WHAT started out as a small post on Hastings buy, sell and swap has turned into an avalanche of interest in a start-up Port Macquarie Women's Shed.
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Midwife Claire Welsh said the reaction has taken her completely by surprise.
The mother of two small boys moved to Port Macquarie 2 1/2 years ago and works at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
The 48-year-old says she does a bit of sewing and re-upholstery work and her initial post asked if there was a women's shed in the area.
"I got sick of waiting for my partner to put the towel rack up and thought 'I can do it myself'," she said.
She thought she might get 20 people say they were interested and maybe six would follow through.
She then posted: "A couple of weeks ago I posted about finding a local women's shed and was heartened by the interest it generated. I have been tentatively offered a venue (with tools) and there was an offer of teaching from one of the correspondents. If you are still interested please search for the page I have just created - Port Macquarie Women's Shed - or comment below and I shall add you".
By yesterday afternoon she had 391 responses from people interested in the idea of having a women's shed - all within 48 hours.
"I didn't even put a link [on the post] to start with, then a friend advised me to add one to the Facebook page I have now set up."
The Lost Plot offered it's covered meeting space and gardening advice and Lyne MP David Gillespie's office got in touch with advice on grants available.
Originally she had an offer of a friend's garage but it won't be big enough to accommodate the numbers of people if everyone takes up the challenge.
Ms Welsh has been in touch with a coordinator of the local Men's Sheds and others with various experience in the general field of workshop activities.
She wrote on the Port Macquarie Women's Shed Facebook page: "I am heartened by a friend's perspective (an engineer and Doctor as it happens) who firmly believes that every woman knows another dozen women who have the skills to run the world. Between us I am sure we can formulate a plan of action".
"I am keen for it to be inclusive - something that encourages women but doesn't exclude men," she said.
Work commitments preclude any further action until mid month so she has set a date of October 18 for a meeting of those with skills or who are willing to be on a committee to share the load.
"It's very exciting and I keen to have people get involved."
