Are you looking for a new hobby as well as the chance to socialise?
If you take a stroll down Hamstead Road in Great Barr, you may hear the unmistakable sounds of men at work. Sawing, hammering, sanding sounds fill the air at Tanhouse Community Centre – along with the friendly banter of blokes enjoying their tasks. We are the Tanhouse Shedders – a group of handy retired men who have carved out an uplifting hobby for ourselves. We’ve been going for nearly three years now, with around 20 members from all kinds of backgrounds – former engineers, electricians, accountants, all sorts.
Men’s Sheds
We are part of the ‘Men’s Shed’ Association, which has over 500 ‘Sheds’ and around 10,000 members throughout the UK. Men’s Sheds are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.
Community involvement
Some people make stuff for themselves, like garden furniture, but we also make things for the local community which can be very rewarding.
RSPB’s Sandwell Valley Nature Centre: We’ve made bat boxes, bird boxes, a bee hotel, repaired items and we’re in the process of making a bug hotel.
St. Margaret’s School, Great Barr: We provided seating for a playground cabin by building a large U-shaped bench.
We often receive gifts of timber and tools from local businesses and members of the public and all donations are gratefully received so please get in touch if you can help.
When do we meet?
Monday: Wood carving
Tuesday: General woodwork
Thursday: Wood turning
For more information please contact:- Phil Willoughby Tanhouse Shedders Secretary
Mobile:- 07710 778638