An overview of Westport Men’s Shed (WMS)
Background
The Shed movement in Ireland commenced about five years ago and has now spread to practically every town in the country. There are over 230 Sheds in existence and they are now seen as an essential element in the social fabric of Irish Society. They are especially beneficial to retirees moving into a new area which is very common in Westport and t
o locals with time on their hands. The aim of WMS is to provide a safe, secure, open and friendly environment, where men can meet and engage in productive experiences that will enhance their overall health and wellbeing and add to the quality of life in the community. The movement to have a Shed established in Westport commenced with a meeting called by Guy Carleton in the Family Resource Centre in Sept 2013. The FRC allowed the cove Café to be used for meetings. However both the accommodation and the availability of the area were very restrictive. The Shed was very fortunate to obtain the CBS in Jan 2014. The Westport Shed has now grown to 60 members – of which 25 are active. The remainder attend according to their particular interests. Our members come from Partry, Louisburgh, Kilmeena, Islandeady, Aghagower, in addition to the urban area. Rural isolation is a big factor in those areas. Structure
The WMS have elected a Chairman (B Duffy) Treasurer (P Moran) Secretary (P Geraghty) Safety Officer (G Carleton), and they act as the Management Committee. Subcommittees are established as required. All members pay an annual membership fee. The Shed has been funded by donations and assistance from Mayo County Council, the HSE, and some sales. In order to insure good governance the Shed has adopted and implemented a constitution, a safety statement and rules of conduct. Weekly meetings are held and minutes distributed to all members. The shed is affiliated with the Association of Irish Men’s Sheds and registered as a Charity. It has a Tax Certificate Number: 83219141-00001D – valid until 23-4-15. Our insurers are BHP Unit 16, Fonthill Business Park Dublin 22 – No. DNSCV5806003/13/101353. Activities
Activities are chosen by members according to their interests and skills. All members have an equal say and there is no hierarchy. We are constantly seeking new ideas – some of which work – others don’t. Workshop: We have developed a workshop and acquired a reasonable range of tools as well as a number of major items of equipment i.e. a Chop Saw, Wood Turner, Work Bench and some other drills and saws. We have acquired and erected sturdy shelving and Health and Safety rules are implemented at all times. Most equipment has been donated or salvaged and repaired. Only authorised members are allowed use such equipment. Training courses have been provided where necessary. Items produced include external benches, bird boxes, bird feeding tables, window boxes. Bird boxes have been presented to the schools and plans are underway to erect some along the Greenway. Social Activities: The social side of the Shed is very important and includes cards, darts, snooker, reading, chatting and making friends. We also have some excellent musicians and singers. The Shed is always well supplied with tea, coffee, and biscuits. However members have agreed on a strict policy of no alcohol, or drugs. The kettle is the most important item in the Shed. Computer training is carried out as members require it. We have set up a page to advertise our activities. Smarter Travel: We have supported the Council in this project. We propose to develop an electric bike by fitting an “over the counter” kit and make it available for common use. We enjoyed the Bike Buffet. Members featured prominently in the video presented in the Clew Bay Hotel. Members also availed of a Cycle Training course provided by the Council. We developed a Bike Repair project and were involved with a local charity in shipping a container which included our bikes to Ghana. We ran Yoga classes involving 12 members for the past six months which are continuing. We have also run Meditation Classes. Both have been presented by qualitied instructors and members have derived great benefits from them. Mac Bride Home; we undertook a major refurbishment of the MacBride interior garden at the request of the Director of Nursing. This included painting and building flower beds etc. It was a great success. We also worked on the Western Care House in the Paddock – cutting back overgrown bushed and hedging and cleaning and repainting the decking and outdoor furniture. Home Repairs Training: We worked with the South West Mayo Development Company and FRS Training Ltd to provide a Home Repairs and Maintenance course for 12 men. Items covers included Safety, Plumbing, Electrical and Tiling. We hope to repeat the course in 2015. We developed a float and participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which drew massive crowds in 2014. Care and Repair. We have become involved with Age Action Ireland and the FRC in setting up the Care and Share Scheme in Westport. Members are currently being Garda Cleared and trained. It will involve carrying out minor repairs in the homes of elderly or persons with a disability. The scheme is operated by Sheds in other areas. We have an adequate number of members requited and look forward to getting started within two months. Cooking. In order to meet demands of members who have very little skill in this area, we obtained a cooker and have been running a cookery course on Tuesdays. We are fortunate to have two Chefs as members. Although they oversee the activity all members are encouraged to get involved. It has proved very rewarding. Other Activities:
Old crafts. One member is skilled at making hens’ nests, and mats from straw – a craft which is very rare. We have an artist who is soon commencing lessons
The Shed helped out in the Edible garden Project at the Quay. Members involved to assist Westport Social Services with Wednesday Friends. Field trips are organised such as a Boat Trip to Clew Bay. Walks and cycles also arranged. The Shed participated in the RTE Programme “Guess who’s dead?” A number of members appeared in the final programme featuring Ardel O’Hanlon. Participated in the Quay Carnival – providing the most unusual bicycle, and the clown. Lecture in First Aid provided by a qualified tutor
Lecture in Positive Mental Health also provided by a qualified tutor. Ladies Groups
Although the Shed is aimed at men we have had some lady members and are open to working with ladies groups. One such group was the Film Club which involved a predominance of ladies. The Women’s Shed movement in in its infancy as yet but we are willing to assist such a group in any way possible.
