Registered Charity No. 1177833
News & Updates
Redditch Community Shed Reopens
26th April 2022
On 26th April the Shed officially opened its doors at 7 George Walk, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch.
The ribbon was cut by Tina Duke, and wife of the late Roly Duke. Also in attendance were supporters of the Shed, Ken Williams, Kingfisher Centre Manager, Elaine Grant from the Old Needleworks, Simon Stokes from Sign Specialists, Adam Pemberton, Kingfisher Centre, and members from the Shed.
Roly Duke set up the Redditch Community Shed in the Old Needleworks in Britten Street and from there it has grown both in the number of members and size of meeting space.
Redditch Community Shed is a community space for all genders, ethnicities and abilities where people can connect, converse and create or just drop in for a chat. At Redditch Community Shed we have an ambition for men and women to be healthy and happy.
Without doubt the Redditch Shed improves people’s wellbeing and has helped people make new friends, reduce loneliness, anxiety, depression and other sheds in the UK Men’s Shed Association have even saved people’s lives. We create a positive environment in which members feel they can talk safely and freely about anything whilst working “shoulder to shoulder”.
Other than the social aspect of the Shed we encourage members to take part in activities if they wish to do so. We provide the necessary facilities for woodworking but are expanding into other areas of craft as we now have the space to do so. This means that the Shed appeals to more people and assists in the improvement of their mental health.
Whatever the activity, the essence of a Shed is not a building, but the connections and relationships between its members.
Redditch Community Shed looks forward to welcoming new members.
Redditch Community Shed - Official Opening Tuesday 26th April 2022 at 11.00am
21st April 2022
It has been a hard road but Redditch Community Shed will be officially reopened on Tuesday 26th April 2022 at 11.00am. In time honoured fashion we will have an official ribbon cutting ceremony followed by tea, cakes, and biscuits. We are located in Unit 7, George Walk, Kingfisher Centre in the unit next to the old music shop, now a wellbeing centre. If you are passing please come and say hello.
Successful Grant Application
16th July 2021
Brilliant News for Redditch Community Shed - We are delighted to announce that our Shed has been successful in applying for a £5,000 Covid-Response grant from Worcestershire Community Foundation.
As some of you will be aware our twice weekly sessions at The Old Needle Works, Redditch ceased at the beginning of the covid lockdown. At the time our numbers were increasing and the venue became unsafe for the numbers both from a health and safety and covid perspective. During lockdown it was decided to finish the lease on the property and use the opportunity to look for a more suitable premises to cater for the increasing numbers of members once lockdown had come to an end.
We have identified a suitable premises and are working hard to finalise the details. This grant will go a long way to help us furnish the unit with equipment needed to continue the work that the late Roly Duke started and allow us to move onwards and upwards.
We are very thankful for Worcestershire Community Foundation for supporting our valuable work with, and in, the community.
Rest in Peace "Our Gaffer" - Roly Duke
21st December 2020
It is with great regret I have to inform you that our friend and Redditch Community Shed founder Roly Duke sadly passed last week away after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by us all and we offer our sincere condolences and thoughts to his wife and family.
Members of the Shed wanted to express their thoughts and pay tribute to Roly as follows:
“Roly brought together a bunch of strangers and turned them into friends. He was always helping people in many ways either practically or through chatting - offering advice and support. Roly's Sheds changed so many people's lives for the better - whether giving them a reason to get out of the house or confidence to join the group and enjoy the benefits of socialising. So many great moments and laughs - those will continue for sure. Roly won't be forgotten - he'll continue to inspire us all. As it's my round, Cheers Roly!" Arthur
Roly became a very good friend in the short time I knew him. He will be sorely missed by a lot of people. So sorry for Tina and family at there loss". George
"Roly will be greatly missed but certainly not forgotten as he leaves a very large legacy. His passion for the men in sheds and for our wellbeing was always top of his agenda. He always put his heart and soul into everything he did. Cheers good friend". Brian
"Roly, you’ll always be an inspiration to “the men in sheds”, a passionate, caring man, and a good mate. I’ll miss you at the Shed and Wethers". Wally
"Roly was the heart of the Redditch Community Shed and the driving force behind its success. For him it was all about the camaraderie, the making of friendships, and giving something back to the community. He will leave a huge hole that will be impossible to fill – we will all miss him". Dean
"Roly’s generosity and passion are his legacy to us all". Sally
Rest in Peace Roly
