On Friday, 20th March, we welcomed Sir John Whittingdale OBE for a flying visit to the South Woodham Ferrers Men’s Shed. Our Chair, John Bevan, walked him through our ambitious vision for the future, even sending him home with a laser-imprinted coaster and an Essex Shed mug.
Sir John left impressed, but the reality behind the scenes is stark: The Shed is at a crossroads.
Chair John Bevan with Sir John Whittingdale OBE
Since Mister Gees launched this venture three years ago, we have become a lifeline for local men. However, keeping our doors open costs £18,000 every single year in rent and rates, etc. This is unsustainable. To secure our future, we are working tirelessly on planning permission to relocate and purchase our own building—but we cannot do it without serious funding.
We need your support now more than ever. Whether it is a donation, a corporate sponsorship, or simply rejoining the fold, every bit of help keeps this community hub alive.
If you have not been to the Shed in a while, please come back and see us. If you have never been, there’s no better time to start. Help us ensure that the South Woodham Ferrers Men’s Shed stays a fixture of this town for years to come.
Don’t be shy—get in touch today. https://ourtownswf.co.uk/showcase/mens-shed/
Here’s a link to our Go Fund Me page…