Mens Shed in Warrington

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WARRINGTON Disability Partnership (WDP) has pledged their support to a community-based organisation aimed at men aged 50 or over.
Mens Shed are benefiting from WDP’s offer of free and regular use of one of their meeting rooms based at the Centre for Independent Living (CIL) on Beaufort Street.
The meetings are chaired by Bob Haskew-Jones – the man responsible for bringing Mens Shed to Warrington – and topics of discussion include finding a suitable location for practical work to be carried out and ways in which funding and membership can be secured.
“Mens Shed is an idea which originated in Australia, but has already spread to other European countries and the US,” explains Bob.
“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,” adds Bob.
“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.”
Bob explains that there are many benefits to becoming a Shedder: “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.”
The news that WDP was offering a meeting room was been warmly received by Bob, but he is continuing to work to find 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,” says Bob.
“I also have a number of projects in the pipeline – which I know current Shedders are looking forward to getting stuck into – and at some point I would like to carry out some restoration work on a car I have access to.”
The car is in fact something of a rarity – a European equivalent of the classic Model T Ford.
“This particular project is one I have on the back burner as it will require expert knowledge and skill,” says Bob.
“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. All I ask is that first and foremost they are trustworthy.
“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.”
Please contact Donna Hubbard at WDP on 01925 240064 if you are interested in attending the meetings.
If you would like to learn more about Mens Shed – or you are a local business that can offer help to Bob to find a suitable workspace or provide assistance with equipment or utilities supplies – please email him at [email protected]


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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