Webmaster – Bill Greenwood

Bill Greenwood from the Bishopdale MENZSHED (Christchurch) looks after our website and social media administration.

A Pom – born 1946 in Nelson Lancashire – his parents make Love not War. He sailed to Aotearoa (NZ) as a 2 year old with his mother and three-year-old half-brother. They came to NZ to introduce his brother to grandparents as his dad, a WW2 pilot was killed in action over Holland. 

Science was Bills main interest at school (Papanui High) however, making a homemade bomb as a 14-year-old put an end to that. as he blew off all but my thumb and index finger and two stumps, luckily, on my left hand. The next interest was the comparative safety of owning and rebuilding cars. With the help of my dad (Manager Midland Coach-builders) I rebuilt a 1936 Ford Y and Morris 8 Sports. Wish I hadn’t sold them.

Starting work in 1964 with the Ministry of Works and Development (MWD) as a Civil Engineering Draughtsman. Eventual retired after 50 years’ government service (locally, nationally and internationally) as a Principal Transportation Planning Engineer specializing in Urban Design and Road Safety Management Systems.

Married to Sue for 50+ years and still live in the house designed and project managed a year after they wed. Having triplet adult children; extensive Government experience meant he naturally did things in triplicate. Playing social and Inter-club tennis plus Yoga three times a week keeps him fit and healthy.

Community service has always been an important part of his life. A past Jaycees and Rotary President, on retirement in 2014 became one of the “famous five” that established the Bishopdale MENZSHED. The shed has out grown and moved premises three times. Currently occupying  an ex-Scout den, three containers plus a large shade cloth work-space. Sheddies who enjoy the outdoors have also established a flourishing vegetable garden. The shed has 100+ members with around 30 present on shed days.

New technology has always excited Bill. He was the relief manager of the MWD Christchurch computer terminal in the days of punch card input and golf ball printers. In summary; “ a happy, healthy, caring, family man that enjoys the spice of life.”

For changes to our website, social media and inquiries, please email webmaster@menzshed.nz