local news

Success at Men’s Shed Awareness Day

Written by admin on 11th March 2024

AN Awareness Day event hosted by the Pontypridd based Men’s Shed project proved to be a huge success.

The Pontypridd Men’s Sheds Awareness Day was held at the Pontypridd Museum where more than 150 people attended.

Since it’s formation two years ago the Pontypridd Men’s Shed project, based in the Taff Meadow Community Centre in Treforest, has grown to more than 40 members.

The aims of the Awareness Day was to not only demonstrate the value of the Men’s Shed in the Pontypridd community but also to give people an insight on how the Men’s Shed initiative can provide support to men, mostly elderly, an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and engage in social activities.

There was a united Men’s Shed front at the event with members from Caerphilly,Lisvane, Tynewydd,Blaina,Rhiwbina, Caldicot,Treorchy and Newport in attendance.

Pontypridd Men’s Shed member and master of ceremonies Adrian Dumphy introduced guest speakers Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones, Pontypridd AM Mick Antoniw, Heléna Herklots CBE, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales,UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) chairman Rob Lloyd and Neil Davies who gave an entertaining talk on his experiences on the Rhondda stage.

There was also an exhbition about an opera called “Shoulder to Shoulder” by Swansea City Opera Company’s Artisitic Director Brendan Wheatley and his wife Bridgett

“Shoulder to Shoulder” is based on the experiences of Men’s Shed members which Brendan and Bridgett gathered through interviews throughout Wales.

Brendan said:

“The story of Shoulder to Shoulder may be specific to one family and one group of friends, but the stories are universal.

“What shone through from our Men’s Shed’s venture was the camaraderie and sense of purpose which was truly amazing.”

UK Men’s Shed Welsh Development Officer Rob Visintainer said:”It really was a very special event to highlight how important the Men’s Shed movement is.”

Pontypridd Men’s Shed chairman Andy Phillips said:”The event’s message is that through a health and stealth approach we are able to promote a positive mental health and well being for all.

“I would like to thank Pontypridd Town Council and everyone for making the Awareness Day such a huge success.”

Pictured are Men’s Shed members at the museum and Adrian Dumphy with Lisvane Men’s Shed member Chris Griffiths.