Wendover Shed is a quiet haven. Ok, it is periodically noisy with the whir of power tools, but its location is idyllic, located just off the Ridgeway path on Hogtrough Lane. It is an essential backstop for many local men (and several women, who are equally welcome), where they can meet around practical activities, drink tea and coffee, eat cake and biscuits, and most importantly, have a natter. It’s a place to make new friends, use tools you may not have, ask questions from people with a wide range of experiences, and maybe learn that skill you have been meaning to get round to.
It is a registered charity and a part of the UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA). This has a motto: "Sheds Save Lives." At Wendover Shed, they truly believe this. Shedders often only realise that they had previously felt lonely or isolated after they have discovered the shed. Dave Walls, one of the charity’s trustees, says, “the true pleasure of being a Shed Leader is seeing people fully embrace the Shed, grow in confidence and make new friends.”
But, it's almost the victim of its own success. It has so many regular attendees that it now needs more volunteers to help organise and run the drop-in sessions and to make sure everyone is kept safe.
Facilities and opening hours
Wendover Shed is now two years old and opens for four days every week, usually for at least two hours in the mornings or afternoons. There are full woodworking and metalworking facilities, with people present who can show how to operate them safely. There are around 50 active members, with sometimes 20+ Shedders attending a busy session. Remarkably, it all runs completely off-grid, with solar panels feeding batteries that are enough to power industrial saws and lathes, as well as lights and a fridge! There's also a composting eco-loo.
Getting noticed
Apart from attracting new members (called Shedders), Wendover Shed has gained wider attention in its first two years, from public bodies and media – there have been visits from local MPs, Parish and County Councillors, the Lord Lieutenant of Bucks, and ITV National News. Activities are also covered regularly in the local monthly magazine Wendover News.
In the winter, Shedders do their best to keep their minimal indoor space warm with small caravan-style diesel heaters. They were visited by ITN National News in January on the coldest day of the year, when the Shed committee was determined to stay open for its members despite temperatures of -5C. In summer, the outdoor covered area is a hive of activity, with Shedders working on personal projects, making things to sell at market stalls or working on community projects such as Parish Council notice boards, public benches or community book libraries.
Need for more space
But the Shed has become a victim of its own success, and on the most popular days there may not be enough elbow room. The trustees of Wendover Shed have plans to make more efficient use of their allocated space and are in discussion with the landlord, Wendover Parish Council. These plans include improving the warm indoor space and having provision for a club house where people can meet and chat in the warmth, and also more privately if needed. A key aspect of the Shed is encouraging men to talk to each other, for mutual support and help where appropriate.
Can you help?
Bob Duggan, the chair and founder of Wendover Shed, notes that a current limitation is the pressure put on a small number of volunteers who operate the Shed, the Shed Leaders. Bob is actively seeking new volunteers with practical experience to help run the Shed.
He says “We have many community project requests. We have Shedders wanting to get involved. What we sometimes lack is leadership and direction. Someone to manage an activity, such as repairing the community notice board outside the Clock Tower, repairing a public bench at Hampden Pond, or simply helping a new, less practical Shedder to learn how to use an unfamiliar power tool, or to learn skills by making simple items for sale, such as bird-boxes.”
If you may be able to volunteer at Wendover Shed, please email projects@wendovershed.org.uk. Even if you'd just like to know more about membership, or activities, check out the website at www.wendovershed.org.uk. You can also find Wendover Shed on Facebook and Instagram.
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