‘Shedding’ new light in Rostrevor: Exciting new initiative gains momentum
The first Rostrevor Men’s Shed committee meeting took place on Wednesday 11th November in St Bronagh’s GAC Clubrooms.
Following the first successful public meeting, orchestrated by Mark Gibbons, it has been all hands to the pump in the group’s bid to establish a Men’s Shed in the local area.
A Men’s Shed is a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities. Somewhere to feel at home, have a laugh, socialise, pursue practical interests and stay active.
Activities carried out by other Men’s Sheds around Ireland and UK include regular programs with guest speakers, community garden projects, pallet upcycling, woodwork projects, computer classes and cooking classes.
“An objective of the Rostrevor Men’s Shed is to enhance or maintain the well-being of the participating men. Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder. I know that for I am one of them men,” Mark explained to Newry Times.
Mark says that since he intially brought up the Men’s Shed idea and a public meeting his phone has not stopped ringing with people wanting to play their part in the exciting initiative.
“My initial call was to see if the local community would be interested in forming a Men’s Shed in the Rostrevor and Warrenpoint area, an amalgamation as such,” he said.
“But it was clear from very early on with the volume of interest from both Warrenpoint and Rostrevor that two Men’s Sheds could easily be established in both areas if there was a will and a drive to do so.”
Mark says he decided to concentrate first and foremost on forming the Rostrevor Men’s Shed, and then look into helping establish a Shed in Warrenpoint. “Hopefully with everything that will be learnt from the creation of the Rostrevor Shed it will set a good foundation for any future Sheds popping up in the South Down area.
“We have a good mix of committee members from Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and the surrounding area, all eager to help and to get things up and running. And with an initial membership list of over 25 people, we are moving in the right direction on all fronts.”
The Rostrevor Men’s Shed, according to Mark, will be a place to capture and pass on skills and craftsmanship between each other. “It will also be a place just to come and sit for a while, have a chat over a cup of tea, or even read the papers.
“One of our main goals will be to get working on projects of our own choosing, at our own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue in Rostrevor.
“The Rostrevor Men’s Shed will be open to all men regardless of age, background or ability. It will be a place where you can share your skills and knowledge with others, learn new skills and develop your old skills,” Mark added.
The Rostrevor man says he and his fellow shedders have a lot to do in the coming weeks, chiefly to find premises in Rostrevor. Other items on the agenda will include membership and fundraising.
Undeterred by the amount of work involved to bring this to frution, Mark described the mood after the first couple of meetings as ‘special’. “Men are feeling better about themselves already, and there isn’t even a Shed built!
He added, “I am just so proud to say that I am in the company of a group very committed, passionate men whose hearts are in the right place, and hopefully so will be the Rostrevor Men’s Shed.”
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