The purpose of The Henfield Shed is to provide a place in the community where people can get together to pursue practical individual or community interests, share resources and skill-share (such as woodwork, metalwork and making or mending a range of items), in an informal friendly environment.
The aim of the Shed is to develop a place where members can achieve, and share skills, and provides social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our first workshop opened in October 2017. During our first year we successfully made and repaired a variety of items. We took part in the Village Gardens and Arts weekend, a number of other community activities and organised a members’ day out to Amberley Museum. Although that first year was a great success, we always knew that we needed to find another home.
In October 2018, we were offered a new location by Rita Prodger, proprietor of Southdown Galleries in the High Street to take the Shed to the next level and after a successful move just around the corner, we opened our doors once again.
The Henfield Shed opened its current workshop on 1st January 2019. As in our previous home, the focus of our output was completing projects for individuals and for the community. These ranged from small repairs of household items through to more ambitious projects like making owl boxes, re-upholstering furniture and other more complex projects. We also participated in village events such as the Gardens and Arts Festival, the Henfield Summer Fayre, the Henfield Charities Fayre and the Spirit of Christmas shopping event.
During the last year, The Henfield Shed assisted other charities and community organisations in Henfield. Examples include the Girl Guides, St Michael’s Church, Henfield Haven, the Library, the Free Church, the Bird Watch Group and more recently, Sustainable Henfield 2030 with their efforts.
Unfortunately in 2020 and the early part of 2021 the Shed was not able to be as productive as in previous years as a result of the COVID 19 Pandemic. We opened when we were able to and we completed multiple jobs for many people in the community.
Examples of our work and the projects we have undertaken are shown in the pictures…
