Volunteer Richard Wood, or Richard the Lionheart as he is known at the Men’s Shed. Photo: Supplied.
FROM WYNNUM MANLY AND DISTRICT MEN’S SHED
The Wynnum Manly and District Men’s Shed is fortunate to attract its fair share of those salt-of-the-earth people who fly under the banner ‘volunteer’. Richard Wood is one who, in a previous life, would have been a white knight on a horse, hell-bent on good deeds, righteousness and chivalry.
Our Richard the Lionheart is an extremely generous, energetic man who is thrilled by the challenge of solving other people’s ‘Mr Fixit’ problems, especially if he has to use the 3D printer or the modern, computer-managed CNC Routers and Cutters.
Also, if the machines break down, who are you gonna call? Yes, Richard, of course! He can fix anything because Richard is also a handyman, the ‘Jack of all trades’, the go-to man, the GOAT, the inventor, and also the one with the spring-loaded arm when anyone asks for volunteers.
In Wynnum, with its only two degrees of separation, you have probably already met him. If you’ve been part of the crusade of people who have brought a ‘fix it’ problem to the Men’s Shed, it is more than likely that Richard has done the work for you or would have advised on the solution. Or maybe you are one of the tens of thousands he has served with his fabulous Brekky Buster Sausage Sandwich at the Manly markets or Bunnings. On these occasions, Richard is up at dawn to set up the pergolas for the stall, organising the food and drinks to feed a thousand hungry mouths. All this is done with his usual good humour, fast wit and friendly rapport with the customers.
At our social functions, Richard manages the barbecue, helps with serving, and when the party hits a lull, he jumps up and recites poetry, tells jokes, gets the sing-along going, and kicks off the dancing. The man is a marvel!
So, let’s all clasp our hands, lower our eyes and thank God for volunteers!
