Caerau Men’s Shed – Glamorgan Gazette News
Caerau Men’s Shed – Glamorgan Gazette News Report from 15/11/2018
Boys having fun inspire Men’s Shed Calendar
A GROUP set up to stop men from feeling isolated and lonely have been revisiting their childhoods for a fundraising calendar.
Caerau Men’s Shed, which was set up two years ago. meets every Friday at the Caerau Community Development Trust, where members have forged friendships.
They have been involved in many projects and activities to raise money and help local causes. These have included developing allotments and landscaping the land at the rear of the centre to be used as a patio.
The groups latest project has been the production of a calendar. The men wanted to show that just because they are more mature and perhaps a little less agile, they’re not stopped from having fun.
The theme of the photoshoot was “Boys Having Fun” and they reminisced on their youth, and came up with lots of Ideas which included making tree swings, gambos (Welsh for go carts) and playing conkers.
Pictures used in the calendar include the group dressed as cavemen, miners and charactersfrom Last of the Summer Wine.
The making of the calendar has rejuvenated the men and with the support of many organisations they were able to create a fun-filled calendar.
The calendar was launched at a special celebration event in Caerau with the sponsors, Mayoress Lynn Beadle and Assembly Member Huw Irranca-Davies in attendance.
The event also acted as the premiere for their professional documentary ‘ The Making of the Caerau Mens Shed 2019 Calendar by Chris Davies from ColourBlack Productions with aerial drone footage from Jem Airpics.
The film captured the whole story and ethos of the Men’s Shed organisation through the lives and fun filled activities of the Caerau members.
Included in the film was the induction of one of the newer members of Caerau Men’s Shed, World War II veteran Victor Davies who recently celebrated his 100th birthday and is now the oldest Men’s Shed member in Wales.
Victor joined in the fun of making the calendar and his wife remarked following the photoshoot that it gave him a renewed energy.
All of the proceeds of the calendar will be put back into the Caerau Men’s Shed and used to assist men in the local community.
Members say the making of the calendar has shown that men coming together to work on a project with a common goal is a perfect way to eliminate isolation and improve their health and well-being.
The Men’s Shed Organisation, which originated in Australia, is now becoming more popular in Wales with increasing numbers of groups being established across the country.
The purpose of the organisation is to assist men combat the stress of loneliness and isolation by introducing opportunities for men to meet, share and enjoy a variety of hobbies and activites together.
Published by “Glamorgan Gazette Valleys Edition” 15/1/18
Get your copy of the 2018 Calendar here