VIDEO: Mobile field kitchen for Meath River Rescue unveiled by Slane Men's Shed

A unique Field Kitchen built by members of Slane and District Men's Shed for Meath River Rescue was unveiled in Slane on Friday.

"We’re delighted to be launching the biggest project we’ve undertaken to date in our new metalwork facility," said Slane Men’s Shed chairman, Kevin Macken, as he showed invited guests the kitchen built on a specially created steel platform.

"Meath River Rescue volunteers go out in all weathers and risk life and limb to do searches and other activities. We wanted to do something for them and we came up with the idea of a dedicated field kitchen which will allow the rescuers to make hot drinks and food as well as store and keep food and drinks warm.

The unit will run of battery and petrol generated power will have hot and cold storage units, sinks with hot and cold running water, microwave, kettle and soup dispensers and even WiFi which will be of great use given the remote areas the kitchen unit may be located.

"We got great support from a number of sponsors. We want to heartily thank Cllrs Wayne Harding, Tommy Reilly and Elaine McGinty; LMETB; Flogas; Wesco; AIR Refrigeration; Insomnia; and Slane Farm Supplies. Without their generous support we could not have completed this project in the short time that it has taken to do.

"This project shows the great skills that we have here in our Shed. But it also shows the willingness of our members to give something of value to our local community. The Shed is not just for us – it’s also for our families, friends, and the local community which has given us rock solid support since we first came up with the idea of having a Men’s Shed for Slane and the surrounding areas."

Mr Macken thanked and paid tribute to all of the Shed members who contributed to the work on the Field Kitchen. "We’ve a great metalwork area and very talented members, led by our metalwork teacher, Thomas Woodward."

Speaking at the launch of the field kitchen which SDMS members have named 'Clint', (derived from the words field and kitchen), local Cllr Wayne Harding said: "What the members have done here for Meath River Rescue and the construction of the mobile field kitchen is "extraordinary". "It will be of the utmost help and support to Meath River Rescue in the important role that they play within our county and in our communities. A loss of life to the River Boyne rocks communities but also galvanises them as they rally around using all their skills and qualities as assist in the search, oftentimes in bitterly cold conditions."

Cllr Harding welcomed a number of volunteers who had assisted in recent long searches and how they had described to him, the freezing conditions that they had to operate in and make their way back to makeshift tents in wetsuits and wellingtons for food and drinks. "Today that will change, after the Men's Shed looked and analysed at what went on during those searches and what was required. Meath River Rescue will take ownership of this facility and it will be of enormous benefit to them."

Jamie Rennicks, on behalf of MRR said they were delighted to be chosen to receive the mobile field kitchen and said it would be hugely appreciated by volunteers as a place to go for hot coffee or soup during difficult operations.

Meath Co Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Tommy Reilly praised the efforts of the Slane Men's Shed and in particular drew on the importance of the sheds for wellbeing and mental health.

"It's the camaraderie that is created when you come into a place like Slane Men's Shed. There are so many people lonely at home, even in housing estates and town and something like this is just superb for them to go to have a cup of tea, have a chat and just get out. It's about getting out and men need to get out for their mental health more than anything else.

Kevin Macken said he was looking forward to seeing the upcoming training courses that the Shed in conjunction with LMETB have organised, he said; "We’ve had tremendous support from the Louth Meath Education and Training Board over the years. This year we’ll have classes in positive psychology, mindfulness, smartphone and computer skills, healthy eating and cookery, photography, hand pottery, and more".

He said the take-up on these courses and other Shed activities shows that "you can teach an old dog new tricks" and that life does not end with retirement.

"The Shed is a welcoming place for men to just hang out and chat or to learn and practice new skills," he said. "We’ve a very strong emphasis on activities, both indoor and outdoor and one of our plans is to develop an outdoor bowls area in the French style".

This year, the Shed is partnering with Age Action Ireland to provide one to one tutoring sessions in how to make effective use of smartphones, laptops and other devices. Participants will have their own tutor for one to two hours a week for five weeks, beginning in April.

"We’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in what we do. If anyone wants to know more they can call us at 0866003636 or email slanemensshed@gmail.com."

Slane and District Men’s Shed started up in its own buildings in September 2019. The shed provides a wide range of activities and is open from ten to four, five days a week. It has dedicated woodwork and metalwork areas, a computer room, fitted kitchen and separate canteen, an exercise room with aerobic machines, and a general-purpose recreational area that hosts training courses, physical exercise classes, cards, music lessons, musical evenings, and games such as pool, darts and bowls.

More photos from Friday's launch in this week's paper