A DETERMINED member of Greenfield Men in Sheds has crafted his own solution to keep sessions going after finding out the group is to close down.
The group, run by Age UK at Waterside Mills, offers a place for men over 55 to reduce isolation, socialise, learn new skills and find out about support they can access.
Recently members were informed Greenfield ‘Shed’, which was launched in 2016, will close permanently by Christmas due to redevelopment of the mill.
But determined not to lose the sessions, member Martin Luke is inviting Shedders to join him at his garage, which he has turned into a workshop, where they can take on small projects.
Martin explained: “Since Age UK informed us that Greenfield Men in Sheds is to close, members, relatives and councillors have been on the lookout for alternative premises with enough working and storage space, a good electricity supply and importantly accessibility, without success.
“Then it was announced by Age UK that the Shed at Failsworth, which is open on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays, would open on Thursdays and Fridays for the Greenfield lads to attend, although anybody would be free to attend any sessions (9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm).
“I have been going to the Tameside Shed in Dukinfield. They operate independently, after a similar split from Age UK. Some of the Greenfield lads have gone there as well.
“Others have said they will transfer to Failsworth, but as some are dependent on lifts from relatives, taxis, mobility scooters, or go on foot to Greenfield, I can’t see that lasting.
“Additionally, I estimate about a third of the shedders at Greenfield don’t use the workshop at all. They spend the session socialising, reading papers, chatting and engaging with others.
“It’s this group who will be disadvantaged and who give me the most concern as transferring to Failsworth will not be a viable option.
“I joined the Greenfield Shed in 2021, following my retirement. I started by refurbishing items from my home – a bird table, some garden furniture, moving onto making planters, raised beds and Christmas decorations.
“More recently I helped FODS to set up the Fairy Tale Trail providing wooden items from upcycled pallets and scrap timber. I have recently overseen the transfer of items from the Greenfield Shed Allotment to Saddleworth School.
“In the last few years, I have accumulated hand tools, equipment and reclaimed timber in my garage, which I can use as ‘Martinz Shed’, where I am working on some Christmas projects. I’m offering for the Greenfield Shedders to come and work in there with me.”
And Martin highlighted local groups and events for Shedders who just want to continue meeting up to socialise, including the Coffee Shop at Christ Church Friezland on Thursday afternoons and the Community Chat Café at the Satellite Centre once a month.
Greenfield Men in Sheds started out at The Satellite Centre on Wellington Road and moved to larger premises at Waterside Mills a year later due to popular demand.
As well as providing men a place to socialise and access support, members developed their skills with various community projects, such as making planters and restoring Diggle bus stop.
For more information about joining Martinz Shed, email Martin Luke at: martluke321@outlook.com
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