Some of the magic of the world of Men’s Sheds is to be revealed to visitors at this year’s Festival of Thrift.
The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is visiting the Festival in Kirkleatham near Redcar on 23 and 24 September for the first time to spread the word about the benefits members, or Shedders, get from being involved, as well the skills they use and enjoy.
Chris Lee, UKMSA Trustee and founder of The Repair Shed in Hemel Hempstead, said: “They say ‘men talk shoulder-to-shoulder, not face-to-face’ and this is confirmed by Shedders – mainly men of a certain age – for whom gathering in Men’s Sheds across the UK means purposeful tinkering and friendly chat, well-oiled by tea.”
Festival-goers are invited to join Shedders from some of the 500+ Men’s Sheds open or in development across the UK, to find out what goes on in their community-rooted workspaces.
The visit by UKMSA comes with a warm welcome from Festival Director, Stella Hall. “The Festival of Thrift is about building a creative community together – and it’s great that Men’s Sheds are doing just that! We welcome the UK Men’s Sheds Association to our event and hope they will inspire a new generation to get involved.”
Throughout the weekend, UKMSA members will be sharing their skills and expertise in the Stableyard including Shedders from Redcar Men’s Shed. Men, women and children can discover how to turn a wine bottle and pallet wood, into a wall-mounted candle-holder.
Most Men’s Sheds make pallet wood products and some will be displayed with a chance to make simple items and have a go at dismantling a wooden pallet safely. For crafty visitors, there will be demonstrations of pyrography (the art of decorating wood by burning the surface) a display of walking stick handle decoration, and lots more.
To find out more about Men’s Sheds, go to www.menssheds.org.uk where you can also find your nearest Shed and advice about setting one up, or contact claire.shelton@ukmsa.org.uk
For further details and to book tickets visit www.festivalofthrift.co.uk