AFTER two and a half years and a community shed project 40-members strong, Westbury Shed’s chairman, Dan Gmaj, has decided to step down to spend more time as a ‘shedder’.
Dan Gmaj said, “The project as I imagined it back in 2015 is now manifest and tangible and I am hugely proud of all that has been achieved in such a short time! I am especially proud of our wonderful multi-talented membership, many of which (as I originally did) were able to overcome many personal challenges to discover and embrace the true community spirit of shed!”
Most ‘Shed clubs’ being opened in the UK are known as ‘Men’s Shed’s’ but Dan was adamant from the start that Westbury’s project would be a unique and fully inclusive group. Westbury is helping to lead the way and there are now over 560 sheds expected to be open in the UK by the end of 2018.
Westbury Shed has a ‘’multi-centre’ approach to echo members’ differing needs, with an allotment complex and well-appointed small workshop in Alfred Street. Both of areas are access and wheelchair friendly.
Dan continued, “The reality is that men’s health issues and their general difficulty in communicating them ‘face-to-face’ are helped by the ‘shoulder to shoulder’ scenario but to avoid any exclusivity, it was clear to me that anyone who wishes to join our group should be able to. It is an eclectic bunch of wonderful humans who are all very good for one another! The ‘no pressure or expectation’ mantra caters for all!
“For me, it will be a great joy to watch the project develop from a polite distance while keeping up with our growing community of great shedders and wonderful community friends. I intend to visit, share experiences and learn from all the new Shed clubs I have been supporting over the years and put my learning and experience to print! I also have the small matter of ‘earning a living’ so wish me luck!”