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New Men's Shed in Broxbourne, Herts.

Chris101

Chris101

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Alright chaps. Been away for a while due to extenuating circumstances that some of you might be aware of. To cut a long story short I'm losing my beloved shed I've sold most of my machines but still have a fair amount of handtools and my wood etc tucked away. . If all goes to plan I'll be buying a narrow boat. So no space for many tools other than mechanical ones. Well I've come to terms with that but I was going to store them and the odd power tool I couldn't bear to part with like my Inca saw at various places. But my bench was too big.
Life is ok. I have my health and my kids. After a long few months I remain positive and life is getting more promising all the time. This is not a whine I promise! If anything I've regained a sense of change and reminded myself that life is more than just a recurring pattern.

So. With that nonsense out of the way. Here's the rub.

I was driving to pick my lad up the other day. I saw Bill next door walking his dog. Called hello and I ended up pulling over. Well Bill is a bear of bigger brain than me and has his own company locally. Long and short, he's taken on a new bigger unit. Ok I nod, pleased because he's a genuinely nice guy. Are you still after somewhere to store your bench and stuff?

In that moment, I got a tiny bit lighter for a moment. Maybe my heels lifted an inch off the pavement and I was outrageously bouyant. When someone offers something so manifestly important to you with so light and kind a touch it's just a little overwhelming. How do you say 'Thankyou' properly to that? Especially if you are British!

If there's a forum where I don't have to explain the deep love I have for working at my bench it's here, to you lot. And now it's safe. I'm still thinking of stuff and the mind's reeling a little and then Bill goes:

"I'm thinking of starting a Men's Shed there too. Would you be interested?"

Err.... A safe dry place to store my gear, an opportunity to actually woodwork it too and somewhere to ALSO have a chat and a laugh and learn with other like minded fellas (and ladies I'm sure if they want) once or twice a week. Maybe a beer after at the local?

And I'm pretty sure I heard Angels singing in the heavens and the music of the spheres.

Pretty sure I'd be interested Bill. Yes mate. :eusa-shifty:

Anyone else fancy the idea. It's definitely an idea in progress. But Bill wouldn't have mentioned it, if he hadn't thought it through. I'm going to back it all the way and can donate some tools, a small p/t and the cast iron morticer. Also books.
Please post if you are interested. Love to garner some interest and there must be some guys on here who might like a go and to meet and have an easy night away from the challenges of real life.

I should say. I don't talk ANYWHERE as much as I type. So you're alright there if we meet up in real life. :D

Please feel free to comment and add any personal interest if you are localish. If you look at EN10 6you are right in the AO.

Best regards all. Sorry for the wall of text but a reminder that dawn always follows the dark. Sometimes it's just hard to remember that

I'll never get round to making that green oak porch now but canoe building just got a a whole lot more relevant.
:obscene-drinkingcheers:
Chris
 
Bill is a good egg by the sounds of it, I wish I was closer because it sounds like it'll be a good time :obscene-drinkingbuddies:


"No difficulty can discourage, no obstacle dismay, no trouble dishearten the man who has acquired the art of being alive. Difficulties are but dares of fate, obstacles but hurdles to try his skill, troubles but bitter tonics to give him strength; and he rises higher and looms greater after each encounter with adversity." - Ella Wheeler Wilcox
 
Excellent news mate, I’m delighted for you. Bill sounds like a top chap. Please keep us up to speed with how this all pans out.
 
Chris, to the best of my knowledge there are no such schemes here, a shame.

I am sure with your input and passion the shed will thrive.
 
When I first took some of my dad's old tools to the Exeter MiS, they put me on to the sawmills 5 miles from where I live which has since supplied much of the timber for my workshop bench, verandah roof, balustrade and doors.

So, since then, when I've upgraded tools, I've take the previous ones down to MiS for their benefit.

The Exeter MiS restores old tools in the 'Shed' and sells them in their shop in the city.
 
I had a different experience with Men's Sheds. A couple of years ago one of the main national organisers attempted to wrangle me as 'H&S Technical Advisor' or some such title where I was to attempt to formulate some sort of H&S policy for the entire organisation. To give him his due, he did try very hard to convince me that the it was a worthwhile undertaking (which it probably was) but I could see that it would be a poison chalice of monumental proportions. I had to explain to him, very clearly and very precisely, in words of one syllable, that there was no way on God's green earth that I was going to accept the (unpaid) post. Furthermore, I wanted nothing to do with 'shedders' in any way shape or form and that he was forbidden to even attempt to contact me in the future.

He got the message - Rob
 
Coincidentally, I met up with an ex work colleague yesterday who had just come from a mens shed in western Southampton somewhere.
Chatting about it, it seems they have visiting speakers and go on visits, walks, pubs etc but don't seem to do anything practical. More of a social support group really.

Quite a contrast from our local one in Romsey who make wooden things to sell and hold a walk-in repair shop every 3 months or so for Joe Public to bring in things needing repair in exchange for a modest donation according to means.

Bob
 
Woodbloke":3cdg73xn said:
I had a different experience with Men's Sheds. A couple of years ago one of the main national organisers attempted to wrangle me as 'H&S Technical Advisor' or some such title where I was to attempt to formulate some sort of H&S policy for the entire organisation. To give him his due, he did try very hard to convince me that the it was a worthwhile undertaking (which it probably was) but I could see that it would be a poison chalice of monumental proportions. I had to explain to him, very clearly and very precisely, in words of one syllable, that there was no way on God's green earth that I was going to accept the (unpaid) post. Furthermore, I wanted nothing to do with 'shedders' in any way shape or form and that he was forbidden to even attempt to contact me in the future.

He got the message - Rob
Click to expand...

It astonishes me sometimes when people ask for formal professional advice for free, particularly when a potential PI situation could be involved. I have lost count of the number of times I am asked at a dinner party/bar/whatever for a ‘bit of advice’ on this lease/title/valuation. When I was in practice I told them to get in touch via the office and arrange a letter of engagement. Normally stopped them. If not then I just quoted a ridiculous fee. Couldn’t abide dealing with punters. ‘Too much pain for too little gain’.

After that (I retired early) I said I would only do so if they arranged appropriate PI cover for me. Which would probably have its own (insuperable) difficulties. Never happened.

Which is why any internet advice from a professional will have something like ‘this is only hypothetical’, ‘this does not constitute professional advice’, ‘I speak only as a layman’, ‘you must obtain your own advice’… &c. Unless they are insane.

Professionals do not wish to be unhelpful, but not to the extent of betting our houses on what is probably a half-told biased story. For no reward.

And breathe. Apologies for going off topic.
 
That sounds like perfect timing to have that encounter and opportunity Chris. Life is like the ever changing weather, when it's sunny you can't imagine the rain and vice versa. Make the most of it, as I am sure you will.
 
Thanks for all the varied replies chaps. It's good to hear of people's experiences even if some have been negative. I didn't really expect to get much of a direct response from someone local to the area on WH2 tbh. I get the impression some of you might even have your own sheds. ;) Just wanted to share my good news. I have been more active on the other website lately as I've been taking advantage of the sales forum to unload some unwanted gear. I'll post on there about it. Despite its drawbacks it does have a large audience.
Feelss good to be back on here among such gentlemen and general good guys and to be looking forward to a brighter future again.
Cheers fellas,
Chris
 
If you are not an experienced boater it would be wise to take advice on the narrow boat purchase. This is a particularly bad time to buy, prices have been inflated over the last two years by interest from people who have been prevented from taking their normal holidays in the sun of foreign parts.
A number of half witted articles have also featured in the cheap (or free) press claiming that you can live for nothing on the waterways.
It’s rubbish but must be tempting the unwary to make mistakes.
My forty years of interest and canal boating says please take great care.
 
Many thanks for the sage caution Mike. I have to admit the scale of some of the options have were quite bewildering at first. I have been looking for fair while now and also having a chat with a good few of the CC'ers on the Lea which runs past the end of my road. I've been up to the local marina at Roydon which should provide some stability for the kids and has a decent amount of services. I've been on the canal world website scouring old threads for the gritty realities of liveing aboard and think my eyes are fairly open to most of the negative aspects. I'm not going into it with any rose tinted spectacles if I'm honest although I have to admit buying my first boat is still very daunting. In my 'defence' I have thought seriously about it in the past and while I didn't end up happening then, it's not quite a rushed decision now. It feels like a natural procession. Like the pieces are falling into a predetermined pattern if you know what I mean. I already have several maps of the canals from near misses in previous years.I knew they were worth keeping! ;)
I appreciate the situation with prices is far from ideal and under no illusions that its a cheap lifestyle but the alternatives are no rosier. A new mortgage at 47 on a tiny house and be stricken to the bank again for the rest of my life, starting it all again is too much to bear. In an area I only live in because of the kids I'd far rather be mortgage free and take my chances. I did all the 'right things' and still find myself in this position. Time to do what I want and throw in with the winds and see what happens.
I really do appreciate the concern Mike. It really is much appreciated. I just feel it's the right time. Many thanks for taking the trouble of posting. Maybe I could pm you with any boats I'm looking at and you could run your eye over them? I would certainly be very glad of any experienced advice.
Regards
Chris
 
Hi Chris
I’m glad you are not offended by my post. I would be pleased to assist you if I can, these are shark infested waters!
The guidance that you can get from Canalworld and it’s contributors should be very helpful.
I have built several narrow boats from the ground up, steelwork, joinery, and engineering included. My son is currently doing similar work.
Prices are normally much higher in the south so I shudder to think what they are like at the moment, I think it’s reasonable to assume that a number of boats will be on the market as the new owners realise that boating is not for everyone and return to flying to the sun.
I have never lived on board but have built and owned five boats. My wife and I have just wound up a business making joinery for narrow boats and Dutch barges. As a woodworker you will find boat yards to be fabulously expensive places. The recent rubbish printed in various areas has promoted the idea that you can pick out a nice spot on the canal and moor there free of charge.
 
I would be eternally grateful for any advice Mike. It's very kind and extremely reassuring to have a seasoned professional who is willing to lend advice. Don't worry I won't bombard you with PM's by any measure, but I feel very lucky to have someone in my corner I must say. Many thanks again for you kindness and generosity. I'll be in touch at some point.
Thanks again.
 
Chris, I to am on the Boats, based in the Midlands.
Any help in the boat direction, don't hesitate to make contact.
Mikes advice is good, do your homework, there are some very wrong bits of "advice" out there.

Bod.
 
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