Shed of the Week: Naas Community Men's Shed

Naas Community Men’s Shed came to fruition in 2014 after a few older people in the community felt that there was a requirement for a shed in Naas.

Shed chair Norman Farragher shares that the shed was set up to “bring people together, give them activities” and to “share their experiences with each other”.

The shed recently moved location to a house on the Dublin Road. Norman attributes the recent sharp increase of an additional 20 members to this move.

There are now 57 members, who vary from 26 to 86 years of age. This new premises is spacious and members have fully refurbished the downstairs with a kitchen that has the facilities to prepare lunch.

They are almost finished the upstairs refurbishment, with plans to create a small gym.

Members are also waiting for the weather to improve so that they can re-erect their polytunnel, hen house and beehives in their new location.

“Everyone knows everyone’s stories,” explains Norman.

The shed put huge emphasis on social interaction between members and encourage members to share their stories and problems.

“If anyone is missing, a phone call will be made to check in on them,” he explains. The members also actively use WhatsApp to keep each other in the loop.

The members have a constant stream of projects from making bird boxes to insect hotels. Members often learn a new skill from other members.

Music is a very popular pastime for some of the members and the band set up by members has had great success playing gigs in the community.

The band has played in nursing homes, at the harbour and festivals throughout the town. “The band is so good. They are going to be big,” says Norman. He added that you will often find “sessions in the shed”.

The shed is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm with lunch at 12.30pm and they are always open to new members. For more information contact Norman on 086-817 3469.

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