Our Shed Story: From a Damp Corner to a Community Powered Workspace

May 6

2 min read

A Humble Beginning (2012)

Every organisation has a story about where it all began — and ours starts in the most unlikely of places: a small shelf unit at the back of a metal caretaker’s shed.

It was cramped, cold, and noisy. When it rained, the sound hammered on the roof so loudly you could barely think, and the damp crept into everything. Each session began with volunteers emptying the shed just to reach the stock. It was far from ideal — but it was the start of something important.

A Shed Transformed (December 2013)

Everything changed when Sacred Heart stepped in to match fund a generous donation from Beastsheds Ltd, enabling us to purchase a brand new 10ft x 12ft shed.

Local businesses rallied behind the project:

B&Q
The Valley Gardens
Keyline Builders
R.E. Hill

Thanks to their support — and the hard work of Graham and Phil — the shed was fully kitted out and made functional in all weathers. For the first time, we had a dedicated space that was dry, organised, and genuinely usable.

It was a turning point.

Insulation, Teamwork & Bristol Bears Muscle (July 2018)

By 2018, the shed had become the beating heart of our storage system — and it was ready for its next upgrade.

The Bristol Bears team arrived with enthusiasm and muscle, emptying the entire shed so it could be insulated.

Local company Poplar Insulation then stepped in, transforming the space into a much warmer, more comfortable place to work.

Once the insulation was complete, the Bristol Bears returned to refill the shed — a brilliant show of teamwork and community spirit.

Lockdown & A New Chapter (2020)

When lockdown hit, everything changed again.

An empty office became available, and with demand rising, we needed more space than ever.

We began renting the current store room, and the shed shifted into its new role as overflow storage — still essential, still in use, still part of our story.

Three Men and Some Shelves (2021)

In 2021, the shed got yet another upgrade.

Henryk and Keith from St Pius Xth arrived with spare shelving from the St David Centre, and Rev Paul rolled up his sleeves to help assemble it all.

With their help, the shed became more organised, more efficient, and better equipped to support the growing needs of the community.

A Story of Ingenuity, Grit, and Community Support

From a damp metal shed to a fully insulated, purpose-built storage space, our shed story is really a story about people — volunteers, local businesses, churches, sports teams, and supporters who stepped in, stepped up, and made it possible.

Every improvement reflects the same truth: when our community comes together, incredible things happen.