MARCH 2016 | Lorraine Clarke

“EVERY MAN needs a shed” was the motivating principle behind the national Men’s Sheds program begun as a men’s health initiative. Deloraine Community Shed recognises that many ladies need a shed too, and Hong Ma has made the most of her opportunity to learn woodworking skills since her first timorous venture through its doors in 2009.

Hong was an obstetrician/gynaecologist at her home in China, until she immigrated to Australia in 1997. Although she enjoyed Sydney, Hong knew she had really “come home” to the place where she wants to spend the rest of her life, on discovering our lovely region of Tasmania.

She lives in Launceston where she now teaches Mandarin Chinese, and commutes several days every week to her “home from home” at the Deloraine Community Shed.

“I was doing pottery classes with some friends.  They told me about someone who was doing woodwork at a Men’s Shed. The thought of being able to make my own furniture seemed like an impossible dream.”

Amidst the scream of power tools and the camaraderie at the Shed, Hong adds an Oriental flavour with offers of Chinese teas and treats.

“At first I went to a different Shed, but they said it was only for men, so I came here. The woodwork part is good, but the people here make me very happy.”

“On the first day, I made a cutting board. I did not believe I could make something so beautiful! In the first week I also learned how to use the lathe, and made a rolling pin. I was so happy! I had never touched any machinery before.  Next I made a long bench with shoe rack underneath. Later I made an entertainment centre and a sewing table.  My favourite piece is my bed and bedside table.  I never thought I would have the chance to do anything like this.  Now my dream is to make all the furniture in my house myself.”

Hong puts heart and soul into everything she creates at the Shed.  Never one to take the straightforward option, she spends many hours building precision and complexity into all her work, crafting intricate details to decorate her unique pieces.

“I’m just crazy about woodwork! It brings me a lot of happiness, the most important part of life. When I’m not feeling well, I go out and do some woodturning on my lathe at home, and that makes me feel better.

“This year I want to teach myself woodcarving. Right now I’m really excited about using resin to incorporate details into my work. I use leaves, seedpods, spices, sparkles, scraps of wood that others throw out.

“I think all timber is pretty. I love all timber and never want to throw a single piece away."

Photo | Mike Moores