Trim Women's Shed 'here for the long haul'
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Trim Women’s Shed members showing that they are “willing to build their own Shed! Striking a pose at the photoshoot for their new calendar are Celene McGrath and Anne CollingeImage 2 of 4
Caroline Smith, Cindy Brady, Lucy Cronly, Anne Collinge, Mags McGivern, Evelyn O’ Shea, four founding members along with two committee members. Anne won volunteer of the year and the The Shed was a finalist in the Community Group of the Year.Image 3 of 4
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The Trim Women’s Shed is appealing for a permanent base as membership continues to grow and activities expand, with a major fundraising calendar set to be launched next month.
Since opening its doors in March 2023, the Shed has quickly become one of the most vibrant community groups in the town, attracting over 450 women from Trim and surrounding areas. The group is currently run by four founding members, chairperson, Caroline Smith; vice-chair, Mags McGivern; treasurer, Evelyn O’Shea, and secretary, Anne Collinge, and has established itself as a hub of activity, learning and friendship.
At present, the Shed rents space in several locations including the Family Resource Centre, Living Hope Church and LMETB facilities. While the support has been greatly appreciated, Caroline Smith says the lack of a permanent home is becoming a challenge.
“We really want a space of our own,” she explained. “It would make it easier for members and allow us to expand the activities we run. At the moment, it’s a case of juggling classes around whatever venues are available, and members can be left trying to remember which place they’re supposed to be in on a given day.”
Despite these challenges, the group offers a packed schedule that includes yoga, Pilates, choir, walking groups, book clubs, flower arranging, and craft workshops. Coffee mornings, information talks, and social outings are also part of the programme. The Shed’s choir alone now has more than 70 members.
As part of its fundraising efforts, the Shed will launch a 2025 calendar featuring members in a series of themed photo shoots representing different activities. The calendar will be launched on October 8th with an exhibition in the OPW offices, where many of the photographs not used in the final cut will also be displayed.
“The women had such fun with it,” said Caroline. “Each month highlights a different aspect of what the Shed does, from the book club to the walking group and the photos are light-hearted and full of personality. It really captures the spirit of the Shed.”
While proceeds from the calendar will go towards running classes, the long-term goal is to secure a permanent premises. The Shed is also setting up a GoFundMe and will apply for grants to support this aim. Previous fundraisers have been hugely successful, including a fashion show last year that sold more than 400 tickets, with all the models drawn from among the members.
For Caroline, the shed is about more than activities, it is about connection. “Many women joined not knowing anyone, and now they’ve found friends for life. Some have said it took them out of isolation after Covid. Others have said it saved them. That’s why finding a permanent home is so important. We’re here for the long haul.”