“We”ve a lot going on right now in the Shed, and we”ve even more coming down the line”, says Kevin Macken, Chairman of the Slane and District Men”s Shed.
“Our big project right now is building a field kitchen for the Meath River Rescue. Their volunteers go out in all weathers and risk life and limb to do searches and other activities on the River Boyne. We wanted to do something for them and we came up with the idea of a dedicated field kitchen which will allow the rescuers to make hot drinks and food as well as store and keep food and drinks warm.”
“We did some quick fundraising, bought a chassis and wheels, and then designed our own field kitchen from scratch. We”ve a great metalwork area and very talented members, led by our metalwork teacher, Thomas Woodward.” “We”re hoping to be able to show our work in Slane at the St Patrick”s Day Parade”, he added.
“The field kitchen will be floodlit, and have shelter from rain”, says Kevin, “and we”ll make all the different parts ourselves”. Kevin is no stranger to catering, as the former owner of Slane”s Conygham Arms Hotel.
Slane and District Men”s Shed started up in its own buildings in September 2019. The shed provides a wide range of activities and is open from ten to four, five days a week. It has dedicated woodwork and metalwork areas, a computer room, fitted kitchen and separate canteen, an exercise room with aerobic machines, and a general-purpose recreational area that hosts training courses, physical exercise classes, cards, music lessons, musical evenings, and games such as pool and bowls.
“We”ve had tremendous support from the Louth Meath Education and Training Board”, Kevin says. “This year we”ll have classes in positive psychology, mindfulness, smartphone and computer skills, health eating and cookery, photography, hand pottery, and more”. Kevin says that the take-up on these courses and other Shed activities shows that “you can teach an old dog new tricks” and that life does not end with retirement.
“The Shed is a welcoming place for men to just hang out and chat or to learn and practise new skills”, he says. “We”ve a very strong emphasis on activities, both indoor and outdoor and one of our plans is to develop an outdoor bowls area in the French style”.
This year, the Shed is partnering with Age Action Ireland to provide one to one tutoring sessions in how to make effective use of smartphones, laptops and other devices. Participants will have their own tutor for one to two hours a week for five weeks, beginning in April.
“What”s great about this programme”, Kevin says, “is that the participants themselves decide what they want to learn. For some it”ll be contacting family and friends, for others it might be watching online sports, or bidding for things in online auctions!”
We”d love to hear from anyone who”s interested in what we do. If anyone wants to know more they can call us at 086 600 3636 or email slanemensshed@gmail.com.
