Norfolk’s Sheds Movement Goes From Strength to Strength
There is something rather satisfying about a room full of men who have come together to talk about the importance of connection, community and wellbeing – while simultaneously discussing power tools, making things and where to get a decent cup of tea.
That was certainly the case over two very different days this summer, as representatives of Norfolk’s growing network of Men’s and Community Sheds came together – first at the national ShedFest in Worcester, and then closer to home for the annual Norfolk Sheds Network ‘Shed Mardle’ at Blickling Hall.
ShedFest is the annual national gathering of Men’s and Community Sheds, organised by the UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA). Unfortunately for those of us in Norfolk, it involves a four-hour journey each way – particularly when your starting point is Cromer! I’ve made the trip for the past five years, usually on my own, so it was a particular pleasure this year to be joined by Karl Read, MensCraft’s Pit Stop Manager, Bob Almond from Swanton Morley Shed and Henry Gowman, UKMSA’s Norfolk Ambassador and Chair of the Norfolk Sheds Network.
It was fascinating to see how much ShedFest has grown over the past five years. What was once a relatively quiet affair in the aftermath of COVID has developed into a lively and bustling gathering, with thought-provoking seminars, demonstrations, stalls and, inevitably, plenty of men enjoying themselves while making and mending things.
The keynote speaker, Andy Roe, gave a riveting account of his career as a London firefighter, including his experience as the senior fire officer on duty during the Grenfell Tower fire. He spoke movingly about the courage, closeness and camaraderie he witnessed among the firefighters in the face of unimaginable adversity – qualities he also recognised in parts of the Men’s Sheds movement. Having subsequently entered the House of Lords, Andy is potentially an important new voice for men’s health and wellbeing at a national level.
A surprise for Henry
But the real moment of the day came rather closer to home.
Henry Gowman was presented with the UKMSA CEO’s inaugural Special Award, recognising individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Men’s Shed movement. Henry has worked tirelessly, and entirely voluntarily, to support Sheds across Norfolk, as well as helping to establish and develop Poringland Men’s Shed. He has also become very much part of the wider MensCraft family.
There was, however, a slight problem: Henry very nearly missed out on his own surprise award. Because I had booked tickets for all four of us, they were all in my name, leaving UKMSA rather concerned that Henry might not actually be attending. A strange email arrived a few days beforehand asking me to clarify which Sheds and representatives were coming from Norfolk. It made very little sense at the time.
It did when Henry’s name was announced.
He was halfway through a mug of tea when the surprise award was presented. Once he had safely secured the mug, he became the astonished and very proud recipient of the award. And, to my mind, no one deserves it more.
Congratulations, Henry!
From Worcester to Blickling
The following month, the Norfolk Sheds Network gathered for its annual Shed Mardle – this time in the considerably more palatial surroundings of Blickling Hall.
Our hosts were Aylsham & District Community Shed, who earlier this year moved into the former machine shop on the Blickling Estate, developing a remarkable partnership with the National Trust which could potentially provide a template for similar ventures elsewhere.
Representatives from a majority of Norfolk’s 30-plus Men’s and Community Sheds came together for a relaxed day of conversation, laughter, tea and, naturally, sharing the joys and challenges of ‘Shedding’.
The focus on wellbeing and support was set from the outset by Steve Pickering, outgoing Chair of Aylsham Shed, who spoke movingly about both the Shed’s relationship with the National Trust and his own personal reasons for becoming involved in Shed life. Aloys Feeney, Operations Manager at Blickling, added his perspective on the contribution Sheds can make to the wider work of the National Trust.
We were also delighted to welcome Caroline Ellis, CEO of the UK Men’s Shed Association, who shared her thoughts on the role of Sheds within communities, across regions and nationally. Caroline is already a good friend of MensCraft, and we are looking forward to working even more closely with her now that she has moved to Norfolk.
Following lunch and plenty of time for people to simply sit and chat, Shantinara spoke about MensCraft’s work and the growing partnership between MensCraft and the Norfolk Sheds. Henry then brought proceedings to a close with some final thoughts and questions.
Something is taking shape
What struck me most was how naturally the different perspectives fitted together. From the national movement, through the countywide network, right down to an individual Shed and the men who use it, there is a shared understanding of what really matters: connection, purpose, belonging and the opportunity to be part of something.
ShedFest showed the strength of the movement nationally. The Shed Mardle showed just how much potential there is here in Norfolk.
And, with people like Henry helping to bring it all together, it feels very much like the start of a conversation that could become something rather special.
Jonny Wood, Norfolk Men’s Sheds Development Facilitator