The company has sponsored caps and expenses surrounding the caps to promote the men’s shed and what goes on there.

Denman Men’s Shed member Gordon Collins said the group was an important part of life for many of the members, most being retired.

“It’s great Thomas and Coffey has come on board and we hope, in time, this will encourage other companies to provide sponsorship,” he said.

“The idea of the shed is a place for retirees to get together and do things – from fixing lawn mowers, to sewing or even just sitting and having a chat.”

Mr Collins approached his son Matt, who is an employee at Thomas and Coffey, and asked him to help out the cause.

Matt then went to his boss, Hunter Mining Services regional manager Brad Smith, and explained the situation who said he was more than happy to provide the sponsorship.

“Everything I have heard about the Denman Men’s Shed is positive and it’s a local group; overall it sounds like a great group,” Mr Smith said.

After a year of operation, the shed has 21 members made up of men and women.

“We’re always looking for more people to join us and keep themselves busy,” Mr Collins said.