The Shed Club, an interview with Sajay Vaja

 I've been hearing a lot about this 'shed club' at NMC. I've seen the grey 'shed' with the shutter door in the car park. I've seen a variety of good looking, accessible items and really creative ideas for sale too. I was curious, so I caught up with some of the clubbers to find out more....  

Where did the idea come from? 
Sue Walker and Matthew were looking for an outdoor table for the Centre, suitable for both able-bodied and wheelchair users. The cost was just crazy so they approached me (Melvyn) and asked if I could make one for less than that price. So I had a go, and others joined in to help. It went really well...and that's where the idea came from.  

 

Who's in the Club? 
There are 6 of us at the moment and we have many different skills and abilities...we have a builder, a master roofer and a smasher and also others with no previous experience.  

A smasher? 
Yes, Peter - he breaks up the pallets we use for planters. He was a draughtsman and a carer, and used to sit in his car but began by helping us to build the table. We would be lost without him and he loves being involved - like we all do!  

What sort of things have you made to date? 
Well, after the table we've made many planters of various sizes, shapes and colours. We have also made a duck-hut, a very large log storage unit, an electric scooter storage unit, sand pits and planters which are wheelchair-friendly and also a large treasure chest. We have also made a Leopold garden bench, a bird-table and more recently a tray and a vase. We prefer to make smaller items like planters as they are easier to handle and are more cost-effective.  

When do you meet and can others join? Do you need any special skills? 
We meet every Tuesday and Friday, with a 'no lone worker' policy. Our door is open to anyone interested, although there is limited space. No special skills are required other than a good sense of humour!  

Anything else you'd like to add? 
We've raised well over £3000 for the NMC to date and, yes, we do take orders although at times there may be a delay for completion. It has given us all a purpose and a sense of achievement. We have great camaraderie and have all learnt new skills while overcoming physical problems. And we turn trash into treasure along the way. By using pallets and second-hand wood we are helping the environment, and we sell what we make which is a bonus for NMC. If you'd like to get in touch, please come and say hello at the Shed, or through Denise Boyall.