History of our Shed on the Historic Isle of Axholme

The first conversation about a men's shed was back in 2021.  The Isle of Axholme parish and Town councils identified a need to combat isolation and loneliness in the predominantly (but not exclusively in the) older male population of the Isle and its surrounding Areas. Improving mental and physical health.

Carole Johnson, a Shed development officer from HWRA at Barton upon Humber,  who is the holder of Big Lottery money for the development of sheds in the Humber region, took part in the conversations, leading the development of our shed.

Expressions of interest meetings were held and then a search for premises started.

The Thurlow Pavilion (Epworth War Memorial Field)  https://www.epworththurlow.co.uk/  offered the location that was previously the home of Epworth Pre-school and Nursery at a charitable rent.

Trustees were found Mr. John Morren and David Morris and  Mr. Jon Clark, charitable status was applied for. 

In November 2022 we had our Charity registration and the prospect of a location.

We signed the lease for the building in December 2022 to start in January 2023.

We (The Trustees) walked through the front door for the first time on the 3rd Jan 2023.

Our "Open Day" was the 23rd of February 2023, which was very well attended, being the formal start of our Shed.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted, and the Fun began.

Now in our  3rd Year and going from strength to strength.

Our  Trustees are (April 2025)

Keith Drakes (Chair)

Jon Clark (Secretary)

Tony Hall (Finance)

Tony Henwood

Charlotte Oatway

The Shed (Men's Shed) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.