The Year that Got Away!

Hi!

Here we are 19 days away from the end of the year. But you don't need me to tell you that! Christmas is a week and a half away. Some years I'm ahead of the curve and have cards written and ready to post by mid November. This is not one of those years! 

My word of the year for 2025 was magic. Even more than last year (alchemy) I've doubted my choice. It's never really kicked in. Not obviously anyway. I do think that there are some magical spells being cast that might take a little longer to come to fruition. I suppose, though, as I look back over the year magic has happened. We opened the Shed mid June after an initial false start late last year. A relocation led to a perfect venue. From February to June, we renovated, built, replaced, painted and plastered. Magic does happen in the Shed. People come to make and create, learn new skills and find community. One Member, Eric, found the Shed back in June when he wife was in a care home. She died recently and Eric attributes his ability to cope to the Shed and the difference that it makes to him. His story is one of many. We've had woodworking, bird box making, woodturning, copper pipe crafts, sewing, découpage, dream catcher making. There's lots more to come. 

Chris and I have been to London twice this year. First to the OXO building for an event showcasing a new 3D technology. Photo to 3D model. Lots of sighted and visually impaired people came. Chris spoke. And the event was a huge success. A new way for people without sight to interact with art in museums and galleries. Plus countless other possibilities.

Most recently we were at the House of Lords for UK Men's Sheds Shed of the Year Award. Attended by a few MPs, Ministers and Mr Speaker, as well as representatives from UKMSA and Sheds across the country, Chris spoke there too. He's always really good but he knocked it out of the park that day. Also his birthday, everyone sang Happy Birthday to him. Afterwards we had a private tour of the House of Lords. An incredible place full of original art and lots of gold, the Lords' Cloakroom was the place that sticks in my head. Especially as my coat was hung on a hook next to that of Lord Redesdale. (Relative of the Mitfords). 

Phil the Farmer and I had a couple of visits to Melton Mowbray to check out some Lincoln Red cows. The second visit included loading them up on transport to bring them back to the farm. Now we have Zippy, the bull, who I adore and groom as often as I can. Six cows, one heifer and five bull calves (including my favourite 21 who I've named Elmo and who loves cuddles). Seven collie puppies (six boys, one girl) will be heading off soon to new homes. We also had a great day at an agricultural show where I was in my element with all the sheep, cows and bulls. 

Three weeks ago I started work at a Grade 1 building where I'm focusing on Marketing and Comms. Every day I pinch myself that I've been given such an amazing opportunity.

I suppose, in hindsight, the magic has been there all along. It's been a very subtle thread running through my days. I hope this year has brought you magic - perhaps in unexpected places.

Thanks for reading ...