“Responsible Shedders!” The Mens Shed Ottery Re-Opening.

Tuesday 1st September marked the reopening of Men’s Shed Ottery following its closure at lockdown in March.

Many members gathered outside their portacabin Shed in bright sunshine at The Station car park to hear a message of support, encouragement and congratulations from Mayor Vicky Johns, and Chairman Rob Petrie’s overview of the last six months, together with very positive plans for the future.

Members had been distance-meeting over the last few months, following Government guidelines, by gathering in groups of six for a fortnightly picnic lunch in the car park of The Station. As you would expect, each chair was correctly separated with engineering precision but there was plenty of chat and laughter as the lunchboxes clicked open.  However, this may not be allowed to continue with the latest guidance.

Now at last, following fresh government guidelines, the committee approved a “new normal“ way of moving forward: No more than five people in the shed, including a ‘Responsible Shedder’, always wearing masks, and frequent, careful use of hand sanitiser. Now, too, opening is restricted to Tuesdays and Fridays only, to leave sanitising time between members’ visits.

A rota, created by Committee member, Mike Stephen, will enable each member to have regular, if less frequent, access to the Shed facilities and its shared companionship.

In spite of many setbacks, disappointments and obstacles, Men’s Shed Ottery continues in good heart and optimism anticipating - now with even more eagerness - the badly needed space that a new building will provide. Negotiations are in progress to enable our members to self-build a new Shed.