesday morning is our own Carlsen and Kasparov swapping moves before the meeting. Digby and Robert have been playing their weekly chess match for over two years. Chess is only one of the quieter pursuits in the shed. Members also enjoy snooker, table tennis, and darts. For those wanting relaxation minus the competition there is always the Art group or our well stocked library. Chess

(Digby and Robert matching wits)

These Boots Were Made For Walking

If you happen to see a group of men walking around Samford Downs and having way too much fun it is likely to be SAMS Walking Group. Each Tuesday before our morning tea get together a group of members go for a walk with the intention of improving their health and enjoying the company of their mates. The size of the group and the route taken varies but one thing is certain, they are better for the experience.

Walking Gp

The Iconic Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Volunteering at the BBQ at Bunnings Keperra is a lot of fun and the money raised supports the various Shed activities. Over the years we have developed a good relationship with Bunnings and we look forward to it continuing. A big thanks goes out to all members who help out on the two or three days which are scheduled each year and especially to our hardworking co-ordinator John Dears who makes each event run smoothly.

Bunnings Feb 20

(Garry, Peter, John and Dearsy)

Helping Our Community

SAMS is happy to pitch in and help our community when the opportunity arises. For several years now SAMS members have assisted the Samford Riding for the Disabled by bagging horse manure which is then sold to raise funds. The team is aptly referred to as the 'Poo Patrol'.

SAMS History

SAMS history covering the period 2011 - 2015 is now in the "Members" section. Dennis Arnold has done a wonderful job of compiling information about our formative years and it makes for very interesting reading.