Clevedon Men’s Shed build a safe haven for the Travelling Ark

At the November meeting of Thackeray Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 730, the worshipful commander, Andy Wade was very pleased to receive the travelling ark from Worshipful Commander, accompanied by a good number of brethren, of Irwin lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 119.

The Ark was presented in open lodge in time honoured tradition in a most eloquent and enjoyable way. Following the meeting, and so that the Ark could be protected while on its onward journey around the province, the as then carry case was quietly handed to Andy with a somewhat wry smile. The photo on the right shows why so wry !

Knowing that the Clevedon Men’s shed are sometimes looking for a project, Andy thought of asking them to replace the carry case with something more appropriate, and so asked Dave Young if he would consider asking the team to take up the challenge. Take up the challenge they most certainly did, as some weeks later Dave called Andy down to the shed where the amazing and rather beautiful, solid oak, carry case was given a final fit around the Ark.

The carry case was presented to a very impressed Provincial Grand Master at the February meeting of Thackeray lodge, who sends his personal thanks to the team at the shed.

Clevedon Men’s shed didn’t charge for their time or materials, explaining that they enjoyed making the carry case, and that donating it was a way of thanking the brethren of Clevedon and surrounding lodges for their generosity following the arson attack on their shed in 2022.

To quote the Men’s shed website “Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.“

Andy said “From the short time I was at the Clevedon Men’s shed it was completely obvious that it’s very important to its members, who are extremely proud of the hub that they have built. I am very grateful indeed to Dave and the team for the hours and hours of hard work that must have gone into building the simply fabulous case“

If you would like more information on the Clevedon Men’s shed please email: CMS@pglsom.org