Golfers help keep 'shedders' warm

Saturday 29 February 2020

Golfers are known to be a hardy bunch, playing their games whatever the weather on the west coast of Guernsey, but thanks to the fundraising efforts of the men at La Grande Mare, the guys using the Men's Shed will find themselves a bit warmer over the cold winter months.

The Shed was officially launched last year, having been quietly in the planning since 2012.

It is a charitable organisation, supported by Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG) which itself fundraises and supports awareness raising initiatives around male cancers and other physical and mental health issues.

The Men's Shed is in an old packing facility at a vinery site past the airport on Route de Plaisance. It has been thriving since its official launch in November last year, with up to 30 regular users.

The idea is they can work on individual or group projects, sharing skills and ideas, with the opportunity to talk if they wish. 

Pictured: Marcel Lenormand is the Shed Manager. 

Having been made aware of the facility before it opened, the 2019 Men's Captain at La Grande Mare Golf Club decided to raise money to support the initiative.  

Tim Halden raised money through his Captain's Day and other events, which has now been donated to the Men's Shed, and will be spent on heating it.    

He recently handed over a cheque for £2,166.80 to two representatives of Men's Shed Guernsey and MUG, and he thanked his fellow golfers for their generosity.

"The money was raised during 2019 through kind donations from our members and the hard work of the Men’s golf committee throughout the year," he said. "I'm grateful for their support and to be able to give this money to the Men's Shed to keep their members warm as they make use of the great facility they have."  

Pictured l-r: Mark Smith; Men’s Shed Guernsey, Tim Halden; La Grande Mare Golf Club Captain 2019, Chris Walker; MUG Representative.

Mark Smith represents Men's Shed and he said they were very grateful for the donation, which will enable their many members to keep warm while working and talking.

"Since the Men’s Shed launched in November 2019 we have provided twice weekly sessions for men to attend and work on projects within our community workshop. We’re currently seeing between 15 & 30 men every session who are sharing their knowledge, making friends and talking shoulder to shoulder. Our community outreach project at La Grand Courtil is regularly attended by a small group of men who otherwise would have nowhere to undertake their projects. The overwhelming activity at both the Shed and the outreach project is banter and the sound of laughter.

"The support of La Grande Mare Golf club and MUG is vital in contributing to our ongoing activity and the funds received will go towards the costs of providing a heated space at the Men’s Shed to increase the comfort of our ‘’shedders’’ during the winter months."

Pictured: The Men's Shed is off the Route de Plaisance. 

The Men’s Shed is open to all. It is located at the Sandpiper Vinery in St Peters, next door to Edible Guernsey, off the Route de Plaisance.

It is open on Wednesday afternoons between 12:00 and 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00.

To find out more about Men's Shed click HERE or call Mr Le Normand on 07781143641 or visit the Men's Shed Facebook.