Lowestoft Men’s Shed

Yesterday morning I attended our Men’s Shed.

From informal beginnings ‘Mensheds Australia’ was formally established in 2002. The notion of older men-in-sheds spread across the world with national associations of men’s sheds in many countries. Here in the UK, by 2023, there were over 900 men’s sheds…

In Lowestoft a small group of us, in 2016, were offered a big old net-drying shed, previously owned by a local fisherman, to develop as we saw fit. From small beginnings the Lowestoft Men’s Shed is now well-established, meeting three mornings each week. We’ve a membership of 60+, and an average attendance of 30.

Yesterday was typical… Some worked on individual and community woodworking projects, some played cards, others repaired the pool table, some sat and chatted. A couple of gents prepared tea and bacon rolls…   

From yesterday, here’s five reasons why I enjoy going:

In a men-only environment we talk openly… about family relationships, mental health, mortality, prostate cancer… Yesterday I chatted with Charlie about the effects of his bowl cancer surgery.

There’s a genuine mutual concern… Yesterday: ‘Did you know that Roger’s in hospital – how is he?’ ‘We haven’t seen Tom or Paul recently – are they OK?’ ‘Brendon seems pretty stressed – how can we help?’ This led to several afternoon phone calls…

We share our differences… backgrounds, experiences, skills, opinions… Yesterday included conversations with a landscape-gardener, accountant, engineer, painter and decorator, prison officer… Everybody has something to teach me; there’s good in everybody.

There’s regular banter… We may be aging, but the witty put-down or the humorous remark (that may be inappropriate or offensive to women or children!) keep us smiling… humble and alert… sensitive to and aware of each other.

We’ve a sense of belonging and identity… Yesterday: ‘Did you know that (ex-member) Jack has died?’ Jack’s name will go on a small plaque on the ‘Memoriam’ board. His will be the fifth. One day (hopefully not too soon) my name will be on that board; still a men’s-shedder!