Wendover Shed Blog: Exciting Times Ahead!
Hello everyone,
It’s been an amazing few months here at Wendover Shed, and I wanted to take a moment to catch you all up on some of the exciting things happening within our community. There’s been no shortage of news, accomplishments, and upcoming events to look forward to as we wrap up 2024 and begin planning for 2025.
Awaiting Announcement for Men’s Shed of the Year!
First things first, we’re eagerly awaiting the announcement of Men’s Shed of the Year! It’s such an honour just to be nominated, and regardless of the outcome, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of every single one of our members. Our Shed has always been about community, camaraderie, and supporting one another – and this nomination truly reflects that spirit.
Fingers crossed for a great result!
The MP’s Visit on 19th September
We’re also thrilled to share that on 19th September, our local MP visited the Shed. This visit provided us with an incredible opportunity to showcase what we’ve been up to and discuss how the Shed benefits Wendover and its surrounding areas.
Having the MP here was a real chance for us to highlight the value the Men’s Shed movement brings to local communities, from reducing isolation to promoting hands-on skills and intergenerational knowledge-sharing.
Picnic in the Park Success – Over £200 Raised!
Back in August, we had the pleasure of setting up a stall at Wendover’s Picnic in the Park event. It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, connection, and a whole lot of fun! I’m incredibly proud to announce that we raised over £200 for the Shed that day. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of everyone who stopped by to chat, donate, and learn about what we do.
Our handmade goods flew off the table, and we received so much positive feedback about the craftsmanship and quality. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed their time, skills, and items for the stall.
Growing Membership and Enthusiasm
Since our last blog update in July 2024, I’m pleased to report that we’ve seen a healthy increase in membership! It’s heartening to see more people joining us, keen to get involved in the workshops, socialise, and contribute to the various projects we have on the go.
The Shed is all about creating a sense of belonging and purpose, and it’s wonderful to see that word is spreading. We’re always open to welcoming new members – whether you’re a seasoned maker or someone just starting to tinker, there’s a place for you at the Wendover Shed.
More Donations and 20% Increase in Mending & Making
Alongside increased membership, we’ve also received more generous donations, which are a vital part of keeping the Shed running smoothly. Whether it’s tools, materials, or financial contributions, every bit helps us continue to provide a vibrant space for our members to create, fix, and learn.
We’ve also noticed about a 20% increase in our mending and making business, which is brilliant. Community organisations are reaching out to have their beloved items repaired or commissioning handmade pieces, and it’s clear that the local community values the skills and expertise of our members.
Christmas is on the Way – Fundraising Stalls Coming Up!
It may still be a few months away, but Christmas is already on our radar! We’re starting to look into potential Christmas stalls where we can fundraise, spread some festive cheer, and offer handmade gifts to the local community. It’s always such a rewarding time of year, and our Christmas stalls are a great way to raise funds while connecting with others.
If you’ve got any ideas or would like to get involved with our Christmas activities, please let us know! Every little bit of help makes a big difference.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look towards 2025, I can’t help but feel excited about all the potential the new year holds for the Shed. We’ve already achieved so much together, and the future is full of possibilities.
One of our main goals for 2025 is to enhance what the Shed offers to the community. If you have any ideas or suggestions, don’t hesitate to share them – this is a community space, after all!
In closing, I want to extend a massive thank you to all of you – our members, donors, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or have just recently joined, your contributions and enthusiasm are what make the Wendover Shed such a special place.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at the shed and sharing more exciting updates soon!
Until next time,
Bob Duggan
Founder, Wendover Men’s Shed
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