On a tight budget, the talented members of the group have created a well-appointed kitchen area, a spacious meeting room and practical upstairs storage area.

But, due to their professional workmanship and ability to re-purpose items like old shelving, and the roof of a hotel – you would never know it.

And the addition of a sturdy black aluminium fence to secure the grounds has really finished off the place.

The Men’s Shed’s John Elliot says it not only looks good, it also serves an important purpose.

“Unfortunately it was needed due to some vandalism and theft occurring,” he explains.

“It will also provide us with the safe and secure environment we need to develop future programs.”

Mr Elliot says they plan on inviting school children and other groups to work in the garden with them.

Men’s Shed coordinator Michael Gardiner, along with Richard Connelly, spearheaded the planning and installation of the new fence and they were ably assisted by shed members.

“We also need to acknowledge the efforts of the former member for the Upper Hunter, George Souris,” Mr Elliot says.

“He really supported us when we applied for the state government grant which covered the cost of the materials.

“Thanks to Mr Souris we ended up receiving $8000.

“The original quote I received for someone to come in and do the job came to around $20,000.

“However, we did it ourselves for $8800.”

The Singleton Men’s Shed was established in 2012 and it is a place where retired men can come together, share their knowledge and skills, as well as enjoy each other’s company.

They currently have 55 members ranging from the age of 50 to 80-plus, who have a variety of skills and are making a valuable contribution to our local community.

From catering for events to constructing signs or theatre sets and repairing furniture, they rarely say no to a request from a community group.