The good work of the Halswell Menzshed based at St John of God Hospital in Halswell has spread far and wide – even to the Chatham Islands.

They have recently completed the restoration of a stained glass window in St Augustine’s Anglican Church on the Islands.

Upon reading an article in The Shed magazine, a Chatham Islands resident contacted the group to see if the Menzshed could help. Two members went over to the Chathams and removed the window to ship back to Christchurch for repair. Over a year many shed members were involved in the cleaning up of the old timber and where required remaking parts that had rotted beyond repair. The work included remaking a large portion of the ornate interior woodwork and pannelling. After cleaning and disassembly of the stained glass windows, these were brought back to life by the Glass Room.

After many hours of voluntary labour by the shed, the window was finally on its way back to the Chathams earlier this year. Two members went over, and as well as reinstalling the main window, another 4 side windows in the church were repaired in time for the Sunday service.

The Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board are proud supporters of the Halswell Menzshed.

Photo credit: Menzshed NZ