Robin is hoping to hammer shed rivals
DANIELLE ROPER
ASHED in the design of a blacksmith’s smithy is in the running for a TV competition to find the country’s most ingenious outbuilding.
Cowpe Smithy, owned by Robin Sharples, has been shortlisted for the wacky 2016 Shed Of The Year competition, sponsored by Cuprinol, which will be shown on Channel 4 later this month.
One of just 32 sheds whittled down from around 2,800 entries, the smithy will be up against stiff competition, including a restored nuclear bunker, a re-creation of the Millennium Falcon and a converted camper van.
But father-of-one Robin, who lives on The Drive with wife Susan, is hoping the fact his shed is a working one, used to carry out a craft, will impress the judges.
He said: “I’ve always been too busy with work or not well enough to build a shed before, but four years ago I decided to do it.
“It would be absolutely fantastic to win - there are some outstanding entries but last year’s winner wasn’t a fancy one so you never know.”
The former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupil owns property company Boarsgreave Developments Ltd as well as Milltown Pic- ●● Owner Robin Sharples in his shed (inset) which has been converted into a working smithy ture Framing, in Waterfoot, but spends two days a week in his garden shed making tools, candle holders and other items.
He said: “The blackmith trade is one of the most ancient crafts in the world and is becoming popular again.
“I always wanted to be a blacksmith and was offered an apprenticeship when I was at school but became ill with kidney failure before I could take it up and have had three kidney transplants since then.
“I built my shed from corrugated iron to replicate those you used to see in allotments and back gardens in the 1920s. It’s very traditional looking with a forge and anvils, the blocks used to strike the metal on, and only cost me a couple of hundred quid to make. Some of the sheds I’m competing against cost 50 odd thousand pounds.”
Robin’s shed has been shortlisted in the Studios and Workshops category. The shortlisted sheds will feature on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Shed Of The Year on Channel 4 later in June.
Eight category finalists will then compete to become the overall winner.
The prize is £1,000 and a golden crown to adorn the winning shed.
Robin said: “If I win it could really put Cowpe and Rossendale on the map!”
Voting closes on June 8. Vote at readersheds.co.uk and click on Workshops and Studies.