Hello Everybody

I am Ali, the new Health and Well Being Community Connector for the Broadstairs Town Shed.  I am delighted to join your Community and get to know each and every one of you over the course of time.  As you may know, this is a new position and will, therefore, be an ongoing work in progress in its initial stages.

My background is as a Mental Health Social Worker. However, a few years ago I decided that it was time for a slightly new direction, but I hope to bring my experience of the time in my previous career to the benefit of all of you as much as I can.

Although my role at the Shed will encompass a variety of different aspects, predominantly I will be with you to support the Shedheads and Shedders with any area’s of concern that you may be encountering in your lives' for which you may benefit with some support, including your time at the Shed.  For example, if you feel that you require any support from external Agencies I can facilitate that on your behalf should that be of help to you.  Please feel comfortable to just pop in to the office or come and find me within the Shed at any time. Even just to have a chat and a catch up would be lovely and a great way of getting to know each other.

Additionally, I will also be looking to develop new and existing community links.  Part of this will include inviting Speakers to the Shed as part of the Nourish and Flourish group which will hopefully be of some interest to you.  I will also be getting involved in the various community workshops and promoting the great work that the Shed does to the wider Community.

Please do just come and find me with any questions that you may have.  And hopefully we can work it out together.

I look forward to meeting you.

P.S. I take my tea medium, white and half a sugar!!!

Whilst the Shed's closed we have arranged a series of get togethers and activities.  Below is a list of what we're getting up to in July

Weekly Wednesday Palm Bay Get Together – every Wednesday at 10am

Bill will be reviving his weekly get togethers at Palm Bay.  Bring a chair, drink or flask for a good banter and some fun activities. 

We’ll be meeting grass side of the tennis courts and there’s plenty of parking on Palm Bay Avenue.

Thursday 04th July Quex House

The Powell Cotton Museum Quex House & Gardens at Quex Park, Birchington, CT7 0BH on Thursday 04th July at 10am. This will be a 3-hour visit for 20 people and includes access to the museum, gardens and guided tour of Quex House. Entrance fees are covered by The Shed. Please let me know (if you haven’t already) if would like to join us as this will be on a first come first served basis.

Tuesday 09th July Sausage Sizzle

Chef Richard has kindly invited us all over for a ‘sausage sizzle’ on Tuesday 09th July between 10-1pm at 38 West Park Avenue, Cliftonville, CT9 3LG. He has instructed us not to bring anything other than ourselves. Thank you Richard and your assistant Wendy.

Thursday 11th July The Garden Gate

Picnic lunch together at The Garden Gate Project between 10:00 - 12:30. Please bring your own. Northdown Park Road, Margate CT9 3TP. The garden is reachable on the loop and tucked away behind the wall located in front of the bus stop. There is parking there too if you are driving.

Sunday 14th July Gadd’s – Ramsgate Brewery (Unit 4 Hornet Close, Broadstairs, CT10 2YD)

Please join us as we take over Gadds – The Ramsgate Brewery on Sunday 14th July 12-4pm. We’ll be joined by some amazing projects to deliver a day of family fun and activities to shout loudly about the incredible role you all play in the community. We’ll be entertained by Gaddzukes, with brewery tours, demonstrations and workshops available for all. We want you all to get involved and have a go, but if you can spare a couple of hours to help out as well, that will be really appreciated. Let’s have some Shed fun!!! #Shed life at the brewery.

Tuesday 16th July Strokes Adventure Golf

Due to popular demand we have arranged another mini golf day tournament on Tuesday 16th July. Please join us at Strokes Adventure Golf, Westbrook Promenade (below sea view terrace), Margate, CT9 5BJ at 10am. Time to show off your putting skills and enjoy this adventurous skill based 18 hole mini golf course with natural hazards set in attractive surroundings, which incorporate rockscapes, plants and water features. Prize for the winner! Lots of fun to be had. Alternative arrangements will be made should the weather not be suitable. Shedders, your green fees will be covered. Course rules no packed lunches. There is a café there selling refreshments and food.

Thursday 18th July Monkton Sculpture Trail

A visit to the Monkton Sculpture Trail to take a walk and see the collaborative community artworks, including Willow’s display put together with The Shedheads and Shedders. There is also a nice little café for a pit stop. Not on the bus route so we will need to arrange car shares to drive there. Please let me know if you would like to go and need a lift to get there.

Thursday 25th July St Peter’s Village Tour

The famous St Peter’s village walking tour, including a guided tour of the church, churchyard and surrounding area. Meet at St Peter’s Church, Church Street, St Peter’s, Broadstairs, CT10 2TR at 09:45. The tour will last between 1.5 – 2 hours approximately. No cost involved. The Shed will cover the expected donation at the end of the tour. Please let me know if you would like to come along so that I can advise of numbers in advance. 

Keep 'em peeled. We are planning lots of activities and events linked to celebrating 10 years of activity in and for our community. We want to involve as many other local organisations and groups as we can to share our journey and help us plan what'll happen i the next 10 years!!  We'll be announcing plans here.

If you'd like to get involved, run a local community group and would like to do a joint project to make the celebration of 10 years of collaboration locally even more special, we'd love to hear from you.

Drop us a note using any of the links from the page.

If you missed our Mince Pie Day and Christmas Sale back in November we have a  treat for you.

Come and join us on Saturday 2nd December, 1200-1400, for a festive open day.

See the Shed in action and discover what makes it such a special place.

The kettle will be on and another chance to pick up some bespoke Shedmade Christmas gifts from the sale or purchase that winning raffle ticket.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Everyone is welcome to come and see what we all get up to at The Shed.
Our 9th ( can you believe it?) popular annual Open day & Christmas fundraiser Sale. TUESDAY 7th NOVEMBER @The Town Shed 12.30-3.00 here in Broadstairs. We'll provide the mince pies as usual, mulled wine and apple juice, and a fantastic array of Shed-made wooden goodies. We'll be posting some of the items made by members that will be for sale on the day over the coming weeks. We'll also have an auction of larger and very special items, all of course to help us inch further towards our new roof appeal total. The fabulous luxury food hamper raffle will of course be featured too.

We’re keen to share what we’ve learnt.  If you'd like to give it a try then the next French Polishing workshop will be over consecutive Fridays, 6^th & 13^th October 2023. 

Contact Debbie@broadstairstownshed.co.uk to book your place.

If you missed our Bowls of Hope at The Turner Contemporary, then discover them as they tour Kent.

Members from Broadstairs Town Shed attended the Annual ‘Shed Fest’ organised by the UK Men's Sheds Association held in Worcester on Saturday, 25th June.

‘Shed Fest’ showcases innovation, products and initiatives all linked to the development of Men’s Shed in the UK.

The Awards ceremony then took place that  evening and John Latchford, Chairman of UK Men’s Sheds Association awarded The Town Shed the top award' Shed Of The Year'

and said :

‘This year is the first year back since 2019 and the field of nominations is incredibly strong. I congratulate Broadstairs Town Shed for the quality of their nomination and this is why we shortlisted them for the award.  My sincere best wishes to them and all the Sheds that took part this year’

Members of the Shed along with our Chair of Trustees, Kerry Millett received the award, The Shed of The Year Award came with a Metalcraft Workshop worth over £500 from Meltalcraft UK together with a bespoke trophy designed by Carveco and a turned bowl from Sunnyside Men's Shed, who carried on the tradition of the previous winner creating a gift for the next awardee.

Kerry said :

‘It was such a strong field.  So many people donate their time, skills and energy to make Sheds work and support their communities at a local level. Our ‘Shed Heads’ are all heroes and support all members by donating many hours each week to make the project work. Before we started many people were generous with their time helping us with tips and support, we try and carry that tradition in the spirit of the World-wide Shed movement too

Sheds not just all across the UK, but across the world really do make a difference to so many people’s lives.  We are unbelievably proud of what all our members have achieved since we started in our tiny building in Pierremont Park back in 2014. To be given this award is the icing on the cake and are excited to see what the next 8 years might bring to our community’

 There are 580 Sheds open already in the UK, and another 140+ in development.

We are delighted that we can once again open up The Shed to existing and potential new members on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We have adjusted our Code of Conduct to adhere to current Government guidelines and to ensure all members and visitors keep safe and well when visiting and joining in activities in the workshop and the rest of the building. 

If you would like to know more about those guidelines and safe practices in place please email julie@broadstairstownshed.org.uk

June 2nd 2020.

We are overwhelmed, proud and delighted to bring all our members, friends and supporters some fantastic, good news at this very tricky time. Our 'Shedheads', the key people who run the Shed, teach, learn with and support all of our members have been awarded the prestigious 'Queen's Award for Voluntary Service'. #QAVS2020

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award. Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Take a look at the guidance notes for further conditions and information.

Although we cannot be together for the time being, rest assured we'll be celebrating just as soon as we can get our amazing 11 worthy winners all together again. Hoping to post pictures of their reactions in lockdown over the next day or so. If you know one of our Shed Heads, please send them your congratulations or leave them a message here. Here's how to learn more about the award https://qavs.culture.gov.uk/ We hope to be able to bring you news of how and when the Shed will re-open soon. In the meantime please stay safe.

Thank You chaps, you are inspirational and very worthy winners.

Here are some pictures of them all as they received the news yesterday, 1st June.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Independent Committee Chair Sir Martyn Lewis, said:

This year’s Queen’s Awards highlight the considerable achievements of groups of volunteers who have been making a real impact to the fabric of our country for many years – in some cases decades. Inspired by all that is best in the human spirit, they are made up of local people who have come together to address particular issues and problems facing their communities - often in new and imaginative ways.

All of these award winners have demonstrated a long-term commitment to volunteering that gives real meaning to society, and which shows Britain at its best. Moreover, some of them have also managed to provide valuable support with the fight against Covid-19. We owe them our gratitude – and our congratulations.

It was with sadness that we said goodbye to Claire, our wonderful Shed coordinator, who had been part of our Shed family since almost the start of our Shed journey back in 2014.

Her passion for and commitment to supporting the Shed ethos here in Broadstairs, in fledgling sheds in Kent and across the country was clear to anyone who knows her.

She takes this passion and dedication for grassroots community development and healthy ageing to her new role as Director of Wellbeing with Social Enterprise Kent.

Everyone had an amazing time again this year at The Pavilion in Broadstairs. Lovely meal, Great entertainment from Hotsy and a singalong too.Thank you to everyone that came and celebrated friendships new and old at The Shed, and another successful year of working together as a community.

Our beloved Shed was built in 1901.It was originally the old Broadstairs Tram Shed.

Although we take great care of the building, and are always improving the space using the amazing skills of our Shedders, and we've done out best over the last few years to patch the roof as much as we can, we now know that the only way to keep the space watertight, safe and comfortable and warm for all our members is to bite the bullet and replace most,if not all of it.

That's a tall order, so Spring 2019 saw us launch a big fundraising campaign to 'Raise the Roof for The Shed'. We'll be making and mending things to help towards our scary target of £40,000 for the work, and hosting all sorts of other fundraising activities.

We're excited to announce that June 20th will see us host our 2nd Fundraising Gala Dinner and auction and Casino event at The Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs.

Lots of planning behind the scenes going on at the moment.

This year's theme will be James Bond, and we're currently asking for kind donations of lots and prizes for the auction, bottles for our luxury tombola and selling tickets for the dinner itself.

We have already had promises of donations from kind supporters, old and new, so watch the space below for news of lots, more details of the events, and details and links to our very kind supporters and donors as they come in.

Jacqui & Lee Wellbrook

Trish Webb

John Harvey

Sophie Binskin-Barnes

Sanjivan Kohli

Alessandra Locardi

Carol-Ann Lewis

2019 is going to be a very exciting one at The Town Shed.

We'll be 5 in May this year!! and what an extraordinary journey we've had already.

From our beginnings in our tiny Shed in Pierremont Park, via much fundraising, donation of time, energy, skills and fabulous things made at the Shed, we have a wonderful workshop and community space.  Many new friendships have been made, thousands of cuppas and jokes shared, and other community groups helped with our woodworking and carpentry skills. The Shed is such a vibrant place to be.

In 2018, we celebrated over 30 new members joining, the installation of an accessible lift, the start of the installation of an accessible loo too ( completion due end of Jan! ).

As always, we Thank everyone locally that has helped us in even a tiny way, whether by commissioning or buying Shed-made products, buying raffle tickets for fundraisers, or knitting and selling their wares, the list is endless. So much kindness makes the project truly alive and ever-evolving, to support the continued good health and well-being of local people.

The Shed is housed in what was the old Broadstairs Tram Shed building, built in 1901. 

As such it's a little tired, and the roof is past it's prime.

We've raised funds and patched and mended where we can in the past, but the many, many, buckets needed when it rains mean we're having to bite the bullet and replace the roof this year.

We need to raise close to £40,000.00 to do so, which is a huge mountain for us to climb with no regular or central funding.

So in Spring 2019, we'll be launching our 'Raise the Roof for the Shed' campaign.

As ever, we'll be whittling, turning and making things to sell towards that goal, but will need the support and help of our community to hit our target too.

Following our successful and thoroughly enjoyable fundraising dinner & auction in 2018, this June 20th will see a 'Raise the Roof' Gala dinner and auction event which will be held at the wonderful Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs.

Co-op Community fund presentation.

The Town Shed was lucky enough to have been selected in late 2017 to be a potential beneficiary from the Co-op Community fund scheme for the whole year.

Lots of local Co-op shoppers nominated the Shed as their chosen local charity, and we therefore received 1% from the Community fund of their spend throughout 2017. 

Due to their kind generosity and support, in November, we were presented with a cheque for a whopping £4267.86!!!!

2 other local charities also received similar amounts, which is great news for Thanet.

Please come and join us for our annual Christmas Sale and Mince Pie event at The Shed.

Everyone welcome, come and see what goodies the Shed elves have been making to help sustain our wonderful workshop next year!!

Your faith in The Shed and all we try to do for our community is truly amazing.

We did our very best to repay that generosity and raise lots of money for The Shed!

The Gala was a roaring success, thanks to lots of volunteers hard work and the kind generosity of our sponsors. To read more about the event, please click here

Every donation made will help us to sustain the Shed for our existing users and enable us to offer even more older people in Thanet the chance to participate in meaningful activities in a positive and supportive environment.

It will enable us to recruit even more members to our very special Shed Family, to work on projects for their community in turn.

What a wonderful evening we all had at The Priestfield Stadium last night.

An extraordinary room full of amazing people that support SO many Charities across Kent. So many inspirational stories and the power of positivity and kindness  throughout Kent was palpable in the room.

Honoured to be in such Company and proud to awarded as finalists in the Volunteer Group of the Year Category.

The Palace Cinema in Broadstairs was the venue for an amazing preview screening of the fantastic UK written and produced film 'Jawbone' earlier this month. The tiny team from Broadstairslit not only arranged an exclusive preview, but also invited the 2 main actors involved to participate in a Q&A afterwards.

Over 120 people attend the screening and at the Q&A hosted in The Pavillion Broadstairs.

Actors Johnny Harris and Michael Smiley were extraordinarily open and entertaining about their experiences whilst waiting and then making the film. Great supporters of the Shed, they also signed autographs for the vey appreciative audience, and were given their own personalised 'Friends of the Shed' T shirts as a memento.

Huge thanks to to everyone that bought tickets for this special event, raffle tickets, and participated in the silent auction.The Shed is very grateful indeed to everyone that gave their time to help make this fund-raising event happen, and we shall know how much was raised in a couple of weeks' time.

Set up by a small group of volunteers as a not-for-profit organisation to celebrate our literary heritage, BroadstairsLit aims to host regular gatherings of writers and readers, typically bi-monthly, with the primary objectives of promoting the authors’ books and fostering a love of literature and writing.

Their aim is to give audiences a unique opportunity to hear from authors they admire, but to also discover new voices, ideas and experiences too. They actively engage with local groups (writing groups, poets etc.) at various events as and when appropriate being inclusive and diverse, welcoming to all ages, while keeping our events affordable.

https://broadstairslit.co.uk/about/As one volunteer group to another, we Thank them wholeheartedly for there unerring support for the Shed.

Particular Thanks of course to Johnny Harris :http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0364890/

and to Michael Smiley :http://bit.ly/2eEBXp1

We're delighted to announce that Debbie Meacham has just joined the Shed family as our new Administrator.

Debbie brings with her an amazing set of skills and experiences from working with the Senior Management Team at Broadstairs' own East Kent College. She loves Broadstairs and St. Peter's and is very excited about joining the team.

Debbie is at the Shed Tuesday to Thursday, during our normal working hours.

Do drop her a line or give her a call if you'd like to know more about the Shed, plan a visit, or perhaps see how you might be able support the shed with donations, or enquire about a community or repair project you'd like us to be involved with.

Broadstairs Rotary in conjunction with TWAM (Tools With A Mission) collected unwanted tools etc in the Thanet area, and arranged for them to be taken to Africa in 2017. We shall be doing the same in 2018.

They are looking for unwanted hand & electrical tools Sewing machines, Adult Bikes, etc
Condition is not important as they can be reconditioned.

Small tools can be left at:
The GAP Project, Queens Road, Broadstairs, and bigger tools can be brought 

We found out yesterday that we were not one of the Aviva Community Fund Winners.  We had amazing support from so many people, and for that, we Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

There were SO many worthy candidates and we congratulate the very deserving projects and causes that did win. We were told how much our lift appeal was loved, and awarded a 'consolation prize' of £500, which helps us towards our target and we are very grateful for.

It's back to the drawing board for us and the Shedders, to work out how we can generate the funds needed for this much needed lift to help those Shed Heads with limited mobility get up to the tea and biscuits and loo they deserve to be able to enjoy - along with their more mobile compadres!

It's all part of our amazing Shed journey, ongoing fundraising towards our lift, our running costs and further developing our marvellous Broadstairs Town Shed. If you have any great fundraising ideas and would like to help please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!

With many thanks to everyone for all your good wishes and support, which means the world - onwards!

join us at the Broadstairs Town Shed on Tuesday 20th December from 1-3pm for mince pies, festive cheer and a chance to buy some beautiful handmade gifts for Christmas.

Click for map

We are located behind MySpaceStorage. There is limited parking outside the Shed, however the Loop bus stops just by The Cabin Café, or there is on street parking on Westover Road and Northdown Road

We'd love to have an idea of how many people to expect so please drop us a line, by Thursday 15th.December, to let us know if you're planning to come along. It will be great fun and we can't wait to see all  our friends!   

22/11/16  - We are proud and delighted to announce that thanks to everyone's support and votes The Shed is through to the Finals of the Aviva Community Fund - to win funding to install an accessible lift!

With over 5 million votes cast in the competition, that’s no mean feat.  Thank you to all our wonderful supporters for voting and spreading the word far and wide! 

We now have to provide additional information to the panel of judges to help persuade them to choose us as worthy of the funding we need for the lift.  800 projects will be funded through this scheme and we are now one step closer to being one of them. 

The results will be announced on 10th January. 

#voteshedlift  #avivacommunityfund 

Great coverage of our opening from ITV Meridian - watch it here

Planters hand made the The Shed have now been installed and lovingly planted up at Broadstairs Station.

At a ceremony on 28th May, dozens of local residents, sponsors and Shedders came to see their handiwork now all in place and beautiful. 

Each of the planters was sponsored by a local business, individual or special interest group.

Please VOTE for us (again!) as part of the Waitrose Green Token Scheme at the Ramsgate Store. The more tokens we get the larger our share in a £1000 prize! 

Voting opens on 1st of May for the whole of May.

Thanks again for your support

We'd love to welcome even more people to our new, Big Shed, including wheelchair users and those existing and potential new members who have a bit of gip going up and down stairs.

Our workshops will be on the ground floor, for all to access, but where's a Shed without a cuppa to talk about the days activities, new skills learned and have a laugh?

Our kitchen and hanging out area is going to be on the first floor, and we'd much rather everyone was allowed to access it, and do what Sheds do best - help create new friendships and learn stuff.

If you, a friend of relation, (or perhaps even a business you know!!) would like us to do just that - we have today( 4th March) launched a Crowdfunder appeal to help us raise the funds for the lift.

We've designed some lovely ways of saying HUGE Thank You's to all our pledgers and sponsors.

See whether one feels right for you. If you do not have a Shed near you, we can be your shed family - no matter how far away you are.

We're going to be open on Saturday 5th December to promote the Shed and sell our lovely products - trugs are all ready, breadboards, christmas decorations, insect houses, and other delightful stuff on its way!

As part of the 'Christmas In Broadstairs' event run by The Chamber Of Commerce, the Town Shed will be open, offering wonderful hand-made wooden items for sale. 

From lovely festive snowmen, gifts for bird lovers, decorative trees etc., all manner of wonderful, wooden items made by the Shedders will be available for sale.

All proceeds go to support the Shed and help us towards funding our new, bigger building so we can have even more people come and join our Shed family.

Please come and we would like to encourage everyone to send your friends and family an invitation to the event on Facebook so we can be sure of a great turn out! 

A marvellous turnout for our first sausage sizzle!

Great to see so many shedders willing to risk Bill's cooking! (no offence Bill all done to perfection!)

Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it such a fun afternoon, and a special thanks to Brogdales, Hazell's, Crusties, The Old Bake House and the Co-op for helping with the food and drinks. 

We are very proud to have been chosen by the students of the Supported Learning Faculty as their project of the year this year. As part of their work towards the Youth Social Action Fund the students have been working hard to raise money to buy us more tablets for our computer classes and some footballs for our walking football.

Last Thursday we spent a great day with the students, some showed us how to use the tablets, others made a delicious cream tea and then in the afternoon another couple of groups came to the shed and made bird boxes. 

It was a really enjoyable and interesting day for everyone! 

Research shows that being part of a supportive community and keeping active promotes happier and longer life. It's that simple. There is now a wealth of evidence that Mens Sheds, where they exist, are making a very positive difference in the lives of those who get involved.

The Shed movement started in Australia and now there are over 1000 there, with further Sheds in over 20 countries, including almost 100 in the UK ,

Mike Jenn, Chair of the UK Men's Shed movement says:

"Joining a Shed can sustain a man's health in later life by adding purpose and creating friendships.

"We share good equipment, learn from each other, and chat while pursuing hobbies, working on community projects and making things to support the Shed."

So what are you waiting for - we'd love you to get in touch!