A shed experience as Shropshire Men's Sheds scoop top awards with Shrewsbury topping the pile
Shrewsbury Men’s Shed was crowned Shed of the Year in national awards held in London this week with a linchpin of the Ludlow group scooping an individual award.
The UKMSA Shed of the Year Awards winners were announced at a glittering ceremony in Westminster.
Judges said the Shrewsbury Shed, based at the West Mids Showground, has succeeded in three years in providing a community space, hosting other charities and organisations regularly, offering their space and friendship to people with dementia, men with cancer, woodturners and a horticulture group.
“The shed has undertaken some huge projects, like restoring Percy Thrower’s greenhouse and even building and running a ferry service,
providing a connection to town that previously didn’t exist,” said a spokesperson for the awards.
“Shed members have recently learned the heritage craft of coracle making which they starting to teach to others, and the shed are also welcoming the
local Afghan community to engage in crafts and cookery with them.”
Mark Mantle, described as 'the linchpin and public face’ of Ludlow Men’s Shed was recognised as Shed Volunteer of the Year 2024.
Mark overcame his own significant social anxiety struggles - having not left his home for over 20 years before he joined a Shed - and is now recognised as Ludlow’s key volunteer. He was commended for how he inspires others with difficult pasts; welcoming, supporting and inspiring confidence in those he works with.
The awards, were handed out at a The Speaker’s State Rooms, in the House of Commons, on International Men’s Day, November 19.
Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, spoke of the “incredible stories about the difference Men’s Shed have made to the mental health and wellbeing of men – and the prevention of suicide” and how The ‘Parliament Shed’ he hosted in Portcullis House earlier this year was one of the most popular exhibitions The Speaker’s Office has held.
The awards reception was supported by Kim Leadbeater MP and Sarah Green MP who both praised their sheds in their respective constituencies of Spen Valley and Chesham & Amersham for the positive impact
The Shed Awards are sponsored by TiteFix, with specially designed trophies for the winners created by Carveco.
For more details please visit the website.
