Men in Sheds group celebrates success of first stall
Members of the newly-formed Amersham Men in Sheds group are celebrating after raising almost £250 from their first street stall.
The group, which was set-up in July, took to Amersham High Street earlier this month (December 5) to showcase the benefits of joining a ‘shed’.
“It was a very good event – we took 49 items and sold 39,” said Peter Way, an ex-furniture manufacturer from Little Chalfont, who is one of the members. “It was a very good result.”
The men created a buzz around the stall as they made Robin boxes to order and added perch stands upon request. This personalised touch was appreciated by customers and passers-by were soon stopping to find out more.
They sold bat and bug boxes and baskets. The money raised will go back to the non-profit making group who will use it to fund tools, materials and operating costs.
The men were keen to discuss the benefits of attending the group, which is social interaction and learning and sharing skills. A couple of wives were also in attendance on the day offering support sharing positive stories about how the group has benefited their love ones.
New members are welcome to pop down for a visit to find out more. The group can be found at MARES community Farm, Old Amersham Farm, Old Amersham, HP7 0HR. They meet each Monday from 1pm to 3pm. They currently have about five to six members.
Men in Sheds is an initiative run by Community Impact Bucks and supported by Buckinghamshire County Council which has funded the set-up of three sheds across the County – in Buckingham, Wycombe and Amersham.
It helps men of any age and background to get involved in practical activities such as modelling, woodwork and metalwork or is simply an opportunity to meet others.
The idea behind the project is to give men who have experienced life-changing events such as redundancy, retirement, bereavement or ill-health a place to meet, enabling them to be productive and get involved in local community projects.
For more information about Men in Sheds Contact: Samantha Hardy, Community Impact Bucks. Call 01844 38831 or email Samantha@communityimpactbucks.org.uk
Visit: www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk/pages/men-in-sheds.html