EARLIER this year MidCoast Council organised a speed networking session for Gloucester community groups.
“Speed networking is a great way for community groups to quickly build connections, spark new ideas, foster a shared sense of purpose, and create partnerships that benefit the wider community,” said Jane O’Dwyer, Community Development Officer at MidCoast Council.
One of the fruitful partnerships which came out of the speed networking session was between Gloucester Pre-School and the Gloucester Men’s Shed, with the idea that volunteers from the Men’s Shed could build a “mud kitchen” for children.
According to the pre-school, the purpose of the mud kitchen is to encourage imaginative play and dramatic role play, which are designed to help develop the children’s social skills as they interact with each other.
“The Pre-School is very thankful of the work performed by the Men’s Shed, and the children have absolutely loved creatively baking up goods in the new microwave and oven,” said Robyn Beggs, the Pre-School Centre Manager.
“Local businesses Gloucester Valley Landscapes supplied the crusher dust and sand to level the floor and CRT discounted the steel for the rebuild of the mud kitchen.”
The mud kitchen has certainly been a hit with the children.
“I like using the oven in the new mud kitchen, and I make chocolate in it,” said Evie, aged four.
“I like the mud kitchen because it is big now, and I make pancakes in the mud kitchen,” said Ollie, aged four.
“I like the oven and microwave in the mud kitchen, and I make chocolate and strawberry pancakes,” said Jasmin, aged five.
The Men’s Shed was delighted to be involved in this project and members were grateful for the assistance they received from many local businesses.
“Dave Rolf and Barry Plumridge were key to constructing the frame and shelving, and Ray Vale oversaw the project and crafted the benchtops and oven,” said a Men’s Shed spokesperson.
“Many other Sheddies assisted with dismantling the old kitchen and installing the new one, reflecting our commitment to community support.”
By John WATTS
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