‘SheSheds’ to hammer home a point for women

INSPIRED . . . Councillor Barbara Beeley

AN enterprising woman behind a scheme to invade the British male’s sacred DIY domain admits she was spurred on by local heroine Annie Kenney.

Saddleworth parish councillor and former member of Oldham Council Barbara Beeley, comes from Springhead, once also home of the leading suffragette.

Councillor Beeley is launching “SheSheds” to encourage 21st century women to tackle a range of home projects. The scheme, thought to be the UK’s first women-only DIY course, launches this week in Springhead.

Councillor Beeley and community development officer Christine Wilson approached Age UK Oldham with the pioneering concept after seeing the rocketing success of Men in Sheds. Women from across the borough have been recruited for the basic eight-week event at Springhead Community Centre.

She said: “I worked with Age UK and the district to launch Men in Sheds, which reached out to men in danger of becoming isolated from society. Once it was successfully established I asked what we were going to do for women.”

The new course will teach women how to stop dripping taps, make birdboxes and work on garden projects and will be run by Age UK Oldham tomorrow (1-4pm) at Springhead Community Centre in Ashes Lane, Springhead (£3 a session including refreshments). Details: email babs@alfonso.demon.co.uk.