Meet the team

Where to start. 

Musician ( banjo a particular pash) boat builder, merchant seaman, Morris Man, shanty singer extraordinaire. Pete's shy, so we'll bring you more of what he's been up to in the past soon...

Basically can he fix it, yes indeed, he can.

His preferred non-alcoholic tipple - White Coffee one sugar.

Andy was apprenticed as a carpenter and joiner and on completion of his apprenticeship worked in the MGM film studios at Elstree/Borehamwood, much of this time in special effects. On leaving MGM he started his own business making custom built furniture until he sold the business in 1991. Then, with his wife Pat, they ran a small Guesthouse /Conference Centre in Westbrook for five years followed by one year in Hotel Management on Jersey. He then became the General Manager for a large estate and Halls of Residents for students in London and ended up the as the Project Manager.

After visiting a Men’s Shed in Perth, Australia, where he saw the great work they were doing he became involved with the embryo Town Shed in Broadstairs and is proud to be a Founder Shed Head. His other interests are local history, railways ( he's a volunteer at Crampton Tower Museum too) and he has a large scale model railway in his garden. 

How he takes his cuppa - White Coffee no sugar.

I grew up in London and first started work for the London Electricity Board in 1971 until 1977. In 1978 after being diagnosed with Crohns disease, I went into a business partnership with my Dad  in the butchering business ( his lifelong career), ending up with 3 shops. On the side I was also a semi professional DJ!  We sold up in 1988  when I moved to Broadstairs and that's when I further developed my love and skills in carpentry, all work at first coming from my local pub the Lord Nelson and things spiraled from there. I had to stop work in 2010 as further surgery for my Crohns Disease meant I could no longer do any lifting. I did voluntary work for Citizens Advice Bureau until 2015 when I heard about the Shed.  I enjoy every minute of my time at the Shed and love sharing my knowledge, learning new skills and making some great new friends. Although my health is declining now I'm still really involved with helping pricing up and supervising jobs.

Tea - white with one

From ‘oop north’ originally, then moved to the Midlands( Rugby). As a young ‘un managed to get out of most lessons by playing sport for any team going.

Left at 15 to be a joinery apprentice. Took Higher Building qualifications then trained to be a woodwork teacher, didn’t then fancy it went straight into the building trade. Lasted 9 months. Teaching called.

33 years later took early retirement ‘Got fed up with the paperwork’, including 18 years teaching special Education ‘with fantastic children and staff’. Loves sport. Has supported Tigers for 50 years, passionate about cricket and Archery. Works with local archery for the disabled club locally as coach.

Loves being a ‘Shedhead’ and being part of a group of like-minded people from all walks of life has been a revelation. Says he is ‘having the time of his life’ all he says down to the support and understanding of his loving and VERY tolerant wife Carol.

Claims not to like biscuits, but we don’t believe him.

Tea - white with one for Garry almost always.

I've had a varied background and worked for Leyland, as a greengrocer, a bus driver and bus repair engineer. 

In my spare time I enjoyed scuba diving, stock car racing and flying. I still have fire eating on my bucket list!

The shed means everything – companionship, laughter, friendship and a wife!!

I love being here and getting involved in everything with everyone.

Strong white coffee is his drink of choice

When I was a little kid my dad owned a wood yard so I have always been around and loved making things.

When I was 14 at school I did a year of woodwork. I helped the teacher and loved it. I remember the headmistress from the local girls school wanted some chairs refurbished so I did it all and got paid a £1.

I didn't manage to get my dream job of being a carpenter but when I lived in London I had a big workshop. When I first moved to Broadstairs I had to downsize and couldn’t have anything like I used to. So when I first came to the Shed I was so excited!
I love my time here helping other people and chatting. I’m up for doing most things except painting (don’t mention it!!). I love being able to go home and talk about what I’ve been doing at my two days at the Shed.                                                                                                                                                                  

Tea - Strong  no sugar

I'm a local lad, born in Birchington, I went to St Saviours Primary school then on to King Ethelberts Birchington. While at this school I joined Margate Sea cadets which I enjoyed so much it led to my next step in life which was 25 years in the Royal Navy. I joined in late 1962 as a JACK (junior assistant cook) and left the Navy in 1987 having reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer Cook. 

On leaving the Navy and marrying a local lass by the name of Wendy we bought the Deli in Broadstairs which we ran for 15 years. 

On retiring I was asked to help out a friend at the Royal Albion Hotel which I did for a year or two then called it a day at working. I now needed something to do with my time so I started going to the  Broadstairs Town Shed and found the comradeship very similar  to the Navy, there are plenty of jokes! banter and friendship. It's great to help others when needed, Lots of members make cakes, which are always appreciated. So it's a great place to be for all and the rest is history.

Tea should be weak - white no sugar but unlike the Navy you have to get your own no one brings it to you here!! 

Glenn is a born and bred South East Londoner. Early hobbies of electronics and photography evolved into a career encompassing IT and Project management. Moved to Thanet in 2001. Early retirement due to ill-health allowed Glenn to pursue his love of supporting local organisations as a volunteer.  These have included the Spitfire Society - helping preserve the history of the iconic WW2 RAF Fighter.

From supporting the local Autistic Society, full bore shooting, the ukelele, the Southern Armory, supporting IT learning via Ageless Thanet,  to a love of CB radio, Glenn's interests and passions are many and various!  He joined the Shed, and we are happy he is now a 'full blown' Shed Head'

Info coming soon

I have used metalwork and woodworking tools for as long as I can remember. Initially in my father’s well equipped workshop at home in Mitcham, designing and building many projects from go-carts to model aircraft. When I left school I went to college and trained as an Electronic Engineer. I worked in several small companies designing and building electronic equipment.  I met my wife locally and moved to Thanet where I worked for a Marine Navigation company designing electronic compasses and autopilots for power boats.  I enjoyed some great moments testing these in the Florida Keys and Gulf of Mexico. I met my future business partner there and together we formed an aircraft avionics company, designing the first GPS moving map displays for light aircraft. We spent many hours flying out from Manston in a Cessna 150, where we tested and developed our products.

 I joined the Town Shed after retiring, as I missed the interaction and banter of a working environment. I quickly noticed the positive impact the shed was having on members well-being and creativity.  This really is a great place, and I am proud to be a part of it.

I love tea, but only drink decaffeinated.

Info coming soon.

Info Coming Soon