Very Quick Week

Well after a very quick week we went down to see how the boat was coming on I was amazed to see how fast the lads had worked since we left last Thursday. During the week the ribs were put onto the bottom of the boat.

So it's really taking shape and you really can get a sense of how big the boat will be as the bottom of the boat looked like a large surf board last week!

Oak Ribs

The next part that happened to-day was the stern I'm getting familiar with the proper names of the boat.... This is made of teak.Then it was time to put on the first plank this is a very tricky process and requires great precision and as the lads explained once the first planks are put on the the rest can be put on quite quickly. I personally think it's very exciting and interesting.

Teak Stern

First plank being fitted

I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress and we will be able to contribute in some way to help do a few things at a later stage. Brilliant work in progress. 

I was listening to the radio the other day whilst driving home and the Mooney show on RTE1, they were talking about Men Sheds this is a concept that is sweeping Ireland that originated in Australia where men can meet and take part in different activities from fixing lawnmowers to building motor cycles. I think it is a fantastic concept it doesn't have to be a shed just a space where the men can meet have a chat.

As a society we have become so isolated especially in rural areas so it's great to see such great work being done. What I liked about the concept and what was very evident on the radio was whilst it's called the Men Sheds it does not exclude women which I think is really nice. It can be very difficult for men to have an outlet from the home and as a women and a mother I get to interact with different groups of people but for the men at home this is not always possible. I think this is a very positive step forward for communities and for men especially. The website is http://www.menssheds.ie/  it's a very informative website for men. I just sent them a message wishing them the best of luck as I think it's a fantastic idea and I hope it is a great success and gets the support it requires.

The shed where the boat is being built has an open door policy too and just by being there the few times people visit from the area and they know what's going on. The hope for this shed will be that different things will be run from there over the year so all very positive the major hurdle is the funding.

So watch this space for further postings ........