Updates

After more than eight years operating from our much-loved workshop on a private farm near Amberley, the Amberley Menz Shed was required to vacate the property and begin the search for a new home. While plans for a permanent facility continue to progress, we know that securing and funding a purpose-built shed will take time. Maintaining a place where members can meet, work on projects, share skills, and support one another during this period was therefore extremely important.

We have been fortunate to secure temporary use of an older shed at Leithfield Beach, located behind the Leithfield Beach Community Centre. Although the building had been vacant for some time and required considerable work to bring it back to a safe and usable standard, it provides us with an invaluable base from which to continue our activities while we work towards our long-term goal of a permanent home.

Over recent months, countless volunteer hours have been invested in cleaning, repairing, and upgrading the facility. Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and generosity of our members, the shed is gradually being transformed into a functional workshop where we can once again undertake projects, share skills, and enjoy the companionship and sense of belonging that are at the heart of what we do.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Hurunui District Council for making this facility available to us and to the Leithfield Beach community for their warm welcome, encouragement, and ongoing support. Their assistance has enabled us to continue operating, remain connected as a group, and continue contributing to our wider community during this important transition period.

Having a place to call home, even temporarily, allows us to continue serving our members and the wider community while we focus our efforts on fundraising, planning, and working towards a permanent facility. Our vision is to create a purpose-built Community Repair, Education and Sustainability Hub that will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.

The photos below show some of the progress made so far as we transform the building into a safe, welcoming, and productive space for our members and community.