Shropshire Men’s Sheds Groups Honored with Top Awards

Two Men’s Shed groups in Shropshire have been recognized with awards for their contributions to communities and their fundraising for various projects. Mark Mantle, a member of the Ludlow group who stated he had rarely left his home for two decades before joining, was named Volunteer of the Year. Concurrently, Shrewsbury Men’s Shed received the Shed of the Year award. The awards ceremony, held on Tuesday at the House of Commons, aimed to celebrate the shed movement and acknowledge the work undertaken by its members. Men’s Sheds serve as workshops where men can socialize and connect with others. Members engage in activities such as building, repurposing, or creating thing, and they support community projects. Simon Rouse, from Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, commented that these groups address an “unmet need.” He elaborated, “There’s a crisis, and while men won’t seemingly go to preventative health initiatives, or won’t go to lots of charities, they seem more than willing to go to a men’s shed.” The Shrewsbury shed was previously a stable block located at the West Midlands Showground. The members’ initial significant project involved constructing the space, which now houses workshops, a greenhouse, a commercial kitchen, and a patio area. Mr. Rouse listed several organizations they have assisted, stating, “We’ve been helping the food hub, the cycle hub, Shropshire inclusive dance, Clunbury county primary, Greenfields county primary.” He also mentioned that their next endeavor will be to design and produce the trophies for next year’s UK Shed Awards. The award is expected to be beneficial for future grant applications. Mr. Rouse expressed his hope, saying, “I hope people who look at grant applications will think that their money is going to be well spent, and is going to help an awful lot of people.” Ludlow Men’s Shed operates as part of Hands Together Ludlow, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the community. Other members described Mark Mantle as the group’s “linchpin.” Mantle explained his role, stating, “I make bits and pieces to sell, which brings the money in for our side of the rent on the building… and just kind of helping people when they come in for various jobs and projects.” He further noted, “I had a trophy…and a framed certificate as well.” Mantle added that the achievement “It hasn’t really sunk in yet.”