Founded four years ago, South Tyrone Men’s Shed stands as a meeting place for members. Brian O’Neill, a relatively new member, defines it as a social place for getting work done. There are 35 to 40 members, ranging from 30 to 80 years old. Brian explains how all knowledge of the shed is through word of mouth and how it’s becoming quite popular: “One new member joined recently, and we have received enquiries from four or five people about membership.”

Within the shed, there are many hands-on activities. One of the main ones is the garden. The members have grown vegetables and flower plants for consumption and for sale. There is a plethora of vegetables and herbs, including potatoes, which is the only vegetable left for sale this year. The members make hanging baskets from the plants.

As well as the garden, the members also partake in restoring old furniture. “People bring in their old outdoor benches, we take them in, try our best to fix them up and paint them.”

Within the shed, they also make picnic tables, dog kennels and pens.

“Dungannon District Council paid for someone to show us how to make pottery. So, we can then make clay products and prepare them for sale,” Brian says. Making plaques for household purposes, garden use or graves is also very popular.

South Tyrone Men’s Shed engages in all parts of society. “There are issues with disability in Dungannon, so our shed is wheelchair-friendly and allows those with a disability to engage with us and the community,” said Brian.

Brian describes his experience with the Men’s Shed as very positive: “This is all new to me. I used to work in a mini-market all my life and this place is pennies compared to what I’m used to, but it’s very rewarding with a lot of manual work to keep us busy.”

The shed meets three times a week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Brian spends most days there from 7.30am to 4pm, tending to the garden. Those interested in joining or finding out more about the shed, located on Northland Row, Dungannon, can contact 028-8772 4088.