The Men’s Shed has partnered with St Mary’s Church, Tetbury to create a costermonger barrow for the church to display seasonal plants.
A costermonger barrow is a traditional style pushcart used to display goods for sale. The design allows volunteers to move the display to wherever it’s needed.
It was built using recycled materials to ensure sustainability was at the heart of the project. The wheels were donated from the Wacky Races in Tetbury, and the roof is an old builder’s advertisement poster. The body of the barrow is made from recycled wood.
St Mary’s is well-known for having a seasonal display of plants available throughout the summer in exchange for a small donation. This mobile stall showcases the plants and cuttings on offer more effectively.
Alan Greenway, a co-ordinator at The Men’s Shed said: “This collaboration has been a joy, blending craftsmanship, eco-conscious design, and community spirit to create something both functional and unique. Next time you visit St Mary’s, keep an eye out for the barrow; it’s more than just a plant stall, it’s a testament to thoughtful reuse and tradition.”
The barrow was blessed by the Revd Pauline Setterfield on 6 July. It is currently set up in the St Mary’s churchyard.
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