The last of February’s Rostrevor Men’s Shed workshops was held on Tuesday 23rd February.
The club thanked again Karen McEvoy of Conservation Of Volunteer’s and fellow shedder James O’ Neill of Riverside Boiler Repair for the use of his workshop over the past few weeks.
Mark Gibbons, shedder chair, said: “Our last workshop saw the Shedders planting some seeds for our gardens, tiding up the finely made bird boxes for St Bronagh’s Primary School, plus we added some finishing touches to our beautifully bright flower boxes.
“I’d say some Shedders might have planted their first ever seed, but you don’t need to be a serious gardener to join the Men’s Shed. They say gardening is free therapy…and we may even get a lettuce, beetroot or even a carrot to boot!
“Some of our Shedders took part in an excellent workshop on Saturday in St Bronagh’s GAA Social Club with the immensely talented Clive Lyttle of Welig Heritage Crafts. Clive had the men attempting to weave baskets from willow. It was certainly much harder than we had anticipated, but with a little bit of patience and some excellent craftsmanship from Clive, we managed to conjure up some baskets for ourselves.
“I for one can really appreciate the skill and time it takes to craft such beautiful pieces of work. Clive is a master at his work and has raw talent.
If you get the opportunity you should visit them on the Ards Peninsula near Portaferry or check out their Facebook page.”
Mark Gibbons added: “March is going to be a very busy month with Rebecca Hunter of the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force giving us a presentation on a proposed marine conservation zone for Carlingford Lough. This will be a public meeting on Wednesday 9th of March at St Bronagh’s GAA 7-9pm hosted by the Shedder’s, so all welcome.
“There will also be a talk from Sean Patterson in St. Bronagh’s Social Club, on March 23rd He will be talking about the maritime history of Carlingford Lough and give a historical insight into the 1916 Carlingford Lough disaster. We have other events in March that will top off an insightful and interesting month.
“The Shed is open to all men regardless of age, background or ability, and we meet every Wednesday at 7pm in St Bronagh’s GAA Club. Everyone is welcome with open arms and a cup of tea ready if needed.
“One of the many purposes of the Rostrevor Men’s Shed is to provide a welcoming venue for men to talk and connect with others while participating in group and/or individual projects, and membership is only £20 for the year.
“It is also helping to reduce isolation, loneliness and increase social networks of men in Rostrevor and the surrounding local areas.
“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”.
