To help the birds in the gardens of Rostrevor and the surrounding area, and to coincide with the upcoming event hosted by the RSPB (Big Garden Birdwatch on 30-31 January), the Rostrevor Men’s Shed, under the guidance of fellow shedder Stephen Boyle, made bird feeders in St Bronagh’s GAA Club to help birds find that essential morsel when food is scarce.
The new Men’s Shed has got off to a great start and shedder Stephen said: “By making home made birds feeders we are helping them to survive and to bring wildlife in our gardens. There are an amazing number of species in the area and it’s just great to hear the chatter of birds in the garden.”
Chairman Mark Gibbons said: “It’s amazing what you can build and recycle with just the old contents from our blue bins. The birds of Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Hilltown will be enjoying some lovely feeds over the next few weeks”
“The Rostrevor Men’s Shed is a community-based, non-commercial organisation which is open to all men where the primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment. It provides a safe haven for the men to gather and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other men, with the primary objective being the health and well- being of the participating men.
“Following a very successful public meeting we had, the Rostrevor’s Men’s Shed has been up and running in the village from September 2015 and their aim is to become more established within the local area and to reach out to all elderly men who think they might enjoy the shedding experience.”
Purposes Of The Rostrevor Men’s Shed
* To provide a welcoming venue for men to talk and connect with others while participating in group and/or individual projects.
* To reduce isolation, loneliness and increase social networks of men in Rostrevor and the surrounding local areas.
* To provide opportunity for skills development, capacity building and learning of men in the area.
* To advance the health and well-being of men in Rostrevor and the surrounding local areas.
Mark Gibbons added: “The Rostrevor Men’s Shed is a dedicated, friendly and welcoming meeting place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities. Somewhere to feel at home, have a laugh, socialise, pursue practical interests and stay active.
“The Shed is open to all men regardless of age, background or ability, and is place where you can share your skills and knowledge with others, learn new skills and develop your old skills.
“An objective of the Rostrevor Men’s Shed is to enhance or maintain the well-being of the participating men. Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder”
“We have had some great wee events this last number of weeks, but this is only the beginning as we start to find our feet.
“We also have some excellent Events/Tours and Activities in the pipeline for February and March.
“We meet every Wednesday from 7-8:30pm at St Bronagh’s GAA Clubrooms, the have shown great support until we find our own premises within the village. We hope to have some good news in the next few weeks, so all fingers and toes are very much crossed.
“Membership is only £20 membership for the year and it is growing every week.
“It’s a great way to fight rural and social isolation, to take depression head on, and to fight loneliness,” added Mark. “It certainly is a great plus in the area for men’s health.”
