Westminster Honors Inspiring Community Projects: Winners of UKMSA Shed of the Year Awards Revealed

The UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA) presented the annual Shed of the Awards on Thursday, 21 November 2024 in Westminster, London to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and groups in their Men’s Sheds and local communities.

Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, hosted a reception in The Speaker’s State Rooms where he spoke of the “incredible stories about the difference Men’s Sheds have made to the mental health and wellbeing of men – and the prevention of suicide.” He also mentioned the success of The ‘Parliament Shed’ exhibition, hosted earlier this year in Portcullis House.

This year’s Shed of the Year 2024 was awarded to Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, who received a bespoke award designed and made by last year’s winners, Bootle Tool Shed. Sponsored by Tite-fix, the Shrewsbury Men’s Shed has provided a welcoming community space for three years, regularly hosting other charities and organizations, offering support to those with dementia, cancer, and other health issues. They have also taken on large projects such as restoring Percy Thrower’s greenhouse and starting a ferry service to improve transportation in the area. The Shed has even started teaching the heritage craft of coracle making and welcomes members of the local Afghan community to engage in crafts and cookery with them.

Other award categories recognized the core principles of the Men’s Shed movement. Caerau Men’s Shed in Maesteg won Shed Health and Wellbeing Impact of the Year, sponsored by Cadent Gas. This Shed offers health checks, information, and a “warm hub” where members can enjoy free food and drinks, as well as social connection.

The Shed Partnership of the Year, sponsored by Millboard Composite Decking, was awarded to Pontypridd Men’s Shed. This Shed has successfully collaborated with partners such as the local council, primary schools, a film company, and South Wales University to produce animations, events, and a WW2 Garden.

Mark Mantle of Ludlow Men’s Shed was recognized as the Shed Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Ladbrook Insurance. Mark has overcome his own struggles with social anxiety and is now known as the key volunteer in Ludlow. He has inspired others with difficult pasts and has welcomed, supported, and inspired confidence in those he works with.

Continuing the winning streak for Wales, Rhyl Men’s Shed won the Community Project of the Year, sponsored by Wessex Insurance. This Shed has embodied the spirit of community by addressing the needs of their community and improving the lives of those around them. They have created a community allotment, renovated waste land to plant a fruit garden, and even had their Christmas float featured on ITV Wales news. The Shed also provides a warm and welcoming space for anyone in the area to engage in activities and socialize.

In addition to these awards, UKMSA Chair, Rob Lloyd, made five special Chair’s Awards to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the Men’s Shed movement. These included John Latchford of Amersham Men’s Shed for his work in building data and sharing knowledge, Jack Crawford for his work around governance and the UKMSA constitution, John Rushforth, Vice Chair, for setting up Nairn Shed and providing sound counsel to the UKMSA Board, Black Park Shed for building The Parliament Shed, and Chris Oldfield of Bethlem Community Men’s Shed for his impactful work on the lives of others.

The Awards reception was supported by Kim Leadbeater MP and Sarah Green MP, who both praised their respective sheds in Spen Valley and Chesham & Amersham for the positive impact they have on families, communities, and the mental and physical health of Shedders.

“We’d like to thank Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MPs Kim Leadbeater and Sarah Green for their support of the Awards and the ‘Parliament Shed’ hosted in Portcullis House earlier this year,” said Rob Lloyd, Chair of UKMSA. “We’re thrilled that so many MPs, Peers, and partners are eager to learn more about the movement and join us in congratulating the finalists and winners for their truly amazing projects and impact on the lives of others.”

The Shed Awards were sponsored by TiteFix, with specially designed trophies created by Carveco. For more information, please visit: https://menssheds.org.uk/shed-awards-2024/