Community
2 August, 2024
A proud shedder at 99 and a half
INSIDE Camperdown’s Men’s Shed at the Camperdown Showgrounds, one shedder (Men’s Shed member) is proving you are only as old as you feel.
Albert Beasley joined the shed nine years ago and hasn’t slowed down at age 99 and a half.
Mr Beasley said he started at the Men’s Shed simply by asking for some help.
“To start off, I wanted some photos put onto DVD,” he said.
“John Dunn said to me “come up to the Men’s Shed,” so that’s what started me here at the Men’s Shed.
“I’ve sanded and helped them put things together ever since I’ve been here.
“There’s always something to do.”
Mr Beasley’s love of the Men’s Shed goes beyond simply helping the other shedders out, with some previous projects completed throughout his life.
“I used to make trotting harnesses, caravan accessories, horse race tents, blinds, and I’ve carved 100 chairs,” he said.
“I used to make trotting harness’s for all the trotting people all over the country.
“I've had a go at everything.
“But over the years, I’ve done things I’d like the men here to see - I built a caravan, and I’d love them to see it.”
Mr Beasley said he loved spending time at the Men’s Shed, which gives him something to do during the week in addition to his regular attendance at the weekly Uniting Church community meals.
“It’s better than looking at walls,” he said.
“I’m just enjoying doing things.”
Camperdown Men’s Shed member Foster Taylor helps to facilitate Mr Beasley’s attendance, with other shedders happy to pick him up and take him home.
“There’s a great load of men here. They look after me,” Mr Beasley said.
“If one can’t pick me up, another will.
“There’s nothing they won’t do, too. They’re good fellas.
“They treat you how you treat them.”
Last year saw a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association travel down to the Camperdown site, saying Mr Beasley could be the oldest shedder in Victoria.
The Australian Men’s Shed Association then published a small article for the member’s newsletter in November 2023, which featured Mr Beasley and then-president John Dunn.
“Albert, with his wealth of experience and a knack for sanding that stands the test of time, graces the shed with both his presence and his lively stories,” the article said.
“His days are a blend of hands-on contribution and the shared laughter that fills the shed.
“As we marvel at Albert’s vitality and the wisdom he brings to the shed, we’re reminded that age is just a number, and the camaraderie of our community knows no bounds.
“Here’s to Albert, a living legend in our midst, and to the rich stories that make the sheds truly exceptional.”
This article is framed and proudly hanging on the wall of the Men’s Shed workroom.
Mr Beasley said, to him, age is just a number.
“I’m not old yet. You’re only as old as you feel,” he said.
“You’ve got to keep going.
“They (the Men’s Shed members) won’t let me retire.”
Read More: Camperdown