At The Good News Shed, we have five Trustees who also form our Management Committee. Each brings many years of experience within the Shed movement, having previously volunteered in similar settings and understanding first-hand what a Shed represents.

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All five are deeply committed to the role Sheds play in tackling social isolation and loneliness, while promoting wellbeing and better mental health for all members.

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They understand the real difference a Shed can make in helping people reconnect with others, rediscover purpose, and rebuild a sense of identity. For many, it is a place where they move from feeling isolated to being part of a supportive, welcoming community again.

 

Charlie - Chair

 

Hi, I’m Charlie Culver, Chairman of the Good News Shed. At 71, my main responsibilities at the Shed focus on workshop management and ensuring everyone stays safe.
 

I started as a carpenter and joiner right after leaving school, spending my entire career in the trade.
 

Outside of the Shed, my faith and community are close to my heart. I’ve spent many years volunteering with my church, traveling to Wales to lead community projects. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of supporting vulnerable individuals by passing on practical skills like gardening, carpentry, painting, and decorating.

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At home, I’m happily married with three grown children and three wonderful grandchildren.

Mark - Treasurer
 

I am Mark, the Treasurer at The Good News Shed, and have been involved in the Men in Sheds movement for many years, both as a member and a volunteer across multiple sheds. I bring extensive professional experience as a graphic designer, having worked across a wide range of sectors for over 30 years and having freelanced for many years.
 

I am a passionate maker, sculptor, woodworker, and printmaker. I also have broad hands-on experience in property renovation and development, which complements the shed's practical nature.
I have a strong interest in technology and 3D printing, and I’m currently developing a range of 3D-printed toys.

I previously ran a circus entertainment company, teaching circus skills to children and delivering fire-breathing and fire arts training to adults. I have been involved in fire performances and events all over the UK. We also taught Alex Brooker of The Last Leg to fire-breathe live on TV.
I also love a good cup of tea and a biscuit.

Lee - Secretary

Hi, my name is Lee. I started life as a Chef and worked in the industry for 20 years, even running restaurants and hotels, but that was my former life. Now I mostly volunteer. I was the Secretary of the local Herpetological Society for 10 years. I cook for the local CHOMP, which is a school holiday lunch club for families on low income, and now I am a Trustee for The Good News Shed and also its secretary.

I am a huge Geek and proud of it. I love anything to do with tech and its advancement. I also appreciate the skills that are done with your hands, like cooking, woodwork, and such. When I joined a Shed 3 years ago, I introduced it to 3D printing, and we never looked back, not just for trinkets but for making things like Jigs and useful items to help or make life easier.

I fully believe in the Shed movement and the true good it can do for our members and the wider community. Over the years, I have been able to witness firsthand the difference it makes both from a well-being point of view and also just on a human level, with the connection between members sharing skills, projects, and even just a brew.

Lisa - Vice-Chair
 

Hi, I’m Lisa, a proud mum of two grown-up children.
 

I began my career as a cabinetmaker at a local firm, working my way up to charge-hand and mentoring our YTS apprentices. Later, I took a complete career pivot and spent the next 25 years supporting children as an SEN teaching assistant. Alongside this, I served on the management committee of our local herpetological society and volunteered as a STEM ambassador—sharing my love for reptiles and helping people conquer their phobias.
 

Four years ago, I walked into The Good News Shed as a member and eventually became a volunteer. Being part of this community has made a world of difference for my own mental health. Today, I’m the Head of Welfare at the Shed, where I draw on my own experiences to offer the genuine understanding, empathy, and compassion needed to connect with others.

Margret - Trustee

I studied Music at a Teachers’ Training College in London before beginning my teaching career in a challenging London school. I later fulfilled my ambition of working with children and young adults with special needs, spending over 30 years teaching in Brighton before retiring.
 

After marrying and having two children, I developed a love of gardening, baking and DIY. One of our biggest adventures was building a 30ft narrowboat in our back garden! My husband and I also volunteered as puppy parents for Canine Partners, helping prepare assistance dogs for disabled people.
 

I discovered the Woodworking Shed through my husband, who joined around five years ago. It’s a wonderful place to get creative, learn new skills, make friends, and, above all, relax, find some peace, and have a good laugh.