Women's Shed Portlaoise receive their 'forever home'

It is exciting times for Women's Shed Portlaoise, who have just been given their "forever home".

The Laois group only held their first meeting last Valentine's day, February 14 with 15 founding members, but this August, they are celebrating as they reach over 100 members, and move into a house in St Brigid's Place as their permanent base.

Number 111, a two storey house, was previously used as a community centre and then a childcare centre by Laois Partnership, but has lain empty in recent years. 

Now thanks to the support of its owner Laois County Council and Laois Partnership, the ladies are rolling up their sleeves to get it shipshape, and looking forward to many long years of friendship, social support, activities and fun.

No. 111 St Brigid's Place, now the home of Women's Shed Portlaoise.

“We received the keys and signed the lease on the 11th of July, . We are hoping to have the house open and running by the 5th of September,” she said.

They are asking for some community help and donations.

“We have washed down the walls and we have three or four weeks to get it ready. It mainly just needs painting, inside and out. We have a few handy women but we would appreciate some expert help to guide us.

“We would also appreciate if any local business would like to donate a fridge or cooker for our kitchen, or outdoor furniture for our garden,” she said.

The group are thrilled with their new base.

"Everybody is delighted. We've been greatly supported by Laois County Council and Laois Partnership, who allowed us to use their offices up to now for our weekly meetings," she said.

Avril knew about the vacant St Brigid's house from her role as chair of the residents association.

"It was empty since Covid. With the help of Karen from Laois Partnership and Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, we approached the council to see if it was possible and they were in support and provided the paint," she said.

Chairperson Avril O'Brien (right) with members Bernadette Kelly, Angela Haslam and Margherita Fanzini, showing their crafts at the recent Live Well Expo in Portlaoise. Photo: Renata Metalicka

"We have walking groups, we can have cookery classes there. We plan to make one room a library, a cosy space because we have been gifted a lot of books.

"We aim to make a space where women can gather, make friends and skill share. A lot of people after Covid forgot to come back out, or they didn't have anywhere to go. It is a great amenity now for the women of the town, they have somewhere to go. It's very valuable, to have someone to talk to, to learn skills, to find social connections. Our next trip is in October when we will go overnight to Kilkenny to a food festival.

"It just brings a whole new outlet. For myself, I ended up in the Laois Music Generation choir, I've never done anything like that," she said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is delighted for the group.

"I am delighted this has been agreed, I had brought a delegation of residents to the council where they met Georgina Ireland to propose this use. The estate management section in Laois County Council provided the paint and fixed a leak and replaced a window, with thanks to the tenant liaison officer Aidan McKane. There's a big room downstairs, two toilets and a kitchen with several cookers because it was a childcare centre.

"They have secured the future of the centre which is great as a lot of members live in Brigid's Place. I've no doubt they can probably use Laois Partnership still for outdoor activities like alotments, they have great ideas. I wish them well and I'll be there to support them," she said.

The women meet every Wednesday at 10am in Portlaoise Parish Centre until their base is open, with some members also taking a walk from the centre at 10am. New members are welcome to come along.