What is a Men's Shed?
It is a place for men to meet have fun and do practical things. It can be any sort of a building perhaps a disused/little used one, or it may not be a building, it could be boat or some other sort of venue. In Holywood we have met in a number of places, such as Redburn Community Centre and the South Eastern Regional Campus. We are currently looking for a permanent place to meet.
It is a place that focuses on physical, mental, social and spiritual activities for men. It involves men in the community and assists men to take responsibility for their lives and their neighbourhood.
It has a strong value base. This encompasses being inclusive, valuing diversity, assisting and supporting one another, addressing the needs of the community. Activities can be very diverse and vary from shed to shed. Some sheds put a particular emphasis on gardening, outdoor activities, conservation and environmental protection. Others may be more interested in the arts or hobbies - photography, drama, woodworking, computers and so on. They are a place to capture and pass on skills and craftsmanship between each other and the next generation. Some sheds put a special focus on improving employability, job creation and the like. It really all depends on the creativity, ingenuity and needs of the members and the local community. The outputs from men's sheds can be amazing and very valuable (see below).
Some out puts from Men's Sheds
- Men's space
- Better health
- Improved lifestyle
- Company and support
- Learning culture
- Fun
- Job opportunities
- Wide range of activities
A group of men have come together to set up a Men's Shed in Holywood under the auspices of the Holywood Shared Town Consortium. We currently have three projects underway; the first is the building of a Community Fruit Press which can be used by the whole community to make really healthy pure fruit juice. The second is a Local/Oral History project which, during 2012, will be researching the historical links between Holywood and Palace Barracks. The third project is a Photographis Interest Group which is at present organising a Community Photographic Competition. We are very open to new ideas for projects which will in some way benefit the whole community.
We need men from all ages and backgrounds to help us. If you are interested in becoming part of Holywood Men's Shed or would like to learn more about the Shed movement please contact Bill Lockhart on 028 90426825. Also see Facebook Holywood Men's Shed.
