December 6, 2017
The future of the Barambah Shed Men has been cast into doubt after one of its founders announced he will be retiring soon after almost 10 years of volunteering.
Glen Vonhoff said he would be stepping down from his role as one of the group’s organisers last month after helping arrange 38 quarterly Shed Men gatherings since 2008.
Glen said he was making the announcement with a degree of sadness.
He will also be stepping down from many other volunteer positions he holds in the Murgon community so he and his wife Joy can travel around Australia.
In a circular email to friends and colleagues, Glen paid tribute to Barambah Shed Men stalwarts David Mollenhauer and Keith Bayntun and the group’s many other volunteers.
“David always did a great job providing the barbecue meal, desserts and nibbles,” Glen said.
“He purchased the barbecues himself, the portable toilet we used, and also bought and set up all of the chairs.
“Without his work and the work of other volunteers who assisted David with the cooking and set-up, the Shed Men nights would not have been possible.
“I’d also like to thank Keith Bayntun, who organised the name tags and payment from the men for the barbecue each night, his assistants, and all the other people who helped make the nights the success that they were.”
Glen also paid thanks to the many people who hosted Shed Men nights in the Murgon district, and the many guest speakers who had come to share their life stories over the years.
“There is a season for everything and for me it is time to call it quits,” Glen said.
“Joy and I want to travel Australia and to that end I have withdrawn from all the positions with various organisations I have been involved in, except our church.
“No one is never irreplaceable and it is great to see some younger blood stepping into positions vacated by old blokes.
“Personally, I have really enjoyed the Barambah Shed Men, making many friends and having some wonderful experiences over those years. Thank you to every man who has attended and supported our Shed Men nights.
“If anyone else wants to take up the reins and continue to run the Barambah Shed Men, I am only too happy to help them get to know the ropes.”
Glen noted that if no-one steps forward to fill his role and the Barambah Shed Men close, the Kingaroy-based South Burnett Shed Men will be continuing their own nights.
“Please let me know if you want to be added to their email list by emailing me.”
