London, UK – On November 19th, the UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA) held its annual Shed of the Year Awards at a reception in The Speaker’s State Rooms, House of Commons. The event aims to recognize individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to their Men’s Sheds and local communities.
Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, spoke at the event and praised the impact of Men’s Sheds on mental health and suicide prevention. He also highlighted the success of The ‘Parliament Shed’ exhibition, which was hosted in Portcullis House earlier this year and was one of the most popular exhibitions held by The Speaker’s Office.
The coveted Shed of the Year 2024 award, sponsored by Tite-fix, was presented to Shrewsbury Men’s Shed. In just three years, this Shed has become a community space that regularly hosts other charities and organizations. They also offer their space and friendship to people with dementia, men with cancer, woodturners, and a horticulture group. The Shed has also taken on ambitious projects, such as restoring Percy Thrower’s greenhouse and establishing a ferry service that connects the town to areas that were previously inaccessible. Recently, Shed members have also learned the traditional craft of coracle making, which they are now teaching to others. They have also opened their doors to the local Afghan community, engaging in crafts and cookery with them.
Other awards were given out in various categories that represent the core principles of the Men’s Shed movement. Caerau Men’s Shed in Maesteg received the Shed Health and Wellbeing Impact of the Year award, sponsored by Cadent Gas. This Shed offers health checks and health and wellbeing information to its members. They also provide a welcoming “warm hub” where members can enjoy free hot food, drinks, and social connection.
The Shed Partnership of the Year award, sponsored by Millboard Composite Decking, was awarded to Pontypridd Men’s Shed. This Shed demonstrated the power of collaboration by working with various partners, including the local council, primary schools, a film company, and South Wales University. They have produced animations, run events, and developed a WW2 Garden through co-working with their partners.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the Men’s Shed movement, and Mark Mantle of Ludlow Men’s Shed was recognized as Shed Volunteer of the Year 2024, sponsored by Ladbrook Insurance. Mark overcame his own struggles with social anxiety, which had kept him housebound for over 20 years before he joined the Shed. He is now recognized as Ludlow’s key volunteer and is commended for his ability to inspire others with difficult pasts. He is known for welcoming, supporting, and instilling confidence in those he works with.
Another Welsh Shed, Rhyl Men’s Shed, was the winner of the Community Project of the Year award, sponsored by Wessex Insurance. The Shed was recognized for its embodiment of the spirit of community through projects that address the needs of their community and improve the lives of those around them. They have created a community allotment that provides vegetables to local families at no cost, renovated waste land to plant a community fruit garden, and even developed a Christmas float that made it onto ITV Wales news. The Shed also encourages community engagement by providing a warm and welcoming space for anyone in the area.
In addition to these awards, UKMSA Chair Rob Lloyd made five special Chair’s Awards, recognizing individuals and groups for their significant contributions to the Men’s Shed movement. John Latchford of Amersham Men’s Shed was recognized for his tireless work in building data and sharing knowledge. Jack Crawford was acknowledged for his work around governance and the UKMSA constitution. John Rushforth, Vice Chair, was recognized for his work setting up Nairn Shed and providing sound counsel to the UKMSA Board. Black Park Shed was awarded for their efforts in building The Parliament Shed. Chris Oldfield of Bethlem Community Men’s Shed was recognized for the impact he has had on people’s lives. He was nominated by a man currently serving a life sentence in prison who credits Chris for helping him overcome his fears and fit into society after 38 years of incarceration.
The Awards reception was supported by Kim Leadbeater MP and Sarah Green MP, who both praised their respective Sheds in their constituencies of 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 so many MPs, Peers, and partners are eager to know more about the movement and join us
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.