A Shedload Of Goodness

Etymologists disagree on the definition of ‘shedload’ – some say it is the amount of a shed load [which fell off the back of a lorry] others say it is amount of stuff which can be loaded into a shed. Who knows…

I’ve heard it said that if you put a dozen women in a room, and ask how they are feeling, all will start talking at once – but if you repeat the exercise with a dozen men, six will leave the room, and the others will try and hide in the corner. However, if you put a dozen men in a room, with a lawnmower, and say “This isn’t working” you will go back an hour later and find they are all chatting away to each other- and you may even have a mended mower.
That’s the rationale behind the Men’s Shed Movement. The aim is to help develop men’s health and wellbeing. In retirement, many blokes can feel bereft - they’ve lost the companionship of the workmates, they may have moved to a new area, and perhaps been widowed. It is hard to establish new friendships. But working alongside someone at a bench, with hands-on practical activities is a good way to meet people. Sharing skills and making useful things for others gives a sense of purpose and job satisfaction.

Our “Shed Project” in Swanton Morley is thriving since Bob first launched it in 2023. Every Wednesday, a group of guys meet at Mulberry Farm. They make and mend things, and have a mardle [chat] together. There has already been tremendous support from private individuals, and larger groups. As well as refurbishing their meeting space- with shelves, a woodstore, and a refreshment area, the Swanton “Shedders” have already done a significant number of projects to benefit the community: 

• a bench on the Brownies allotment, 
• refurbishing the All Saints Church noticeboards, 
• puppet stands for Swaffham Museum, 
• picnic benches for Swanton Primary School
• doorstops for the new Hospice, and more.

There are plans afoot to link with the charity “Tools With A Mission” and refurbish old tools for development projects in the Third World. Many local individuals have kindly donated tools which they no longer need. Some from people who have given up woodwork, others from bereaved folk, passing on tools from deceased spouses and other relations, so these items can still be used and appreciated. 

Bob has a stack of special cards he can send to express the gratitude of the Shedders for such gifts [I cannot do woodwork, but I can make cards for him].
That’s definitely “a shedload of goodness” happening right here in our village, and something to celebrate. I feel privileged to be a small part of. It is truly making an impact in this little corner of Norfolk