When St Mary’s Tetbury realised their 350 retired hymn books were not suitable for donation and could not be sold, the church sought a more imaginative solution than just sending them to landfill. They decided to approach the Tetbury Men’s Shed for help.
“When St Mary’s Church decided to upgrade their hymn books, they faced a dilemma of the highest order – what does one do with 350 retired volumes?” said Alan Greenway, a Men’s Shed Tetbury co-ordinator. “So, they did what any good parish would do: they invited the Men’s Shed to assist. Working with members of the congregation, we created amazing items from simply folding the pages of books.”
As the festive season approaches, the Men’s Shed team has joined forces with the worshipping community at St Mary’s – including Richard and Sue Mattick, Rosemary Bailey, and many keen volunteers – to transform the hymn book pages into angels, hedgehogs, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations.
The designs were developed collectively, inspired by online folded-paper craft ideas, and refined during shared workshops.
“We ironed out snags and redesigned things if needed,” said Rosemary Bailey, Eco Church Ambassador for Cirencester Deanery. “Without the Men’s Shed, St Mary’s would not have had access to equipment like drills and glue. It’s been a wonderful partnership between the church, the Shed, and the wider community.”
During a crafting session on 8 November at Tetbury’s Goods Shed, attendees learned how to fold and decorate small hanging angels – simple creations made from hymn sheets, beads, ribbon and a few clever techniques. Many went home with several of their own.
Larger angels, which require hours of careful folding and often multiple makers, are now underway. These will be sold at the church fete on 22 November.
“The hymn books have sung again,” said Rosemary.
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Quite incredible . Well done ! What a brilliant idea.