By Patrick Abrahams
The last few months have been a momentous period of growth and physical expansion for the St Just Men’s Shed. Members successfully took on a major, larger-than-anticipated project to convert a further section of the former dairy at our Lanyon site into additional workshop space. Thanks to a grant from the Community Chest and the support of Councillor Brian Clemens, new flooring was laid. We also secured a substantial supply of paints and exterior treatments from the Ronseal’s Charitable Donation scheme. With the electrical installation officially completed and certified, lathes sited, and benches erected, we now have a fully functional, usable new space. This expansion importantly includes a dedicated storage area to house and work on the 12′ sailing dinghy and trailer gifted to us. Furthermore, our resilience was tested when Storm Goretti caused significant damage to two of our buildings; however, our capable members quickly rallied to carry out the necessary repairs with assistance from our landlord, The Bolitho Estate.
Support to the Local Community
Our commitment to the local community remains the core reason for our existence, and our project pipeline is busier than ever. Key achievements include:
- St Just in Bloom: We successfully completed and sited two new town planters and sourced a seamless plywood backboard to prepare the St Just Co-op mural for the artist to repaint.
- Parish Renovations: In partnership with the St Just Town Council, we implemented a rolling schedule to renovate local benches and litter bins, already returning two fully restored benches to Pendeen.
- Individual Support: Members have completed smaller projects for local donors, fixed an electric heater for a Coastwatch member, and coordinated with Penzance experts to service and return a local resident’s sewing machine.
- National Trust: The National Trust was delighted with the Shed’s meticulous work in preparing the supplied fence posts, which are now ready to receive custom-made warning plaques.
To manage this incredible influx of community commissions, we have successfully implemented a new project management system with monthly meetings to monitor our progress.
Outreach, Events, & Generous Support
We have actively raised awareness and boosted our public relations this year. One of our trustees single-handedly ran a highly successful stall at the Madron WI Easter Fair, and we hosted a stall selling handmade items at the Lanyon Farm plant sale in aid of Cancer Research. We are also preparing swift bird boxes and other crafted items for the upcoming St Buryan Rally and Morvah Pasty Day.
Our profile even reached international heights when Shed members from Australia visited our site and left highly impressed. On the home front, we hosted an educational talk by Gerald Babcock from the Association of Mental Health First Aiders.
We are incredibly grateful for the influx of public donations, including tools and a printer from generous local residents. Notably, the National Trust collaborated with local Bard Esme Francis to donate two trailer loads of high-quality equipment from the workshop of the late Cornish Bard, John Potter.
Our Growing Family of Shedders
Our membership numbers continue to climb steadily. We want to remind everyone that the Shed is more accessible than ever, thanks to a new hourly, weekday No. 4 bus service between Penzance and St Just that passes right by our Lanyon site. Whether you are skilled or unskilled, male or female, you are welcome to join us—even if it is just to enjoy a cup of tea, find mental stimulation, and make new friends.
