When construction workers retire, what do they do with all their creative energy?
Now, with the Men’s Shed initiative, residents of the Innisfree Housing Association and the wider community can use their talent again in their own time to satisfy their appetite for handmade goods.
One of London’s leading construction and demolition waste management companies, O’Donovan Waste Disposal was the first company in the industry to donate a porta cabin as the Men’s Shed.
The Managing Director, Jacqueline O’Donovan, a real supporter of the cause and idea, said:
“We are delighted and honoured to be involved in such an important initiative. These men have worked hard in our industry and it is important that we come together to support them now they are retired. The shed will be a great way of keeping them active and learn new skills.”
The project was a joint effort between Irish in Britain, Innisfree Housing, The London Irish Construction Network (TLICN) and of course O’donovan’s and is based on Innisfree’s grounds in Brent. There are 25 Irish residents living in the location, including many retired construction workers.
The gifted shed will give these tenants and the wider community an opportunity to weave baskets, participate in upholstery, carpentry, joinery, turning, carving, whittling, marquetry and furniture renovation. The items made can either be sold or given as gifts and although it’s called a men’s shed, women are welcome to get involved also.
John Delahunty, CEO of Innisfree said Clochar Court, where the shed is based, is appropriate for Irish elders. He said:
“Innisfree’s values are to be inspired by our Irish roots and to show passion for our work – and this shed embodies those values.”
Charlotte Curran, Health Coordinator for Irish in Britain said:
“We are delighted to work with our partners in the development of a shed at Innisfree Housing where there is an endless supply of skills and enthusiasm to make this the success it will be. We could not even consider this project without the direct support from O Donovan’s who kick–started this initiative with a donation of the porta cabin.”
While the Men’s Shed was made possible with the help of O’Donovan’s gift, the project will rely on donations of wood, tools and other relevant items to get it off the ground. To find out more and to donate, contact Cecilia Greene cecilia.greene@innisfree.org.uk or Charlotte Curran ccurran@irishinbritain.org.
Join us at the Men’s Shed official launch on 21 July at 10am with Ambassador Dan Mulhall at Clochar Court, Crownhill Road, NW10 4EQ. Keep up to date via Twitter.