SEnine Men In Sheds
There are jobs need doing and people able to do them; bringing them together is the logic behind ‘Men In Sheds’.
The
movement which has swept Australia and is
getting started in Canada and Europe has landed in the UK – in SE9!
Eltham has been chosen as one of three pilot areas in the country for the ‘Shed’ movement which aims to attract older people with under-used skills.
A new ‘Shed’, at the Progress Hall, Admiral Seymour Road, has been equipped for the group which is busy recruiting members.
‘Men In Sheds’ is a WI for men, with one advantage. There are no women!
Mandy Brinkhurst of Age Concern said: “When men retire, they can lose identity and purpose, particularly if they haven‘t a strong family network.
“Many groups for the retired are dominated by women. The aim of this group is to tap into the skills of older men".
“There are so many tasks need doing in the community which require practical
NEWS
skills and so many skills not being fully utilised.” A spare room at the Progress Hall has been adapted by apprentices from Mears Group, Greenwich, and electricians Dunham’s, with workbenches, cupboards and a sink.
Patrick O’Sullivan, director of St Mary’s Community Centre, which runs the Hall, said: “This is an excellent use of our facilities and I’m hoping that the men can help with other groups who use the premises”
One of the first clients will be the Priory Players drama group, who have made it their new home, and will need help with scenery and props.
The group has won £86,000 from Age UK for a two year pilot which aims to run four sessions a week with around seven men in each.
“Older people have a variety of skills and experience and they’re all welcome”, said Pauline Cahill, project manager.
Tim Willcockson is a volunteer helper who worked on a similar project in the 80s in Southwark. His group made a variety of equipment for community, disabled and older people’s groups.
“We’ll be guided by the skills and ideas of our recruits”, he said.
“The aim is to
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Early recruits to ‘Men In Sheds’ are Keith Dell, Alan Swales and Brian Noble who have machining, engineering and accounting skills from their full-time working days.
Keith has been volunteering at Age Concern for a number of years and is keen to help launch the programme. “Older people have loads to contribute and this is a great thing to get involved in.”
Anyone interested should get in touch with Pauline on 020 8294 3017, 07921 971268, email
pauline.cahill@
acgreenwich.org.uk or write to Age Concern, Sherard Road, Eltham SE9 6EX
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