This week we are shining our spotlight on Norton Men’s Shed.
Graham Storer is the founder of Norton’s Men’s Shed, pictured far right in the photo below. This is not Graham’s first shed, before this he supported the Whitby project.
Of course when we say men’s shed, let’s not forget sheds are open to anyone, not just men. Shed projects are very much about individuals and their “jigsaw piece” fit into the overall jigsaw that is theirs. Graham has been able to launch a shed in Norton thanks to support from Norton Sports Charity who gave him an unused cabin on their grounds. Since late spring last year Graham and the shedders have turned the building into a functional shed.
A shed is a physically small space (a safe active max of 10 present) but this means that relationships develop quickly. The Shed is run by the Shedders and that means having sufficient responsible Shedders to help any not so able. If the doing is about what the Shedders’ hands do (the physical work’) then it can be almost anything that is considered sufficiently safe in terms of normal DIY level risks, taking account of the individuals capabilities. It is what might be done in someone’s garage or garden shed but in a communal Shed. The next context is the Shedders themselves. The Shed does them good. It provides good company, little enforced routine, lots of banter, lots of free choice and the opportunity to use the mind constructively. Independence and also a feel (genuine) of responsibility to the other Shedders as a group. Family. Nobody is paid, but funding helps the project progress. The shed is independent although belongs to the UK Men’s Shed Association. Graham has connections with local social prescribers to ensure the shed is the place for those who will benefit most.
The shedders are under taking an exciting project for 2023 as they set out to make a life size wooden horse! The horse will be used as part of Norton Cricket Club’s annual Remembrance service, near where the shed is actually sited. After a little research the shedders concluded that a war horse would be about 17 hands high (hoof to shoulder). a hand is considered 4″. That means 6 feet.
To follow their progress or to find out more about the shed you can visit their website https://normens.org.uk/