Shed Shout Out! - June 2025

Early summer is often our quietest time at the Shed and, for those of us lucky enough to be retired, the perfect time to get away before schools break up and the ‘tourist season’ kicks off in earnest.  It’s also a favourite time to get out in the garden and this brings a steady stream of garden tools and furniture for us to repair or sharpen.  Bringing a pair of old shears back to life is a rewarding task that usually makes them a joy to use once again. 

We are frequently offered old woodwork tools for our workshops but, to be brutally honest, we will struggle to make good use of any more chisels, planes or saws.  What we can always restore and find a new home for are garden tools.  If we assume that every household - even with just a patch of garden - will need a few basic garden tools then that’s a lot of spades and forks.  We all know that refurbishing and re-using is something we need to do more of but (and here’s a trade secret) these old tools are usually far superior to their modern off-the-shelf counterparts.  And how do we know this?  Old tools are usually made from harder, high quality steel and they take a lot more effort to sharpen – but it’s well worth it.  Do get in touch if you’re clearing out a garden shed and have tools to spare - or if you know someone who needs them?

As summer approaches, we are looking forward to Granborough’s Charter Fayre on 21^st June where we’ll be manning our stall with all sorts of shed-made goodies for sale and don’t forget The Winslow Show on August 25^th.  Production is well under way so it looks like we have a busy summer ahead. 

If you have time to spare or your garden tools need refreshing then why not pop-in – the kettle is always on.

We’ve been asked by Animal Antiks in North Marston if we know anyone interested in taking over a large, fully-equipped carpentry workshop on their farm.  It could be for commercial or hobby use.  Animal Antiks is a charity who provide activities and training for children with special needs.  In return, they ask only that some activities and workshop sessions are laid-on for the kids.  If you’re interested then we can put you in touch.

Upcoming Events

Please find some time to help us out at the following Events:

• If you’re able to help man our stall at Granborough Charter Fayre on June 21^st then could you sign-up when you’re next in the Shed?  Thanks.
• We will have our banner and some leaflets in Church next week 31^st May – 8^th June for the St Laurence Festival – pop in if you’re passing!
• The same leaflets and banner will appear again in Winslow Library on Monday 9^th June as part of the Bucks CareFest event they are hosting that day.

Workshop Matters

Just a reminder not to cut chipboard, worktop or flooring laminates on our bandsaws.These materials are highly abrasive and will (and just have!) quickly wrecked the blades.

Shed BBQ - Tuesday 15 July

Please save Tuesday July 15^th to help celebrate the Shed’s 10^th Birthday with a free barbeque lunch! All Shedders past and present are invited and after ten years that’s a lot of sausages.  For that reason, please let us know if you are coming and, apologies, but it’s Shedders only this time.