Wickham Market Shed is a huge step closer to operating a fully functioning workshop following the complete rewiring of the unit by local firm, Hudsons Ltd. After visiting the project to provide a quote, director Ben Hutson came away so impressed with the concept of Men’s Sheds that he researched them further and the result was an extremely generous offer to do the work free of charge, with Ben also managing to source many of the materials at cost or free from their suppliers. It was also a great opportunity for a team building exercise with their electrical workforce, who all gave freely of their time.
Ben explained, ‘After visiting the Shed to quote I came away convinced this was a project we should support. Working in the building trade can be challenging and projects such as this that proactively support men’s mental health by providing practical and social opportunities are so important. My fellow directors agreed and tasked me with making it happen.’
Saturday 23rd March at 7.00am saw 8 electricians descend on The Shed and set to work, installing a new consumer unit, lighting, heating, lots of much needed sockets together with an emergency cut-out facility. Terms and conditions included a continuous supply of tea/coffee but this was enhanced with cake and bacon and sausage butties, all willingly provided by the Shed group members. The result of five hours of teamwork is a workshop that is now fit for purpose.
Cath Caudwell, lead trustee for the Shed project being spearheaded by the Wickham Market Partnership, added, ‘This brilliant group of electricians, including apprentices, worked their socks off today. We cannot thank them enough for what they have done.’
The cost of the materials, new flooring to be laid and first aid courses are being funded by the Co-operative Community Cares Fund.
The Shed currently operates on Monday afternoons, 2.00-4.00pm. If you are interested in finding out more do come along or email us on [email protected]
Grant funding has been sought to upgrade the electrical circuits (to include safety cut-outs for the workshop and additional sockets) and to lay rubber flooring. The outcome of this is awaited. Our core members have been busy making new wooden steps and handrails to access the portacabins safely and are continuing to sort out tools and equipment.
Our band of regular Shedders continues to work hard on getting the workshop ready. Some repairs are needed and upgrading of the electrical sockets but it won’t be long before projects can begin.
The Portacabins were made available for the Shed to occupy and work began on sorting out donated tools and checking that larger equipment was fit for use. The Portacabin nearest the Village Hall will be the workshop whilst the smaller one has become the refreshment zone. The outside space adjacent to the Portacabins is a great space to work outdoors and to relax in the open air.
Grants sought by the Wickham Market Partnership enabled the Archive Centre to realise its dream of moving to new premises with a large log cabin being purchased and subsequently built by volunteers, including Shedders, in the garden of the Resource Centre. The Archive Centre moved in during June/July.
Shedders completed the renovation of two community seats: one for the Church, the renovation of which was paid for by the Wickham Market Partnership, and another for the Parish Council.
Workshop Visit
We had an inspiring visit to James Ewing’s workshop to see his work set up, view some of his exciting creations, drink tea and eat homemade scones. A good afternoon all round. If you missed this and would like to see James’s work online, you can do so here.
We have re-felted one of our sheds with materials kindly donated by B&Q
Forge Visit
Trevor made us very welcome today at his forge. A fascinating place which were very grateful to be able to visit.