The shed (or shop) might just be a man's favourite room in the house.
Now there's a community shed for men in Lumby looking to sharpen their skills and just connect with others.
A year after becoming a registered society, the Lumby Men's Shed officially opened.
A great turnout of men and women enjoyed a day of food, stories, speeches, music, laughs, and smiles.
The Lumby Men's Shed became a registered society on the Victoria Day long weekend in 2024, and held its official opening Saturday, May 31.
"It was a great community event, which the men hope to duplicate yearly," said Lumby Men's Shed president Glenn Bouzek.
He was joined in saying a few words during the official opening by men's shed member Nick Hodge; Dwayne Hackett, on behalf of the Regional District of North Okanagan; and Jan Fennema, president of the B.C. Men's Shed Association.
The official ribbon cutting took place following the speeches.
The MenÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s Sheds Association of BC provides spaces for men to build friendships and engage in community activities, reducing the risk of social isolation and its negative impact.
"We are part of a global movement of men coming together for menÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s health and wellness," said Fennema. "Men's Sheds are an inclusive environment for men to work together on meaningful projects. The 'shed' is not a building, but a network of relationships between the shedders."
Guests at the Lumby opening enjoyed barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, while music was provided by Lumby Shedder Gerald Laviolette, accompanied by his daughter Cindy and friend Alfie Vannerman.
There are nearly 80 men's shed organizations in B.C.