WDP offers backing to The Shedders

WARRINGTON Disability Partnership (WDP) has pledged its support to a community-based organisation aimed at men aged 50 or over.
Mens Shed is set to benefit from WDP’s offer of free and regular use of one of their meeting rooms based at the Centre for Independent Living on Beaufort Street.
The proposed meetings will be chaired by Bob Haskew-Jones – the man responsible for bringing Mens Shed to Warrington – and topics of discussion will include finding a suitable location for practical work to be carried out and ways in which funding and membership can be secured.
Bob said: “Mens Shed is an idea which originated in Australia, but has already spread to other European countries and the US.
‘My son and daughter-in-law live in Australia and through them I first heard about Mens Shed, which is a group that brings together like-minded men who wish to share their skills and knowledge of using work tools to undertake projects.”
Bob became a member of a shed in Geraldton, Western Australia and he says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“Other members of the shed in Geraldton asked me to think about setting up a shed when I returned to the UK, which I decided I wanted to go ahead and do.
“It’s taken me two years to reach this point and thanks to WDP I now have a place where I can hold meetings with my fellow members – known as ‘Shedders’ – and discuss how we can continue to grow as a community-based collective.
“Joining Mens Shed can provide a new lease of life. Perhaps you are retired and have some spare time on your hands, or you are recovering from a stroke or heart attack and you are looking for an environment where your company and practical skills will be valued.
“We offer friendship and the opportunity to undertake some local projects which are designed to not only improve the quality of life of Shedders, but also give something back to the local populace.”
Bob continues to seek a suitable location where practical projects such as woodwork – and even restoring classic cars – can be carried out by Shedders.
“I’m looking for an affordable space, preferably with peppercorn rent, which is close to a bus route and with ample parking.
“I also have a number of projects in the pipeline – which I know current Shedders are looking forward to getting stuck into.
One project is restoring a rare car – a European equivalent of the classic Model T Ford.
“Perhaps there is someone out there who could help with this project. I am always on the lookout to recruit new members to the shed.
“I have a good group of people here who enjoy each other’s company and we would welcome anyone who is interested in joining the shed.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Shedder should call Donna Hubbard at WDP on 01925 240064.