Rebuilding a Honda 50 and a rocket launcher are among some of the projects that Gorey Men’s Shed has laid its hands on.

Situated in Unit 7A of Gorey Business Park, the shed has been in operation for seven years now. It originally set out in 2010 in the adult literacy centre in Gorey and then moved to the business park.

“We were there for one year and wanted our own place,” explains John White, chair of the shed.

In their workshop, the men have repainted a pony trap, built a funeral cart, picnic benches, bird boxes, garden screens for oil tanks and wishing wells.

“Our latest project is making small lighthouses and they are selling well,” says John. “Our shed is divided in two parts – one side is for working on projects and the other is for social meetings like playing cards, snooker, darts or just having a cup of tea.”

At the men’s shed in Gorey, men from all different backgrounds in the community come together and learn skills from each other. There are 20 to 25 members, ranging in age from 35 to 80+. The shed relies on support from various grants and from community organisations.

All the money the shed receives from the items the men make and fix goes back into funding other projects and keeping the shed self-sufficient. The shed also sends men on courses such as first aid and learning how to use a computer. Some of the men have also attended woodturning and welding courses.

According to John, the men learn committee skills and there is a large emphasis on education, with some members being encouraged to return to education. With a focus on community efforts, the shed helps and supports local charities by organising events and raffles.

Gorey Men’s Shed is open on Thursday evenings from 6pm-9.30pm and Tuesday and Saturday mornings when there are projects in the workshop.

For more information, contact John White on 087-7568132 or email him at johnwhite4711@gmail.com.