Men In Sheds - Old Guys Rule!!

Back in April 2018 - when I started Kingdom Plants - I stumbled across "Men In Sheds".....   Men in sheds is an organisation set up by age concern for guys over the age of 50.  These guys have organised themselves into a little support network who foster a great attitude and help these fellas of varying levels of ability to have a really useful function and to function as an amazing rapidly growing micro business.

Headed up by Martin - The Business Brain - I was given a tour of the HQ.  He generously showed me around and what a great site they have.  Later I met several of the other guys who are helping oversee - you can see these guys have massive hearts - to help.

The guys gathered round and we talked enthusiastically about doing up a bench - what I didn't realise is that life is going back into these guys and they have new a found use.  They are not cast offs - they are being cast back on and continuing to take their places in lifes rich tapestry.

I was given a tour around the HQ.  They have a section for reconditioning tools - they take worn out tools - sharpen, oil and generally love them back into existence.  They also do a range of wood working on site and are producing all sorts of stuff.  Bird Tables - in fact anything bird related.  Truggs and anything else they can conjour up.  Including awesomely made benches.

Pop along to their shop on Paris Street - Exeter.  You wont be disappointed.  There is always a couple of old guys having fun behind the counter - just having a good time selling tools.

They have given life back into quite a few of my tools.  I have a never bend shovel from them and it is hard to describe how happy I am with it - it is a spiritual experience using this shovel.  I love it - literally.

Poking around in their shop - they have all sorts of old time wood working tools - Saws, Planes, Chisels, Hammers.  A section of garden tools.  Loads of screws etc.  It is dangerous for me to go near that shop - because I am going to find something I want.  I know you will want to go and have a visit too - give them something special to recondition, buy a tool or get some advice.  These guys are awesome - just pop along and have a chat with the guys laughing behind the counter.

I have to say I came to Men in Sheds - as an upstart - with little understanding or insight into what they are doing.  I underestimated them and their shear stubborn britishness.  I loved them before I got to know them - I love them even more now because - they have taught me a few things.  Their wisdom and easy like attitude - no nonsense and wise.  Has taught me that as a young guy - I don't know it all - I am not the bees knees.  That with the benefit of time - perhaps I could learn a great deal from people like those that are running Men In Sheds.  They have values, integrity to make sure that everyone has a go.  To look after their own - and put back into society more than they take.

Bless the men in sheds for many years too come!! 

Thank you.

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Kingdom Plants is a gardening and plant propagation enterprise - operating in the Exeter and surrounding area. I enjoy helping people to tame their outside spaces, while sporting an array of assorted hats - to manage the great british weather!

Until Next Time - Happy Gardening.