The UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA) has announced the finalists for the 2024 Shed of the Year Awards, their national award scheme that recognizes groups and individuals who make a difference in their Men’s Shed and local communities. The finalists were chosen from a record number of submissions and are a testament to the outstanding work being done in the Men’s Shed community.
According to Rob Lloyd, chair of the Trustees of UKMSA, “Each year entries get better and better. With more submissions than ever, and of such a high standard, this year’s finalists have really highlighted the excellent work they are all doing in their local communities.” He also emphasized the positive impact of Men’s Shed participation on issues such as loneliness, social isolation, and physical and mental health.
The winner of last year’s Shed of the Year, Bootle Tool Shed, has designed and made the bespoke trophy that will be handed over to this year’s winner.
The finalists for each awards category are as follows:
– Health and Wellbeing Impact of the Year: Caerau Men’s Shed, Medway Men In Sheds, Hythe Shed (at the pier)
– Shed Partnership of the Year 2024: Pontypridd Men’s Shed, Letchworth Men In Sheds, Broadstairs Town Shed
– Shed Volunteer of the Year 2024: Mark Mantle from Ludlow Men’s Shed, David Finch from Men’s Shed Blaenau Gwent, Chris Oldfield from Bethlem Community Men’s Shed
– Community Project of the Year 2024: Rhyl Men’s Shed, Heatons’ Men In Sheds, Llanfyllin Shed
– Shed of the Year: Petersfield Men’s Shed, Poringland and District Men’s Shed, Shrewsbury Men’s Shed
All finalists have been invited by Mr Speaker, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, to the Shed of the Year Awards and Afternoon Tea at the State Rooms of the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons on International Men’s Day, Tuesday 19th November 2024.
The Shed Awards are sponsored by TiteFix, with specially designed trophies for the winners created by Carveco. For more details, please visit the UKMSA website at https://menssheds.org.uk/shed-awards-2024/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.