What you see may not be the most important thing about the Shed.
There’s more than one way of seeing. Let’s see then the possible meanings of the word “seeing”.
Synonyms and related words for “seeing” in the context of Roget’s Thesaurus, consider words like
“perceiving” – understanding
“observing” – watching
“noticing” – awareness
“detecting” – discovering
“viewing” – using the eyes!
“witnessing” – factual
and “beholding” – wonder
The general public sometimes sees (watches) Men’s Sheds on TV. Film records the observers view mainly of “things” and “actions” but some of what people say. We just had several videos of what people say recorded by Billingham Buccaneers. They are very worthwhile to us and we hope to the interviewee, but in simple terms the camera principally captures the “What”.
However, their engagement is more concerned with the why and how. This can be something quite personal of course, but it is very often as a result of loneliness or isolation which are about feelings – real feelings – that are not able to be captured by the camera. There can be “beholding” involved (as the report reveals) and “detecting” and that is encompassed in “perceiving” which is about realisation in the mind – using the mind’s eye.
Sheds have depth to them as well as lighthearted banter.
A picture is worth a thousand words, here’s one in fewer than a thousand words
Billingham Buccaneers Facebook post: Yesterday Assistant Captain, Simon Geldart, presented Norton Men’s Shed with the incredible donations from our charity game on Sunday and a commemorative HockeyHound Cup Medal and Cap.
Here’s what Graham, the Trustee and Shed founder, had to say:
“What has been given is more than just cash; it’s an unrestricted sum of money that allows us time to breathe, reflect and establish how we can best use the money to benefit people.
We’re thinking of using some of the funds to purchase Norton Men’s Shed clothing for Shedders, such as overalls for use in the workshops, polo shirts and caps. There’s consideration of purchasing tools and materials to support our community projects, and somewhere to store our smaller pieces of equipment – finding is a full time occupation for some Shedders!
Mental health impacts all ages, from young to very old and every age in between; we want to explore the opportunity of extending our reach to other demographics in the surrounding area through collaborative working.
Thank you for all your donations, it’s exceeded what we could have imagined being raised!”
Another HUGE thank you, to every single person who donated – you’re amazing!
Picture centre right Buccaneer Simon Geldart presents Tony with the capped donation!
The Reducing Inequalities programme supported the Cancer morning lift-off
The Lottery Reducing Inequalities programme provided “lift off” funding through Catalyst Stockton for the Shedding Light Into Cancer Thursday morning project. All good things come to an end and then have to be reported on!!
This administration activity often goes unseen by Shedders and others but it is a wonderful part of the end period because it involves evaluation of what has been done. It’s the worth of what has been done (and financially contributed to by others who deserve to know).
The account includes two recent stories of Shedders who have been helped by the Shed. One as recently as this past week.
A picture break
New man Bob, seems already a settled Shedder
Walter’s sketch for the ice skating boot
And Walter is yet to know about a metre long model engine we have a request to restore. When will Walter retire?
Pitch for Purpose by The Teesside Charity on Thursday evening
This picture has some connection to the Pitch for Purpose! Probably not obvious though 🙂
6 Shedders represented Norton Men’s Shed in the audience, including Steve, Paul and Graham who, sort of, worked together in our 6 minute pitching slot.The evening was compered by Gary Philipson of BBC Radio Tees.
We came second of the 6 pitchers, with a women’s wellbeing hub narrowly taking, but deservedly, the top slot. The Shed will receive £1062 (the top place was £1083).
However, it was not presented as a competition and it was not competitive – just FUN, A privilege to be there.
It was a very good networking event too. Handing out our postcards at the beginning and distributing Paul’s 3D printed trolley tokens afterwards. Shedder Ian was fingered to go up to receive the notional cheque (await photos from Teesside Charity shortly which we will add here).
Also, Gary Philipson would be pleased to come to the Shed and help spread the message of Men’s Sheds and their important role. The women’s wellbeing hub is remarkably similar in objectives and methods to Sheds – just for women who have had some difficult experiences. We invited them to come sometime to the Shed with a group to “have a go”. Maybe Gary will also visit them and “compare and contrast” to inform the public.
What a conclusion to 3 very busy weeks. Pleased that Walter, Monday Paul, 3D Paul, Ian (not sure how to describe him except bearded) and of course our Wheelchair Steve who slithered up 20 steps to get to the room and bumped on his backside to come down. Nothing stops this man!
Below is the script we might have followed (!!!) if only Paul had practiced his lines, Graham had not tried to restore the Southern balance to comments made by Gary Philipson in his introduction (and others!) and Steve who was a dignified presence despite Paul’s and Graham’s foot in mouth tendencies.