The Westport Men's Shed is a place for men of all ages to meet and work together, particularly on community initiatives. Food is also a common interest. An overview of Westport Men’s Shed (WMS)
Background
The Shed movement in Ireland commenced about five years ago and has now spread to practically every town in the country. There are over 230 Sheds in existence and they are now seen as an essential element in the social fabric of Irish Society. They are especially beneficial to retirees moving into a new area which is very common in Westport and to locals with time on their hands.
The aim of WMS is to provide a safe, secure, open and friendly environment, where men can meet and engage in productive experiences that will enhance their overall health and wellbeing and add to the quality of life in the community.
The movement to have a Shed established in Westport commenced with a meeting called by Guy Carleton in the Family Resource Centre in Sept 2013. The FRC allowed the cove Café to be used for meetings. However both the accommodation and the availability of the area were very restrictive. The Shed was very fortunate to obtain the CBS in Jan 2014. The Westport Shed has now grown to 60 members – of which 25 are active. The remainder attend according to their particular interests. Our members come from Partry, Louisburgh, Kilmeena, Islandeady, Aghagower, in addition to the urban area. Rural isolation is a big factor in those areas.
Structure
The WMS have elected a Chairman (B Duffy) Treasurer (P Moran) Secretary (P Geraghty) Safety Officer (G Carleton), and they act as the Management Committee. Subcommittees are established as required. All members pay an annual membership fee. The Shed has been funded by donations and assistance from Mayo County Council, the HSE, and some sales.

In order to insure good governance the Shed has adopted and implemented a constitution, a safety statement and rules of conduct. Weekly meetings are held and minutes distributed to all members. The shed is affiliated with the Association of Irish Men’s Sheds and registered as a Charity. It has a Tax Certificate Number: 83219141-00001D – valid until 23-4-15. Our insurers are BHP Unit 16, Fonthill Business Park Dublin 22 – No. DNSCV5806003/13/101353.
Activities
Activities are chosen by members according to their interests and skills. All members have an equal say and there is no hierarchy. We are constantly seeking new ideas – some of which work – others don’t.
Workshop: We have developed a workshop and acquired a reasonable range of tools as well as a number of major items of equipment i.e. a Chop Saw, Wood Turner, Work Bench and some other drills and saws. We have acquired and erected sturdy shelving and Health and Safety rules are implemented at all times. Most equipment has been donated or salvaged and repaired. Only authorised members are allowed use such equipment. Training courses have been provided where necessary. Items produced include external benches, bird boxes, bird feeding tables, window boxes. Bird boxes have been presented to the schools and plans are underway to erect some along the Greenway.
Social Activities: The social side of the Shed is very important and includes cards, darts, snooker, reading, chatting and making friends. We also have some excellent musicians and singers. The Shed is always well supplied with tea, coffee, and biscuits. However members have agreed on a strict policy of no alcohol, or drugs. The kettle is the most important item in the Shed.