Here's to men in sheds (From Northwich Guardian)

Here's to men in sheds

11:40am Sunday 8th February 2009 in

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ELDERLY men now have a new place to hone their skills and learn new ones – in a special shed.

Age Concern Cheshire has created the ‘Men in Sheds’ project, where they hope men will interact with their community in a workshop at Hartford Business Centre.

Dignitaries including Vale Royal Mayor Clr Malcolm Gaskill and MP Mike Hall were at the event to officially open the scheme.

The project promotes the benefits of being active later in life, with activities including woodwork.

I have got thousands of gadgets and gizmos at home and they have all come about from my shed, so I am very pleased to be here today.”

Trevor Bayliss OBE

In the specially converted workshop, machines such as belt sanders, dust extractors and workbenches sit ready for men to craft their very own piece of art.

Barbara Lawton, funding officer for Age Concern Cheshire, said she was delighted the project had started after all the hard work.

“It has taken so long, I never thought we would get here,” she said.

“We tested the waters last summer to see if there were any men out there that would be interested and they were all dead keen, so it gave us the chance to do it.”

The project was given a helping hand, receiving a £1,000 grant from telecoms giant O2.

Malcolm Bird, project co-ordinator, said the result was a culmination of a year’s hard work.

“I feel absolute, utter elation,” he said.

“The work I and Barbara has done has all come together at last.

“Now we can actually get in and be men in sheds.”

One of the ‘Men in Sheds’, Ralph Little, 70, from Rudheath, said the project had got him out of the house.

He said: “I think it’s a wonderful idea. I was here two days ago and I spent six hours in this workshop.

“It has been months since I have felt well and after my session here I went home and felt good. It’s got me back doing something, which I haven’t done for a long while.”

Wind-up radio inventor Trevor Bayliss OBE, special guest of honour at the unveiling, said many of his inspirations came from working in his shed.

“I have got thousands of gadgets and gizmos at home and they have all come about from my shed, so I am very pleased to be here today.”

The project will be open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the first session open today, Wednesday.

For details contact Age Concern Cheshire on 08456 182858.

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