Slane Men's Shed marks a year of achievement and growth

The Slane and District Men's Shed celebrated another great year at a well attended annual meeting Last week.

"We’ve increased our membership and added on new facilities and activities in the past year," Kevin Macken, chairman told the meeting.

"We completed our major project – the field kitchen for the Meath River Rescue – and we have opened a new pottery studio and a kiln room. We have manual and electric pottery wheels as well as the tools and facilities needed for hand-building. Our pottery group is already working on gifts to sell at this year’s Slane Christmas Market.

"As in other years, we’ve had great support from the LMETB. This year we’re putting on classes in mindfulness, computer skills, healthy eating and cooking, photography, physical exercise, and more."

He said their walking group continues to attract members whether for local walks or outings to museums and places like Croke Park.

"However, the Shed is not just about formal classes and skills development. It’s also a place where men come just to hang out and chat or play cards and pool."

Mr Macken paid tribute to the outgoing Shed Secretary, Pat Doyle, who is leaving the Committee after many years at the helm. "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Pat who was the visionary and driving force behind the Shed"

Flagging that it was not all plain sailing, he highlighted the necessity for succession planning within the Shed leadership. "We’re not getting any younger any of us and we don’t want to be spending all our time on administration.

We need to attract in more members as well as people with expertise in areas of importance to us.

‘We’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in what we do. If anyone wants to know more they can call me at 0866003636 or email slanemensshedpro@gmail.com," he said.