September 2023

13 Buckden Roundabout September 2023 The Brampton Men ’ s Shed My favourite suitcase is over 10 years old now. It was in good nick until its last outing when the handle broke. Not to worry, I thought, it has a lifetime warranty. So I rang the makers. “ Did you say the retaining plate is broken? ” “ Yes ” “ That part isn ’ t available now. ” Yes, that sort of lifetime warranty. What to do? I couldn ’ t mend it. A new one of the same sort would cost over £200. Then I thought of Brampton Men ’ s Shed. So on a Saturday morning I took it to them. They had a look and said they thought they could repair it. They wanted to know when I needed it again. (“ Going on holiday next week are you? ”) Happily not as they don ’ t give dates when a repair will be done, it all depends on who is around. On Monday morning I had an email to say it was done and I went and collected it the same day. Cost? They charge for ma- terials, but none were needed and they don ’ t charge for la- bour. They do encourage donations, so for a modest donation I have a suitcase with a new lease of life and have saved at least £200. What is this wonderful place? It is part of the Mens ’ Shed movement started in Australia. We all know men are not very good at socialising, particularly the older generation, and can easily get isolated, which causes depression and ill health. The Shed gives them a place to go and chat, have a cup of coffee if they want, and help repair electrical goods (including PAT testing, but they do make a small charge for that), sharpen knives, mend garden tools and furniture, almost anything used round the house. Think Repair Shop, but on a lower scale. They also mend donated bikes and give them to Ukrainians who need them. While I was there they were making someone a new garden gate. The Brampton Shed is really well equipped (see photos) and brilliantly organised – a place for everything and everything in its place. So, if you are interested in what they do, would like to become a member, learn a new skill, help give tools a new lease of life or just fancy making new friends, visit the website and get in touch. They are at 4a Montague Road Brampton. Turn left at the roundabout into the new estate, keep on Central Avenue right to the end, park up and go round to the front of the building. They are open Monday and Saturday 9.00 to 1.00 and Thurs- days 1.00 to 5.00. Their e - mail address is bramptonshed@gmail.com . If you need a favourite item mending or a welcoming and friendly place to chat, or want to learn a new skill, give it a go! - John Thelwall St Neots Man Cave The St Neots Man Cave is a local organi- sation very similar to The Brampton Men ’ s Shed described above and a mem- ber of the UK Men ’ s Sheds Association. It is located at the end of Cemetery Road, St Neots. Its website is www.stneotsmancave.org.uk/. It is a community space for men to connect, converse and create. Its activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. It helps reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, it ’ s fun. St Neots Man Cave was one of the chari- ties supported by Buckfest 2023. In addi- tion to the support from Buckfest, one of the Buckfest committee members and co - editor of the Roundabout, Ian Carter, dyed his hair in this fetching colour scheme to raise money for the Cave. You can lend your support by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ian - carter - 4 St Neots Man Cave is open Tuesdays from 9am to 1pm and Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm. Feel free to drop in. Brampton Men ’ s Shed