Men’s Shed members use their skill to create welcoming spot

MEMBERS of Tinahely Men’s Shed undertook a massive renovation project to transform a derelict site into a welcoming, functional and comfortable space for its 14 members.

Over the course of just 12 months, the Men’s Shed members worked hard, using all their combined skills to convert the derelict building into a meaningful project and ignited engagement from the community.

‘From the moment I saw the site, I knew it had so much potential,’ said Tony Lundberg, Chairman of Tinahely Men’s Shed.

‘We have a great bunch of men who have so much more to offer than simply meeting on a weekly basis for social reasons. This project gives us purpose and enabled us to put all our skills to good use.

‘ The shed is so much more valuable for everyone when we are focused on a project and have challenging tasks to complete,’ he added.

The massive renovation should have cost thousands of euro and should have required engineers, architects, electricians and plumbers, along with heavy duty equipment.

Instead, the Men’s Shed gathered together and organised a committee, consulted their bank account (which had just over €100 in it) and decided to go ahead with the project.

They had the resources - each of the Men’s Shed members have many practical trade skills learnt over their working years from plumbers, gardeners, electricians, engineers, architects and handymen.

With support from the community and Wicklow County Council, the transformation took place.

‘ The project has been an inspiration to the community and a real lesson for the “throw away” culture of today,’ he said.

‘ These men have shown us what can be achieved when you have a vision, valuable trade skills and are not afraid of hard work.’

‘ The sense of achievement from this project has been immense for me personally and for all of the Men’s Shed,’ said Mr Lundberg.

‘ For the men, it’s wonderful for them to put their skills to good use and we have great fun while we work. But this is just the start and we have so many more plans but we do need lots more members with similar skills to complete the projects we have in mind. We wel- come men of all ages and we invite anyone who might be interested in getting involved to come down and take a look around,’ he said.

The view from the front before the work (right) and now (above).

The main room before the members carried out the work (right) and as it is now (above).

Some of the 14 members of Tinahely Men’s Shed outside their renovated premises.

The vegetable-packed garden.

Inside the workshop.