Drogheda Men’s Shed – A Lifeline and LIfesaver.
A recent article in the Drogheda Independent referred to Drogheda Shed as a Lifeline and even a Lifesaver.
IN TERMS of men the development of the Drogheda Men’s Sheds project on the former Usher’s site at Greenhills is nothing short of a lifesaver in many cases.
I dropped in to their recent open day and discovered a remarkable little world, a fresh attitude and an enthusiasm that suggests this place is going to be a revelation in the years ahead.
The idea is that the centre, for retired and semi-retired men, usually over 50, is a place they can come and learn, talk or meet other like-minded individuals.
And if you’re lucky, Owen Somers will even cook some lunch on a Thursday during cookery classes.
The place has something for everyone, be it woodwork, computers, pool, darts, painting, ceramics and the rest.
One of the main features is the garden furniture, all made on the premises by the men and it proves a very popular seller, with all funds returning to the centre to fund it.
Special ‘Wagon Wheel’ designs are presently being worked on and a number of orders are in for them. They also make bird boxes and small wheelbarrows.
It takes €21,000 to run the project each year and up to this year they got support from the International Fund for Ireland, but that has now ceased.
‘We are on our own now,’ John Madden from the group said. ‘We raised enough money in 2013 through selling items at the markets, etc. and donations from major industries and now we are hoping more companies will help out in 2014. We have written to them recently and hoping for a favourable reply.’
The sheds open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and one evening from 6-9 p.m.
People wishing to come in and look at the range of items for sale are most welcome.
‘The sheds is a great outlet for many men and they can sit down and discuss everything, especially health issues and share experiences. We work with the Netwell Centre in DkIT and Denis Cummins is a great support and Eva Beirne is the county co-ordinator.’ Two TUS workers also provide great assistance.
Upwards of 80 men are on the books and they get great support for classes, the likes of Aidan Cooney helping with art lessons and the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board backing them too.
They also provide a repair service for certain items, so if you are in doubt, just pop in for a chat.
Also, in the coming months, you’ll see Louth Community Men’s Sheds promoting their wares at various markets. Remember, the stuff is top class and local.
Check out this link: http://www.independent.ie/
