Men In Sheds A Closer Look

Men In Shed members, sponsors and supporters all came together at HOW College’s Bromsgrove Studio on Friday 11th May to witness the ‘premiere’ of ‘Men In Sheds – A Closer Look’, the latest film produced by first year Film & TV students Liam Collett, Ethan Harper, Chelsea Price and Patrick Whinder-Montague.  The film is the second video produced by the Heart of Worcestershire College students as part of their work placement with the charity.

Bromsgrove Men in Sheds Group has been operating since 2016, providing a supportive and friendly setting where people can come together to socialise and learn new skills.  With the support of the students’ first film, Age UK BRWF recently launched its ‘Shed Share Sponsorship Scheme’, calling upon the support of local businesses and members of the community to help sustain this much valued group.

Speaking at the event, HOW College’s TV & Film Lecturer, Alexander Kronenburg said:

“The ‘Premiere’ has been fantastic event and a real celebration of what our students have achieved during their work experience with Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest. The original aim of the project was to raise the profile of the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds initiative and it has certainly done that as well as bringing a community of people together. I am extremely proud of the students, they have worked extremely hard and this is evident in the final video.  They are a prime example of the talented, innovative and passionate individuals we have within the College.”

Kate Hutchings, HOW College’s Work Placement Officer - The Arts, added:

"This initiative has provided our students with valuable, real-life, work experience while at the same time, ensuring the men have the opportunity to tell their local communities about the positive impact that being involved in the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds has had on their lives."

Talking about his personal experience, Level 3 TV and Media student, Patrick Whinder-Montague said:

“Having the opportunity to get involved within the Bromsgrove Men in Sheds scheme has been amazing from start to finish.  It has given me a taste for the media industry and allowed me to put the skills I learn every day at college into practice. All the hard work and many hours of editing was all worth it to see our final video at the ‘Premiere’. Thank you Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest for a truly fantastic work experience.”

Following the screening, the students were all presented with ‘Honorary Shed Share Certificates’ by the Chair of Age UK BRWF’s Board of Trustees, Trevor Hughes, who added:

"On behalf of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest I would like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ and ‘thank you’ for the two extremely professional films that the students have produced in support of Bromsgrove Men In Sheds.  Their first film has been instrumental in helping to raise awareness and support for our recently launched Shed Share Sponsorship Scheme.  The longer film, ‘premiered’ today, so effectively captures the essence of what ‘Men In Sheds’ is all about and the difference that it makes to those that attend – and to this end I must also extend my thanks to the ‘Shedders’ for their involvement and for sharing their stories and experiences.

In addition to the HOW College students and tutors, today’s ‘Premiere’ has also been attended by some of the local business and organisations, (including Ormerod Rutter, Broad Street DIY, the Jinney Ring, Rotary Club of Bromsgrove and Care UK Chandler Court) who are all supporting Men In Sheds - I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody that has supported the scheme so far and to encourage others to get involved.

Occasions such as this just illustrate how we can all, across the generations, come together to do something to support our communities and make a difference."

Speaking on behalf of the ‘Shedders’ Ed Carswell concluded by saying:

“Liam, Patrick, Ethan & Chelsea have made a fantastic film.  We all enjoyed having them at the Shed and the professional way they went about the task, they have great careers ahead of them. As they are now all ‘honorary’ Shed members we welcome them back to the Shed anytime for a visit”

For more information about Bromsgrove Men In Sheds and how you can support the Shed Share Scheme please contact Jo Hughes on 01527 868855.