Shed Shout Out! - October 2025 As ever, it was great to end Summer with a stand at the Winslow Show and yes, (before anyone notices) - it was coincidence that we found ourselves pitched next to ‘Just Biscuits’.  Despite temptation, our volunteers managed not to blow the profits and we were able to return a very useful £170 towards meeting our costs for another year.  Thanks to all the Shedders who made goodies to sell  and to all the good people who visited us and gave us support. As we look forward to chillier days, we’re planning something a little different for the winter months.  From time to time we have run training sessions to familiarise members with the machinery we have available.  Although intended as an introduction to further training, the half-hour sessions have proved popular in their own right.  Many have welcomed them simply as an interesting rallying point to bring members together and as a catalyst for starting conversations.  And why not?  We’ve decided to test the water with a series of monthly talks this winter - each talk will last about half-an hour and topics will be wide ranging.  We’re working on the programme now and hope to publish full details next month.          We were given a ‘project’ woodturning lathe some years ago but it was in such poor condition that refurbishment seemed unlikely.  Two Shedders, however, knew that under the rust and chipped paint was a 50+ year old Myford  - a revered name!  Thanks to Tony Watson and Tony Stopp who have beautifully restored and modernised the machine ready for another lifetime of service.

 Shed Winter Talks

New for this year, we are presenting a winter season of talks on the first Thursday of the month at 11:00.  Talks will last about 30 mins and there will be time for questions at the end.  Tea and coffee from 10:00 as usual and the normal £2.50 session fee applies - guests are welcome.

Here are the details of the first talk..

November 6^th – The Long March

The cruelty and futility of war was brought home to us back in May when Fellow Shedder, Roger Churchill, embarked on an epic cycle ride to commemorate the deadly 'Long March' taken by POW evacuees in the closing months of WW2.  Among the survivors was Roger's late father, Squadron Leader Richard ‘Dick’ Churchill - a Stallag Luft III inmate, serial escapee and a key figure in what was to become immortalised in the film The Great Escape.  Roger has kindly agreed to start our series with a timely presentation about his father and about plans for a lasting memorial.

The following Tuesday is 11^th November and, of course, Armistice Day.  We will down-tools at 11:00 and all Shedders will be invited to join together in 2-minutes of silent Remembrance.

Fire Drill

Its been a while since we had a fire drill at the Shed and I have no idea when the next one will be (honest).  I’m sure everyone knows what to do but if you need a quick refresh then the rules are on the noticeboard above where we sign-in.

Hot Metal Working

Just a reminder that grinding, welding and abrasives all produce heat, fumes, hot dust and sparks.  When carrying out any of these processes please make sure –

• Sparks are directed into a safe space away from flamable waste.
• Your work area is swept and clean.
• A suitable fire extinguiser is near to hand.
• You are wearing suitable PPE including heat resistant gloves, eye-protection and a dust mask as appropriate.
• You are not wearing plastic-based footwear, overalls or clothing that will easily ignite and/or melt on contact with a heat source.
• Other Shedders are protected from any dust, fume, sparks or flash that you are creating.
• Your work area is well-ventilated – consider working outside.