In a heart-warming and emotional presentation, Griffith’s Men Shed awarded Doug Melville the honour of life-time membership on Monday.
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Keeping the unsuspecting Mr Melville in the dark was a tricky operation, however it was all made worthwhile seeing more than a few eyes tearing up at his surprise.
“I had absolutely no idea, I certainly didn’t expect this,” Mr Melville exclaimed.
“The Men’s Shed is what I live for – I love it here, and I thank everyone who had a part in this.”
On the other side of a few recent health complications, Mr Melville joked that he was glad he made it to see this.
Founding member Greg McCarten was proud to present Mr Melville with the honour, sharing his insight to his caring and dedicated character.
“He always takes on new members and makes them feel welcome, which is one of the best things about the Men’s Shed,” Mr McCarten said.
Nominated for president in 2013, he went on to 2015, and while he was president, with many fondly remembering his signature jokes he would tell during his time.
“We really appreciate all the work he has put in over the years, nothing is ever a trouble to him – he is a great, solid member. It was a unanimous decision from everyone here to make him a life member.”
He was first roped in to join the shed by Mr McCarten around 2009, and while he didn’t initially come along willingly it has become his life now.
“He worked on me quite some time before I actually gave in,” Mr Melville explained.
“Once he got his teeth right into it we couldn’t keep him away,” Mr McCarten said.
Tracking down and making nice with the wood-turner, his passion for making pens began with the wood lathe, an initiative which has been a good “money-turner” for the shed over the years.
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“He taught me everything I know about wood turning now.”
Born and raised in Yoogali, Mr Melville has grown alongside the town, and has seen many changes to the Men’s Shed over the years as well.
“I remember when we were first getting the shed – and now we’ve almost outgrown them,” he said.
“I guess the friends I’ve made here, they will be life-long friends – good mates. I’ve watched this place grow and now almost outgrown with how far we have come.”
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