‘Westbury Shed Founder, Dan Gmaj, has been working with The UK Men’s Sheds Association, FromeFM, The Frome Shed Founder Patrick Abrahams (UKMSA Ambassador) & The UKMSA’s own Kate Gordon to produce a two hour weekly ‘Global’ podcastable radio show called ‘Shed Happens even if you are self isolating! The UK Shed Show!’
Episode Five, presented by Dan, went out live on FromeFM at 10 am on Wednesday 22nd April and celebrated connection and feedback from shedders as well as how to set up online meetings and how to help shedders 3D Print PPE for our NHS heroes and care home staff.
Previous episodes have talked to Shed groups from Guernsey, Shetland, Iceland, Canada, Australia and even the Hawaii Honolulu Men’s Shed (Video) as well as many Shed groups across the UK.
“It’s all about connecting people in these times of self isolation,” said Dan.
“The show is masterminded from three centres that are in Manchester, Frome and WESTBURY! and the whole thing is assembled via a virtual studio run on mostly on The Zoom platform then edited on a Tuesday for the Wednesday morning deadline!
“What can I say? I received a call for help from a friend four weeks ago and its been an amazing and occasionally challenging blur ever since!
“Its a real privilege to represent our town and share our experience of the Pandemic 2020 related shutdown and how that is affecting people worldwide and yet we are adapting to stay connected and plan for better times to come.
“The programme is for shedders and shed groups but also aimed at everyone in these strange times! and that could mean you or someone you know! We have had the most wonderful global feedback too! It’s hard work but an absolute delight.”
All ten hours of broadcasted material so far is available on demand 24/7 for whoever wants to listen free of charge!
Dan’s own Podcast Platform ‘WE ARE THE WEATHER’ also carries the shows but he says “Just Google “Shed Happens Podcast” and you will find them easily enough or contact the show at: shedhappens@ukmsa.org.uk with any questions or contributions for the show! The new shows will continue to be live on FromeFm every Wednesday at 10am throughout the lockdown period too!
Asked about his current involvement with Westbury Shed, Dan said, “It is a critical time for Our Community Shed and others are working behind the scenes to ensure that our amazing allotments are maintained and that plans are in place to start assembling the new workshop areas as soon as these sensible restrictions are lifted.
“My involvement is sadly indirect and I miss it dearly, as I am sure do regular Westbury shedders even more! There is nothing stopping the planning process from going on, so contact either Linda Hallowell for the Allotment team or Ken Wilson who is leading on the new workshops via westburyshed@gmail.com and get involved in the future of your community shed right now!
Which reminds me that I still have to pay my 2020 subs! Oops!
“Well! ‘Shed Happens’ I suppose!
“Please stay Home Safe and help protect our NHS.”
Shed Happens The Movie by: Coach House Productions – Westbury
View the short Shed Movie here.
