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Men in Sheds Lancing and Sompting
"Each shed participant is both a teacher and a learner" ..." Associate Professor Gary Misan website updated 20 03 2026 |
Shed Weekly Update 20 03 2026
What a wonderful week we've enjoyed at the shed! The sun has been shining, community projects have been thriving, and we've been treated to delicious goodies from our generous local residents. The great weather inspired us to get outside and spruce up our garden area—benches and fences have received their annual fresh coats of paint, and the planters are looking better than ever. Our steel security grills were also painted, and we're making plans for an area that will soon be turned into another small wild garden, specially planted for bees and butterflies.
While the garden was buzzing with activity, our team was also hard at work on several meaningful projects. We're pleased to share that the memorial bench requested by local resident Lucie is now complete, and we'll be arranging delivery . Another highlight was finishing the planters for Tanya and the Adur West Family Hub, which are already planted up and looking great (see pictures). Tanya, thank you for the lovely essentials —they made our Thursday elevenses extra tasty!
Our community spirit doesn't stop there. We have also completed a special gift for Herons Dale Primary School , which will be delivered next week. Meanwhile, our shedders have been busy with personal projects: Stephen created a fantastic chopping board, Ken has been designing whirligig prototypes, and Kevin finished the impressive task of restoring a seating unit that was headed for landfill. Thanks to his dedication, it's now fully restored and ready to be enjoyed for many more years ( see pictures).
A little friendly competition made the week even brighter! Geoff set a bowl turning challenge for fellow shedder Stephen, to be made from two blanks made up from offcuts he brought in. This week, Geoff turned his bowl from the glued-up blank, and next up is Stephen's turn. The shed has been filled with banter and laughter, especially after Geoff's slightly mishap-prone, but successfully completed, bowl—a true cracker! We can't wait to see what Stephen creates next from his bowl blank.
We also had the pleasure of working with some greenheart offcuts donated by Ruth, they are from the ongoing replacement works on Groynes . Although one of the hardest woods the scrap pieces turned beautifully on the lathe, and we've crafted two lovely items to show Ruth when she returns from her break that highlights what offcuts of any size can be turned into.
It's incredibly rewarding to support our community while also encouraging creativity and learning among our shedders. Whether tackling group projects, exploring new ideas, or enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry, there's always something to look forward to each week.
We wrapped up the week in style—soaking up the sun with a brew and some delicious slices of peach melba and bakewell cake, kindly gifted by Tanya.
Here's wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead!
What a wonderful week we've enjoyed at the shed! The sun has been shining, community projects have been thriving, and we've been treated to delicious goodies from our generous local residents. The great weather inspired us to get outside and spruce up our garden area—benches and fences have received their annual fresh coats of paint, and the planters are looking better than ever. Our steel security grills were also painted, and we're making plans for an area that will soon be turned into another small wild garden, specially planted for bees and butterflies.
While the garden was buzzing with activity, our team was also hard at work on several meaningful projects. We're pleased to share that the memorial bench requested by local resident Lucie is now complete, and we'll be arranging delivery . Another highlight was finishing the planters for Tanya and the Adur West Family Hub, which are already planted up and looking great (see pictures). Tanya, thank you for the lovely essentials —they made our Thursday elevenses extra tasty!
Our community spirit doesn't stop there. We have also completed a special gift for Herons Dale Primary School , which will be delivered next week. Meanwhile, our shedders have been busy with personal projects: Stephen created a fantastic chopping board, Ken has been designing whirligig prototypes, and Kevin finished the impressive task of restoring a seating unit that was headed for landfill. Thanks to his dedication, it's now fully restored and ready to be enjoyed for many more years ( see pictures).
A little friendly competition made the week even brighter! Geoff set a bowl turning challenge for fellow shedder Stephen, to be made from two blanks made up from offcuts he brought in. This week, Geoff turned his bowl from the glued-up blank, and next up is Stephen's turn. The shed has been filled with banter and laughter, especially after Geoff's slightly mishap-prone, but successfully completed, bowl—a true cracker! We can't wait to see what Stephen creates next from his bowl blank.
We also had the pleasure of working with some greenheart offcuts donated by Ruth, they are from the ongoing replacement works on Groynes . Although one of the hardest woods the scrap pieces turned beautifully on the lathe, and we've crafted two lovely items to show Ruth when she returns from her break that highlights what offcuts of any size can be turned into.
It's incredibly rewarding to support our community while also encouraging creativity and learning among our shedders. Whether tackling group projects, exploring new ideas, or enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry, there's always something to look forward to each week.
We wrapped up the week in style—soaking up the sun with a brew and some delicious slices of peach melba and bakewell cake, kindly gifted by Tanya.
Here's wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead!
Celebrating a Decade of Connection: Premiering "All for One and One for All" and Discussing the Power of Men's Sheds
This past Saturday, 17th May 2025, at our 10th Birthday party, we were incredibly proud to premiere a powerful documentary, "All for One and One for All." Filmed by the talented Lancing director Chris Dade of www.bebrightenergy.co.uk this film beautifully captures the heart and soul of the Lancing and Sompting Men in Sheds project.
For a decade, this grassroots initiative has been a beacon for retired men, offering a vital space to combat loneliness and foster genuine connection. The documentary movingly illustrates how the simple act of gathering in a shared space – building, tinkering, sharing skills, and simply chatting – has transformed lives, nurtured mental well-being, and created lasting friendships. It's a testament to the immense power of camaraderie in later life.
We know first-hand the profound impact a Men's Shed can have. We've seen how it provides purpose, reduces isolation, and offers a supportive community that makes a real difference.
Now, we want to share this message far and wide and explore how we can work together to bring the benefits of Sheds to even more individuals who could thrive within such a community
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FILM
This past Saturday, 17th May 2025, at our 10th Birthday party, we were incredibly proud to premiere a powerful documentary, "All for One and One for All." Filmed by the talented Lancing director Chris Dade of www.bebrightenergy.co.uk this film beautifully captures the heart and soul of the Lancing and Sompting Men in Sheds project.
For a decade, this grassroots initiative has been a beacon for retired men, offering a vital space to combat loneliness and foster genuine connection. The documentary movingly illustrates how the simple act of gathering in a shared space – building, tinkering, sharing skills, and simply chatting – has transformed lives, nurtured mental well-being, and created lasting friendships. It's a testament to the immense power of camaraderie in later life.
We know first-hand the profound impact a Men's Shed can have. We've seen how it provides purpose, reduces isolation, and offers a supportive community that makes a real difference.
Now, we want to share this message far and wide and explore how we can work together to bring the benefits of Sheds to even more individuals who could thrive within such a community
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FILM
2025 IS OUR 10TH BIRTHDAY!
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO THE CO-OP AND THEIR SHOPPERS WHO HAVE DONATED £3,549.044 TO US AS PART OF THEIR 2022/3 COMMUNITY AWARDS - WE ARE SO GRATEFUL!!
17 08 2023 Painted pebbles. We found these left for us on the large planter outside The Shed this morning. To whoever did this, "Thank You" it makes our day go even better...
We were recently visited by video.filmaker Jon Rist of .Futurist Media who made a marvellous film about us. Here Shedders talk about the Shed, what it means to come along to the Shed and there are also great shots of Shedders working. Take a look at
https://www.facebook.com/FuturistVideo
PLEASE NOTE YOU NEED A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO VIEW THIS
Jon's website is at www.jonrist.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/FuturistVideo
PLEASE NOTE YOU NEED A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO VIEW THIS
Jon's website is at www.jonrist.co.uk
We reach out to our local community by .
Please note that we are not a business. We do not seek to take work off local tradespeople. When we work on projects we simply ask for the cost of the materials that we use (if we do not already have then) and a donation to cover our running costs for the project like insurance, electricity etc.
- repairing items such as benches and planters for our local councils, local charities, sheltered housing projects and care homes
- making items for playschools and groups working with young people
- visiting local groups like the Sea Scouts to make items such as bug boxes and bird boxes,
- making items for community groups like The Friends of Brookland Park and Keep Lancing Lovely
- wood, materials and surplus items from local builders and developers, householders and community groups
- tools that are no longer required - if we cannot use them, we can usually find someone who can!
- donations of tea, coffee and biscuits!
Please note that we are not a business. We do not seek to take work off local tradespeople. When we work on projects we simply ask for the cost of the materials that we use (if we do not already have then) and a donation to cover our running costs for the project like insurance, electricity etc.
Our Shed Manager, Frank King keeps everyone up to date
with what is happening at the Shed(S) and our involvement in the community
with what is happening at the Shed(S) and our involvement in the community
Men in Sheds Lancing and Sompting is where
- we challenge isolation and loneliness by providing a warm, safe and encouraging atmosphere
- we learn and teach each other skills and ideas
- we get together for a cuppa and a chat
- we have lots of power and hand tools for people to work on woodworking projects they may have like bird tables, planters and the like
- we can show you how to use lathes to make beautiful items
- we go out into our local community to work on projects, build items and share our skills and time
Left. Howard Attwater or "H" as he was affectionately known was at our very first meeting and offered his double garage to be our first Shed. We were so grateful. H passed away in 2017 and the Shedders continue to support his partner, Julie.
