Meetings and News

Future meeting dates and locations:

26th May 2026 - We are starting a wider range of social activities and on the 26th it will be Walking with Purpose.  John will lead

a 1 hour walk around the village and hopefully tell you a few things you didn't know about the history of Great Chesterford.  Meet at the Community Centre at 7:30 pm.  

Some of you may not wish to walk and you could get to the Plough pub a bit later for when we return at 8:30 pm (thirsty).  If anyone wants to use the shed, let me know and we will organise a shed supervisor.

Recent meetings AND ACTIVITIES

28th April 2026

This was a special general meeting where we ratified our Equal Opportunities Statement (needed for grant applications). We also spent time on a mission statement, planning social activities and ideas for publicity.

14th April 2026

Tonight we welcomed a new member then headed into the shed to put the air-raid siren back together and run tests on an electric outboard motor. We also examined a range of donated hand tools which have been added to the shed's stock.

7th April 2026

Joanna Francis joined Chris, Eddie and John (apologies from Martin & Mike) for a management team meeting. Joanna has offered to coordinate and review grant applications, and to organise our publicity effort.

We will put out a request for donations of small hand tools (including electric drills, etc).  Eddie will prepare a list of priority requirements. 

Plans to support September Steam-up to be developed (sell bird-boxes?) 

31st March 2026

Another good night mixing convivial discussion in the Plough with teams working in The Barn to install a donated workbench, examine a folding table for potential repair and stripping down an air-raid siren to be refurbished.  

17th March 2026

We now have the use of the unit at the Plough for our temporary home with Chesterford Shed accepting responsibilities for repair and maintenance of The Barn.

Graham gave a report on the preparation of risk assessments for activities inside and outside of the shed.  Final risk assessment to be circulated asap, updated when circumstances change and reviewed annually.

A working party started reorganizing the Plough’s storage to give us a 4.5 x 3.5 metre working space.  Replacements for one strip light and two electrical sockets to be purchased by Chris.

John advised that we had received another commission to make 8 mah jong tile holders.

There was a brief Q&A session followed as usual by convivial discussion and team-building.

4th March 2026

Jobs # and #3 completed. See the Activities tab for more details.

3rd March 2026 - We had an update on progress from the management committee with activities to choose colour for the shed logo, review draft brochures for fundraising, and understand what we need for safeguarding. 

Shedders split into three groups to discuss: fFndraising and publicity; Planning construction of a Bee Hotel; The Repair Shop team.

21st Feb 2026

Job #1 completed. See the Activities tab for more details.

17th Feb 2026

We received news that our first corporate donation for £500 has been promised from a local company.

Online survey created with the Parish Council to gather local feedback.

Discussions on temporary locations for a 'shed' facility while we seek a permanent home, fundraising possibilities and a confirmation on the best meeting times (Tuesday evenings).

3rd Feb 2026

Again meeting in the The Plough in Great Chesterford, with numbers swelling, the evening allowed members to share insights into their skills and aspirations for the Shed. The formal name was chosen and discussions covered the potential locations for a permanent building, roles in the group and activities to progress to set up the administrative structure.

We also now have a WhatsApp group to keep the members updated on activities.

20th Jan 2026

 A first consultation meeting with 18 attendees at The Plough in Great Chesterford to establish we had enough interest. Supported by attendees from the Great Chesterford Parish Council and Essex Shed Network the group heard about the process for establishing a Men's Shed, the many things we need to consider, and how the Parish Council can assist.