First surprise on Thursday morning was the notification that Normens had been confirmed a registered charity
The registration number is 1212037.
The pressure is off although there are some next steps.
Andrew returned to say goodbye!!
The Thursday Cancer Morning saw Andrew come through the door. Dennis was pleased to learn that Andrew had returned because he is another model railway enthusiast. However, Andrew and his wife have decided to live in the moment because both have been impacted with cancer. They have decided to spend time on holiday breaks and visits and that will mean he will not be able to attend regularly. Andrew said some amazing things to the other Shedders about his Shed experience and how it had “normalised” cancer. He will be writing a piece for the My Story blog.
However, Andrew brings out an important aspect of our Shed life. We want to have people who need it join the Shed and we feel (a bit) sad if they go. But we are not about creating a bigger and bigger number of Norton Shedders (we don’t have space!) but regard someone leaving to do something else as something that can be celebrated. Otherwise it is like bed blocking:-). In the Whitby Sheds and in Norton we quite often see change happen in a new Shedder remarkably quickly. Within a month.
Now moving on happens inside the Shed too as people transition over a period from being a receiver of help to a giver of help to others there. That help may just be enhancing the Shed atmosphere. It is simple community.
Wheelchair Steve came after a few weeks missing from an infection
Another man without whom a Monday or Thursday Shed is incomplete. He is always a reminder that the Shed is people not a place. Over Christmas and whilst off unwell, Steve did some painting. Below are two examples.
Red Balloons Charity
Leaving the Shed on Thursday and passing the Norton Tavern, Graham noticed a car with large stickers on the doors. At first glance they looked like poppies.
Curious, Graham stopped and realised the stickers were for Red Balloons a charity specialising (like us) in mental health wellbeing.
They also work with the Social Prescriber Link Worker Team. We are to meet up soon.
Tesco Community Award completion
The end of project report (which included the 2024 Shed Review) had a speedy response with the release of the retention sum (£250).
Friday approaches
Doing the twist on the lathe
One of the tasks to tackle will be doors. One door to start with. A replacement door for the front of the Portacabin. Along with the door we are to fabricate a new frame that takes account of the anticipated steel box section cladding also. Tackling this over next fortnight.
Walter resin coated the Viking boat
One of our Shedders requested the arbour seat out front be strengthened to take his weight. He has made a massive reduction in weight this past year apparently. So that was a fairly quick job on what was a rather bitter weather day.
Lathes, computers, ship repair, talk-talk all going on.
Shed details on UKMSA Find-a-Shed map
The details of our Shed have been updated as follows:
Norton Men’s Shed
Station Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS20 1PE, UK
2025 and Norton Men’s Shed is 3 years old.
We started in January 2022 with no fixed premises, encouraged into it (!) by the then sole Social Prescribing Link Worker.
They have grown in number since and are a greatly valued referral partner, and we became of fixed abode in a Portacabin courtesy of Norton Sports Charity. 2024 was a year of growth with additional space acquired and additional Shedders contributing skills, finance and above all camaraderie and good banter.
We acknowledge the know-how and help of the Whitby district Sheds and indeed that of the founders of the movement in Australia with whom we have connections, mate! See what we do by looking at the many blogs on the home page of our website www.normens.org.uk.
We welcome communications by email or text.
Contact: Graham Storer T: 07763 656627
Walter’s craft
He’s using his craft to refurbish a Viking craft.
He’s now adding some decks into the empty hull.
Planks made from coffee stirrers obtained from cafes.
Plus he’s been gathering cargo and adding Vikings.
There is a school party coming shortly to the Land of Iron museum.
A study topic is the Vikings!
Wonder if the museum needs any Shedders as extras?
Dave’s cup of joy runneth over!
Have raised the flag
Dave with pencil holder?
Nice one Dave
Mick’s latest bowl