Men Are Shedding New Light in Rostrevor

L-R Top: John Carr, Patsy Curran, Peter Valkema(Secretary) Rob Fearon, Jimmy Owens(Treasurer) Donal Lavery, Bottom From L-R Clare Sheils (Rural Development Officer) Mark Gibbons(Chair) Eamonn O’ Connor, Lawrence Boyle, and Steven Boyle

Something new — and much needed — is beginning to take shape in Rostrevor.

This evening marked the very first committee meeting of the Rostrevor Men’s Shed, held in St Bronagh’s GAA Clubrooms, following an incredibly successful public meeting just days earlier.

It’s been all hands to the pump getting this idea off the ground, but already the energy, enthusiasm, and goodwill from local people has been fantastic.

One of our main objectives is simple: to enhance or maintain the wellbeing of local men. We all know that men don’t always talk face-to-face — they talk shoulder-to-shoulder — and that’s exactly what a Men’s Shed offers. A space where men can meet, share stories, work together, and look out for one another.

Strong Local Interest

Ever since I announced my intention to explore setting up a Men’s Shed, the phone hasn’t stopped. So many men — and families — have reached out to offer help, support, and encouragement.

Originally, the idea was to form a joint Men’s Shed for the Rostrevor and Warrenpoint area, but the level of interest has been so great that it’s already clear both towns could sustain their own Sheds.

For now, I’ll be focusing on getting the Rostrevor Men’s Shed up and running first, while still offering help and advice to anyone who wants to get a Warrenpoint Shed started in the near future. The lessons we learn here will hopefully lay the foundation for other Sheds to grow across South Down.

Forming Our First Committee

We now have a committee made up of dedicated volunteers from Rostrevor, Warrenpoint, and the surrounding area — men who are eager to see this project take off.

There are already over 25 names on the membership list, which is a wonderful start and a clear sign that something special is happening here.

What Is a Men’s Shed?

A Men’s Shed is a friendly, welcoming meeting place where men can come together and take part in a range of mutually agreed activities. It’s a place to feel at home, share a laugh, socialise, and pursue practical interests at your own pace.

The Rostrevor Men’s Shed will be a space where skills and craftsmanship can be shared and passed on, but it will also be a place simply to sit, have a cup of tea, and enjoy good company.

It’s open to all men — regardless of age, background, or ability. There’s no pressure, no competition, and no targets to meet. Just shared projects, shared skills, and shared friendship.

Ideas Already Taking Shape

The list of possible activities is already long and exciting. Across Ireland and the UK, Men’s Sheds take part in everything from:

• Gardening and allotment projects 🌱

• Pallet upcycling and woodwork 🪚

• Art, drawing, and photography 🎨📸

• Bicycle repair, cooking, and computer classes 🚲💻🍳

• Chess, cards, and social evenings ♟️

• Pottery, tiling, and craft work 🏺

One of our first group activities will be a bus trip to the Armagh Men’s Shed, which is widely regarded as one of the best in Northern Ireland. Seeing their operation first-hand will give us valuable insight — and a good bit of craic too!

Even now, before we’ve secured a premises, you can feel the positive impact this idea is already having. Men are feeling more connected, more motivated, and more valued — and that’s the real goal.

Next Steps

Our immediate priorities are:

• Finding a suitable premises in Rostrevor 🏠

• Continuing to build membership 🤝

• Organising fundraising and sponsorship opportunities 💷

There’s a lot of work ahead, but the enthusiasm in the room tonight leaves no doubt that this project will succeed.

I’m proud to be part of a group of committed, passionate men whose hearts are in the right place — and hopefully, so will be the Rostrevor Men’s Shed.

A Place to Belong

In time, we hope the Shed will be a place where men can:

• Work on projects of their own choosing

• Share knowledge and skills

• Learn something new

• Simply relax and enjoy the company of others

It’s not a training centre, a sports club, or a service — it’s something more important than all of those. It’s a community.

The Rostrevor Men’s Shed will be a space where men can feel useful, connected, and at home.

And tonight, as we close our first ever meeting, there’s a real sense that we’ve just started something special.