Dez and Jane are eager to welcome you to our new health and wellbeing sessions at the Shed. (read more below)
Dez Williams, founder and former chair of the Shed shares his reflections watching the Shed grow and evolve through the years:
Many people feel less able to use shed equipment, as gone are the days of doing things by hand, although we still have pride in our workshop that we can turn our hand to many tasks.
Many of the machines these days look dangerous to use, they do come with all the safety guards on and should never be used without the guards or appropriate protective personal equipment (which we provide) in place.
Those of us who now find ourselves less able to complete physical shed tasks and myself as the author of this, I am one of them.
How can we become more inclusive at the Shed?
We would like to lead the way in setting up part of the organisation of the shed movement to include people who may feel lonely, isolated, or just want to get out of the house for a chat and meet like-minded people.
Many people sit at home and may not speak to anyone for days leading to the feeling of isolation, loneliness or maybe the wife or husband just wants you out of the way 😉
Many folks turn up and say “I’d be no good, I’ve got this problem”, but in reality when coming to the shed, you won’t find a problem that we have not come across before and one of us has either got or had it.
One chap turned up after a visit to the doctors very worried as he had just been told he had prostate cancer, of course he felt he was the only one, only to be greeted by 6 people standing up and saying, “what would you like to know? we’ve had prostate cancer too”.
So why not come along to one of our open chat meetings, share your thoughts and memories. From firemen, farmers, chemists, electricians, miners, engineers, housewives to space project managers, our members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, we have a seat for you!
You’re sure to get a warm welcome, (and a warm drink, a biscuit or maybe even two if you stick around) and before you say I won’t know anyone, remember I won’t know you unless you come.
SUNDAYS AT THE SHED (time to be confirmed)
During the rest of the week The Shed @ Collingham is an industrious hive of activity (interspersed with many cups of coffee and idle chatter in the kitchen) but on Sundays, peace and quiet prevail.
As part of the Men’s Sheds Association, The Shed @ Collingham works hard to support health and wellbeing by engaging people in activities ranging from individuals who have an idea or item they need assistance with to providing a service for community projects. Here, people can share skills, experiences and knowledge whilst making friends with others who share interests and a common purpose.
However, The Shed @ Collingham recognises that there are other aspects to supporting health and wellbeing and there are those who are looking for somewhere to go for an hour or so in a peaceful and quiet environment, a warm welcome without judgement and maybe enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit or two (or three or more…..) with people in a similar or relateable situation.
You may be someone who feels isolated or lonely, recently bereaved, facing a challenging time in your life or experiencing a life changing situation, coming up for retirement or recently retired, ex-service personnel and are looking for something different.
If you relate to any of these The Shed @ Collingham has created a safe space to talk (or not, if you really are looking for peace and quiet for yourself) every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month and will welcome you between 10:30am and midday. Pop in and hopefully you will find support to navigate the changes in life, companionship and maybe a renewed sense of mission.
Meeting in the shed at Collingham Thursday and Sundays
date to be confirm
If you are interested in joining Table Talk please email us info@theshedatcollingham.org