By Lisa Ramsden
WHEN it comes to local men’s sheds, a pre-requisite for joining is usually in the name.
However, that all changed for one local initiative four years ago, when a couple of local women – who felt that there was a lack of activities for women in the town – joined Ballynahinch’s ‘shedders’.
Such was the demand, and the success from its initial intake, that earlier this year Ballynahinch Hen Shed officially launched.
At a special event taking place in the market town this weekend, locals will get the opportunity to learn more about these two hugely successful initiatives.
Saturday’s joint event will allow the men and the ‘hens’ the chance to showcase just some of their many activities.
It will take place in the top car park of St Patrick’s Church, between 10.30am and 2pm.
With taster sessions and demonstrations, plus arts and crafts which have been beautifully made by members, it’s sure to be a great event.
Karl Stafford, who chairs the Men’s Shed, and ‘Hen’ Janet Bryan have said a warm welcome awaits everyone.
They are thrilled with the success of both sheds and say these cross-community groups are open to anyone aged 18 or over.
Already, both have a strong membership. Strangers quickly become good friends, and skills are passed on, or learned, in a range of activities, from gardening and woodworking, to intricate arts and crafts.
The Men’s Shed in Ballynahinch has been open since 2018.
It was founded by Francis Casement and has over that time been steadily growing.
In 2021, a couple of local women began to attend, doing crafts and working in the polytunnel and allotment.
As Karl and Janet explained, lots of crafts are facilitated – most of which are available to members of the community.
They also routinely donate boxes of their freshly grown vegetables to the town’s food bank.
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