Men’s Sheds Association Repurposes Percy Thrower’s Greenhouse

A greenhouse previously owned by gardener and broadcaster Percy Thrower has been given a new purpose by the Men’s Sheds Association in Shrewsbury. This organization, which operates nationwide, offers support to men who may be experiencing loneliness or mental health challenges. Members dedicated five years to relocating the greenhouse from its former site in The Quarry park in Shrewsbury to its reconstructed location at the West Midlands Showground. Margaret Thrower commented that her father would have been “very proud and very thrilled” to see the greenhouse being used again. Percy Thrower, who resided and worked in Shropshire, achieved fame in the 1970s and 80s through his appearances on television programs such as Gardeners’ World and Blue Peter. His daughter, invited to officially open the structure, expressed her delight at seeing the previously rundown building rebuilt. She further added, “He was a great one to pass on knowledge and this is an absolutely wonderful way of people learning and passing on the knowledge they have gained over the years.” Simon Rouse, from Shrewsbury’s Men’s Shed group, stated, “There’s a bit of a crisis with men’s health.” He continued, “Men need support and they need the company of other men and a challenge and distraction and a reminder that life’s not over and they’ve still got a lot to offer.” Among the group members who assisted in moving and rebuilding the greenhouse was Phil Bibby, a former engineer who joined in 2020. He characterized the group as “quite a special place” and noted its considerable progress over the past four years. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed has also been shortlisted for the UK Men’s Shed of the Year award, with the winner scheduled to be announced next Tuesday in the Speaker’s Chamber of the House of Commons.