Men’s Shed looks to expand in Long Sutton

After receiving fantastic support from Long Sutton’s Men’s Shed at a difficult time in his life a widower is now looking to help the group expand its home.

After losing his wife Joan Tiller (74) last September Frank Heinrich-Tiller (70) became one of the 75 members of the town’s Men’s Shed initiative which aims to bring men together who may otherwise be on their own.

It brought him together with the likes of Ray Howard who also joined the group after his wife Elaine passed away on December 31.

Recently the pair, alongside Joan’s dog Poppy, raised £350 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Race For Life at Houghton Hall in King’s Lynn in memory of their spouses.

For Frank it was the latest in the tributes to Joan who passed away after a five-year battle with lymphoma cancer.

“I wanted to do the event and fund-raising in her memory and it was great to have Poppy as well as Ray alongside me.

“It was a lovely evening and myself and Poppy ran the last 200 yards so we were both panting at the end.”

Frank now also has a new fundraising bid as Long Sutton Men’s Shed has increased so much that it has already outgrown its shed donated to it kindly by Silverwood Nursing Centre on St James Road.

Its owner Jack Tyrrell has offered extra space in nearby greenhouses but the group needs £19,000 to ensure the buildings are able to be used comfortably for the sessions that involve social and practical workshops.

Frank, now the group’s fundraising officer, said: “After Joan passed away I was advised to go to Men’s Shed and it just seems to be going from strength to strength.

“We now have 75 members and need to expand to fit everyone in.

“Thankfully Jack Tyrrell has offered us these greenhouses but we just need to make them usable.

“Sessions have always been fascinating and often active including things like bird tables and other projects.

“It’s now about ensuring it can benefit as many as possible.

“Attending sessions keeps my mind off my own situation, has allowed me to meet brilliant people like Ray and take on new activities.

“I think Joan would be looking down at me and saying ‘well done Frank’.”