THE NEW home for Bromsgrove’s Men In Sheds was officially opened last Friday.
Members of the group and some of their sponsors came together for the official opening of the new shed which was undertaken by Bromsgrove District Council chairman, Coun Sam Ammar.
Following the relocation of the shed from Stoke Prior to a shared unit with H2o Restoration Limited in Finstall, the Bromsgrove Shedders have been working extremely hard to set up a brand new workshop and machine room, which was properly unveiled at the opening.
The Bromsgrove Shed is a key part of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest’s (BRWF) groups and activities.
How it started
The concept originates from an Australian project started in the 1990s called Men’s Sheds, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.
Having previously visited the Shedders at Stoke Prior, Coun Ammar spoke about the importance of the project.
She said: “There is no pressure, you don’t need to talk about anything, but if you want to, it is there – you stop and you have a coffee and it is just such a lovely place.”
Phil, who along with fellow Shedder Rich supported Coun Ammar with the cutting of the ribbon, spoke about the personal ‘boost’ the scheme had given to him
Thanks to the sponsors
The opening was also an opportunity to thank all those whose support is so important to the shed.
Among the sponsors at the event were Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants, BDHT, Better Together, Broad Street DIY Ltd, Bluebird Care Bromsgrove and Redditch, Jukes Insurance brokers, FB and Sons, Lawns and Landscapes, Eaton Limited and Whiting Landscape Ltd. They were presented with their Shed Share certificates.
The charity said there was still work to do but the Shed was now back to operating six sessions a week, including a ‘mixed’ session on a Thursday afternoon which was open to anybody aged 50 and over.
Anyone interested in joining or supporting Men in Sheds or anyone who knows someone who might be interested can call Jo Hughes at Age UK BRWF on 01527 570490, email: [email protected] or visit: ageuk.org.uk/brwf/ to find out how to get involved.
