It has been an absolute whirlwind of an August for the South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) Shed. Between developing novel bird feeders, hosting VIPs, and securing our future home, the sawdust has barely had time to settle.
Here is a look at what we have been up to—and how you can get involved as we head into our most critical season yet.
Rescuing Bikes from the Tip We were thrilled to welcome Christopher Benn, Essex County Councillor and Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, to the Shed recently. We had a highly productive discussion about a pioneering new scheme to rescue and reuse bicycles that end up at the local tip.
We’ve agreed to take on a few bikes on a trial basis to see how we can integrate bicycle repair into our regular Shed operations. If you have a passion for tinkering with gears and brakes, we would love your help! Furthermore, we are officially opening our doors to the public for bicycle repairs and refurbishments. If your little one needs a bike fixed up in time for Christmas, drop it in—we’ve got you covered.
Hedgehogs and Coconut Shies: Community is at the heart of everything we do. Recently, Dave and Charlie put their carpentry skills to work constructing a classic coconut shy at the request of a local charity. Meanwhile, Byron (better known as HedgehogSWF) took his wildlife expertise on the road, delivering a fascinating talk to the Millwood WI, who very generously donated £50 to our cause.
If you want to learn more about our prickly friends, Byron will be hosting hedgehog talks at the Shed at 11:00 am on the first Tuesday of every month. Come along for some great advice and to join in making a Hedgehog Highway here in SWF!
A Race Against Time: Now for the big news: we have finally gained full planning permission for our brand-new Shed at Marsh Farm! We will be setting up shop in the corner of the overflow car park, and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to Mr. James Sinclair for the use of this site. Without his generosity, the Shed would have been forced to close its doors next spring.
However, the clock is ticking. The planning process took longer and cost more than anticipated, and we must vacate our current home by the end of December. To keep costs down, we are doing as much of the construction ourselves as possible.
How You Can Help: We are actively seeking funding suggestions, donations via our Just Giving page, and, most importantly, hands-on help. The job of assembling the new Shed will not be physically arduous or technically demanding, so we are seeking volunteers of all backgrounds, genders, and skill levels. We would absolutely love for you to join us and don’t forget to bring us biscuits and buns to watch us work!
Whether you want something made, have an item that needs repairing, or just want to pop in for a cup of tea and a biscuit, our doors are open. Better yet, drop in and make your project yourself!
The Shed’s Top DIY Tip of the Month: In hot, dusty weather, locks often become notchy and stick due to dirt ingress and the expansion of the metal. A quick squirt of WD40 into the barrel from the outside will usually free things up. Alternatively, wipe a light oil or white spirit onto your key, insert it back and forth several times, and then wipe the key and lock clean with a paper towel to remove any excess.
Get in Touch
- Visit us: 19 Woodham Halt, CM3 5JB (Open weekdays 10 am – 1 pm, closed Wednesdays).
- Call/WhatsApp: 07387 159275
- Just Giving page https://snip.ly/swfms-jg
