Moving into the new annex (the Stables) has given us room to do some mass production.
The first order was for 5 planters for Norton Sports Charity. These are needed for the perimeter of a a woodland classroom across the railway tracks! Mick took it on with help from several other Shedders over the past month.
Mick adding base boards to the last planter
Derick cutting lining material to retain soil.
Next up was an order for 20 bird box kits for Great Ayton Scouts.
The request came through our lathe maestro Dennis whose daughter is one of the leaders. The Scouts provided the fence boards used and Brian masterminded production.
Brian drilling pilot holes to for kit assembly
The packing area
What 20 kits look like! A job well done
And we will soon be making hedgehog houses for The Stockton Hedgehog rescue charity.
Ray plays with a mouse
Ray decided to make version 1 of this mouse a couple of weeks ago, complete with leather ears and tail. He took it home for his wife to see but the dog saw it too! Result was a mouse with chewed ears and a lost tail.
Ray intends to make a few of these.
Another couple of pieces of Ray’s handiwork at home was two racks to hold the lathe chisels.
Those familiar with the machine room at the Shed will realise that it looks a whole lot tidier (and roomier) as a result of work that Ray and Chris did together to make room for a small lathe intended for Wheelchair Steve to use. It is peeping in on the left.
We are pleased to report that Steve has tested the height of the lathe (and accounted for the fact he is a left hander!) and it looks like our calculated guess on the height of the lathe is spot on.
Teamwork!
We are pleased to publish this article from Mencap (courtesy of Val Magee)regarding last year’s project to support Anthony with his . . . . . .
BIG GARDEN DREAM
These are some of Anthony’s thoughts about what he wanted.
In April 2023, the Mencap team supporting Anthony in his own home, began to develop a project to realise Anthony’s dreams for his garden. Anthony has lived in a supported living service since 2017, and loves his home, however he was unable to get full use of his garden because it sloped steeply. Anthony dreamt of having, decking to level his garden, a summerhouse/shed where he could relax and spaces in his garden to grow tomatoes and attract birds and butterflies.
The slope problem
Anthony’s solution is to deck it!
Through his Ward Councillor, Lisa Evans, Anthony was put in touch with Norton Men’s Shed and a fabulous summer began, planning and laying the foundations for the realisation of Anthony’s dream for his garden.
Action men
Deck chairs!
Whilst Anthony funded some of the materials needed to make his dream a reality, Graham and the volunteers at Norton Men Shed, worked tirelessly, sourcing materials and donated wood to lay decking and to build a shed Anthony could enjoy. Anthony loved to visit the ‘guys’ in their workshop, for a chat and a cuppa and to watch them at work in his garden. By the end of the summer Anthony was able to enjoy spending time in his garden, sitting on his decking and by the autumn his fantastic shed was up and secured for the winter. At Halloween Anthony and his family, Lisa and the volunteers from Norton Men Shed and their families came together to celebrate the work so far.
Plenty of ventilation at this stage
A family and team celebration
It’s been an amazing collaboration between, Anthony, his support team, Lisa, his ward councillor and Norton Men Shed. We imagined that it would take a long time to achieve what Norton Men’s Shed have done for Anthony in just a few short months. Anthony and his team are looking forward as the weather improves to developing the next stage of his Big Garden Dreams project, creating a sensory space and wildlife area.
Val Magee, Mencap Assistant Service Manager said:
“It’s been fantastic to see the project and the relationship develop between Anthony and the men from Norton Men’s Shed. The excitement and fun Anthony has had spending more time in his garden, enjoying each stage of the project and chatting with the ‘guys’ has been lovely to see. We certainly wouldn’t be here at this stage in the project without the fantastic work and support from Graeme and Norton Men’s shed and can’t thank them enough for all their understanding and hard work”
Fiona Kelly, Mencap Area Operations Manager, for Teesside said:
“It has been a privilege to observe the community collaborations between Anthony, Norton Men’s Shed and Lisa Evans (Ward Councillor). What an inspiring story that has helped make Anthony’s dream come true in such a short time. Huge thanks to everyone involved”