Richard Cato is at the helm of Te Awamutu’s Menzshed.
New Te Awamutu Menzshed leader Richard Cato has a message for veterans – you’re never too old to spend time with us.
Cato was elected this month to succeed the retiring Steve Mannington who stood down.
The Te Kuiti born Waipā resident has a farming background – he spent 18 years on a sheep and beef farm in Te Kuiti and later almost 30 years with wife Judy in a commercial cut flower business.
The couple, who retired to Te Awamutu five years ago, also grew vegetables for sale at farmers’ markets.
His focus today is writing books – he’s completed five – and Menzshed, for which he has a passion.
The organisation – something akin to television’s The Repair Shop for Waipā – has enjoyed a high profile in the last couple of years, most recently helping with the repair of the flagpole at Anzac Green in the Te Awamutu central business district.
He’s keen to see the establishment of a ‘recliner” club at Menzshed, replacing some chairs with couches to cater for older members who will be welcome in for a cuppa and a “yack”.
Cato is thinking of the 80-plus year old members, many who want to remain part of Menzshed but may no longer be able to do the physical work which usually comes with it.
He says their knowledge is still valuable.
“We need them, and they need us,” he said.
Menzshed will hold its annual garage sale next month to help fund winter improvements at the organisation’s Te Awamutu home.
