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Carer-led Workshop Days, every Tuesday!
Every Shedder has a story—how they found their way here and what the Shed has given back. From new skills to new friendships, every journey is different. Take a look at some of our stories and see what the Shed means to us.
Who am I?
Like so many men, my age, I find myself with nothing to do and no one to do it with. My wife and I are, what they now call, carers for each other. Oh how the world has changed.
We moved up to Gorebridge in 2000, to look after my father in law. What didn’t move was our social life. I worked till 2005 until my health deteriorated. We looked after our grandkids through their school years so that kept us busy, then my wife, who has always been a crafter, joined a club and once a week I drive her there to meet with women of another ilk.
I was happy with my little shed out the back, and the idea of creating a place for men who had reached that time where they had a history to share, a skillset to pass on, expertise in something or other and the patience to give other men the benefit of their experience.
Just after Covid killed so many people and the need for a place that helped men with their health issues I tried to start a Men’s Shed.
Nothing happened, no funding was available and I lost the will to try and enable this facility. My wife who was attending her day club tried to get me to shake off my worries and find a way to get myself out and about.
In late summer of 2024 I saw an item about Dalkeith Men’s Shed and decided to take a chance. I remember my first day at the shed and was quite happy to join in with the activities available. Here I am today and I don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have the shed to attend.
The blokes that I meet here on a Friday are from various backgrounds but all have the same needs. We need to be around people of our kind, we need a cuppa to loosen us from the ties that bind, we need things to do and most importantly people to do them for.
We have a motto, “Together, we can”, a simple statement that lifts us up and reminds us that we are not alone and don’t need to be lonely. It’s simplicity removes the obstacles we find around us and frees us to explore the needs of others and how to deliver for them.
My name is Ronnie Tappenden, I am 66 years old, not dead and I am a shedder. Bring it on!
For me, life before the shed was lonely, boring and completely isolating. I had no reason to get up in the morning. Along with these feelings, I lost my wife which blew my life apart. Five years later I was diagnosed with a debilitating central nervous disease. I ended up in a very dark place and had no idea how to get out. Then someone mentioned the men’s shed , after much discussions with my social worker I decided to give it a try. Then after almost a year later I’m back to doing meaningful things. I have friends now, I’ve learned new skills and I’m getting great pleasure helping others. I’m now the chairman of Gorebridge shed and I’ve been helping to raise funds now.
What can I say? Life is good now and I would urge men who may be struggling to just get one step in the door where there is a great bunch of men who have all been there.
I'm extrememly thankful for the positive impact the men's shed has had on my life. Before joining, I was feeling increasingly isolated and struggling to find a sense of community. I was hesitant to join at first, but I'm so glad I took the leap.
The shed has provided a welcoming and supportive environment where I've been able to connect with other men who share similar interests.
I've particularly enjoyed the woodworking projects and the opportunity to learn new skills from more experienced members. It's been incredibly rewarding to see my progress and to be able to contribute to the shed's activities.
Beyond the practical skills, the social aspect has been invaluable. The regular gatherings, shared stories, and friendly banter have helped me to feel more connected and less alone. I've made some friends and rediscovered a sense of purpose and belonging.
I wholeheartedly recommend the man shed to any man looking for a place to connect, learn, and contribute. It's more than just a shed; it's a community that has made a real difference in my life.
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