'˜Men's Shed project has been a life saver'

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Thomas Hogg, officially opened the Newtownabbey Men's Shed at Merville House.
Mayor Thomas Hogg and Men's Shed Chairperson Mark McGranaghan cut the cake to mark the official opening of Newtownabbey Men's Shed at Merville House. INNT 19-517-SOMayor Thomas Hogg and Men's Shed Chairperson Mark McGranaghan cut the cake to mark the official opening of Newtownabbey Men's Shed at Merville House. INNT 19-517-SO
Mayor Thomas Hogg and Men's Shed Chairperson Mark McGranaghan cut the cake to mark the official opening of Newtownabbey Men's Shed at Merville House. INNT 19-517-SO

The Men’s Shed programme began back in April 2015 with taster sessions, sponsored by North Belfast Partnership, including arts and crafts, wood turning and willow weaving.

Due to the popularity and demand for activities, grant applications were submitted to various organisations to ensure the long term success of the Men’s Shed. These funding opportunities enabled the group to lease units in Merville House. However, as the units were empty shells, volunteers worked tirelessly to make the units warm and welcoming for all participants.

The volunteers’ hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Newtownabbey Men’s Shed Chairperson Mark McGranaghan commented: “The programme has been a life saver for some of the men as I don’t know what they would have done without it. It’s a great place for them to come to meet new people and it keeps them busy.”

Peter Lyons shows Mayor Thomas Hogg how to use the wood turner at Newtownabbey Men's Shed in Merville House. INNT 19-516-SO Pics by Shirley O'NeillPeter Lyons shows Mayor Thomas Hogg how to use the wood turner at Newtownabbey Men's Shed in Merville House. INNT 19-516-SO Pics by Shirley O'Neill
Peter Lyons shows Mayor Thomas Hogg how to use the wood turner at Newtownabbey Men's Shed in Merville House. INNT 19-516-SO Pics by Shirley O'Neill

Cllr Hogg added: “It is fantastic to see the hard work of everyone at the Men’s Shed come to life. This facility is helping to promote the social inclusion, health and welfare of older men and I thank everyone involved for their hard work.”

Meanwhile, Newtownabbey Men’s Shed programme members are inviting people to attend their community open day at Merville House on Thursday, June 9 from 10am until 1pm.

The event will give members of the public an opportunity to see the fantastic facilities on offer for themselves.

For further information about the Newtownabbey Men’s Shed email [email protected] or call 07721 711795.

• See more online at www.newtownabbeytimes.co.uk

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