Sallins Men’s Shed has enjoyed five good years in operation. In 2014, current members heard about Men’s Sheds, gathered together, and set one up for themselves. They are currently located at the back of SuperValu in Sallins village, in a building which they were lent rent free and they benefit from free power from Super Valu. They cleaned the building and made it into the base for their shed. A wood lathe, saws and other equipment were donated to them. Richard Corley, shed treasurer, says “people have been good to us”.

They now have 10 members who range in age from mid-50s to early 80s.

Experience

They have a variety of career experience including an electrician, a carpenter, delivery drivers, meat factory workers and from the law society to name but a few.

The Sallins shed is actively involved in the community from making a grotto and seats for the local church to making up signs and floating buoys for the Arts Festival in nearby Naas.

The Kildare County Council has been great help with information on grants.

“It’s important to get out of the house,” says Richard. Future plans include a trip to Titanic Belfast, getting involved with local societies and making a move to be more climate-friendly. Richard says: “I really enjoy working with Tidy Towns”.

The members have made bat boxes and bird boxes for the village and they intend to make beehives too. The shed also does work with St Vincent de Paul, where people drop furniture to the shed and shed members refurbish it. The members then bring it to the local St Vincent de Paul shop to be sold.

It’s important to get out of the house

The members would often discuss health and mental health, encouraging people to visit a doctor if they are worried. “As we get older we need more encouragement,” explains Richard.

The shed is located at the Waterways at the back of Super Valu, Station House, Sallins, Co Kildare.

It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2.30pm and welcomes anyone interested in joining. For more information contact Richard Corley at 087-253 9857.