SHED HEADS

NEWS FROM LOCAL LABOUR CLUB
Summer at The Shed
July 2026

Welcome to the Latest Edition of the Newsletter
As we roll into another busy and lively summer at the Red Shed, it’s a pleasure
to welcome you to this latest edition of the newsletter. There’s plenty
happening, plenty to look forward to, and as always plenty of reasons to feel
proud of our club. Before we dive in, a quick but important reminder: we’re
currently at 72% paid membership for the year. If you haven’t renewed yet, now’s
the perfect time to pop into the Shed and get it sorted. Your membership keeps
the club thriving, supports everything we do, and helps us continue putting on
the events and activities that make this place what it is. Let’s see if we can
push that number all the way to 100%.

And speaking of events...
Members Day – Saturday 1st August at the Red Shed
Members Day is just around the corner, Saturday 1st August and it’s shaping up
to be another brilliant gathering. It’s one of those days where the Shed really
comes alive: old friends catching up, new faces joining in, and the whole place
buzzing with that familiar warmth. Richard and I will be at the BBQ, serving up
all the favourites, with vegetarian options available too. Good food, good
company, and a relaxed afternoon together.

This year, we’re also encouraging everyone to bring along a new member. Members
Day is the perfect introduction to the Shed: friendly, informal, and full of the
spirit that makes our club special. If you know someone who’s been meaning to
join or someone who’d simply enjoy the atmosphere why not bring them along and
help grow our community? We’re looking forward to seeing a great turnout and
making this another memorable Members Day.
All the best
Matthew Hallas
President - The Red Shed

SHED IN THE COMMUNITY
Wakefield Street Kitchen – Thanks to everyone who has donated their Bags for
Life so far. We are still collecting them, so if you haven’t had a chance to
bring some in, the donation bin is still at the side of the bar. To date we have
donated approx. 100 Bags for Life, and around 40 strong carriers, which have
been gratefully received by the Street Kitchen. I got chance to go along and
deliver your donations at the Street Kitchen one Wednesday. There were over 40
people queuing for support as I arrived, so your donations really do help. Can
Recycling - As part of a new initiative, the drinks cans from the club are now
being donated to Angela Oldershaw in Allerton Bywater, who trades them in to
raise money for Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). This is
being co-ordinated by club member, John Connell.

STARS AT THE SHED
The Shed has been fortunate enough to be able to host two gigs, organised by
Phil Green and Paul Holmes, featuring Tom Hingley from the Inspiral Carpets.
Both gigs went really well. The solo show was very well received, and sold out
in no time. Tom played a mixture of Inspiral Carpets covers and his own solo
work. He was supported by Riley Marsh, who got great feedback from the audience.
Tom then asked if we would host his full band for a warm up gig, which we
readily accepted. In a quick turnaround, we managed to sell out on the day of
the gig! Unusually it was a standing room only gig, which people thought created
a better atmosphere. The gig itself went down a storm, playing all the hits of
the Inspiral Carpets. Paul and Phil would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone who contributed to making both these nights such a huge success.

60th Anniversary Merchandise –
Get Summer Ready With the promise of more warm weather on the way, make sure
you’re ‘summer ready’ with our Red Shed Merchandise. We have stubbies (£3) to
keep your drinks cool, T- shirts (£15), and new to the range are our great
quality, embroided baseball caps (£15). Also, don’t forget our specially
printed, very limited-edition Tea-Towel (£15) from the Radical Tea Towel Co.
There were only 100 printed, and we won’t be getting a re-print. They look
fantastic framed as a statement piece for your wall! We have a small range of
stock available at the club. See the display in the club for our full range of
merchandise. Order forms behind the bar. 
Contrast Polo - £30 
Plain Polo - £25
Hat - £10 
Plain Hoodie - £35 
Contrast Hoodie - £40 
T-Shirt - £15 Female Fit
T-Shirt - £15 
Pin Badge - £3 
Radical Tea Towel -£15 
Stubby - £3

We had another busy Artwalk last month with the new photographic display
provided by Club member, Richard Council. It sparked lots of discussion, and
Richard’s knowledge and enthusiasm certainly engaged theArtwalkers. Richard’s
photos will be on display until around the end of July, so please do come take a
look, and if Richard’s at the club, I’m sure he’d be happy to answer any
questions about his bird pictures. The next Artwalk will be held on Wednesday
29th July from 5pm, when we will be displaying ‘pyrography trees’ by Lorraine
Lane. A collection of pieces in wood. Memory Wall – We need your help From 1st
September, we will be doing something a little different on our Artwalk wall. As
part of the 60th anniversary, we would like to display pictures of the club,
events, and past and present members. If you have photographs you could lend us
or send digitally, we will be putting together a collage showing the last 60
years. All photos would need to be with us by Mid-August. Either handed to
myself (Tracy Rodger) or Linda Bratley, or emailed to me at t700c@hotmail.co.uk.

Dates for your Diary
Sunday 26th July, 2 – 4pm Class Lines & Red Rhymes First time at the Red Shed,
we welcome Janine Booth, Joe Zux, and Nick Toczek presenting Class Lines & Red
Rhymes. Poetry from the frontlines to the picket lines, join us for an afternoon
of verse. Funds raised by the event go to support ‘We Shall Overcome’ and
Wakefield Street Kitchen Saturday 29th August, 2 – 4pm Talk: People of the Great
Strike: Herbert Smith & Isabel Brown Come and hear the inspiring stories of 2
key figures of the 1926 General Strike. Kathryn Stainburn, supported by Colin
Burgon, present the life and times of Herbert Smith, and Alfie Norris speaking
about Isabel Brown. Katherine, Colin and Alfie will then do a Q&A after the
talks.

WHAT’S BEEN ON AT THE RED SHED
East vs West Beer Festival at The Red Shed The Red Shed recently hosted another
successful East vs West Beer Festival, bringing together great beer, good
company, and support for a cause close to many people’s hearts. With more than
twenty beers from both the east side and the west side, there was plenty for
visitors to explore across the weekend. Supporting Candlelighters As always, the
festival wasn’t just about beer. This year’s chosen charity was Candlelighters,
who support children and families affected by childhood cancer. We were pleased
to help raise awareness and funds for the important work they do, and we’re
grateful to everyone who contributed.
Wakefield CAMRA Club of the Year — Again
During the festival, the club was also presented with the Wakefield CAMRA Club
of the Year award — for the 15th year in a row. It’s an achievement we’re
extremely proud of, and it reflects the hard work of our volunteers, the quality
of our beer, and the continued support of our members and visitors.

Looking Ahead: CAMRA’s 50th Anniversary Weekend
We’re now looking forward to welcoming CAMRA branches from across the country on
the weekend of 7–8 August as Wakefield CAMRA celebrates its 50th year. The theme
— “Cheers for 50 Years” — will be marked with a range of specially brewed beers
created by some of our favourite Wakefield breweries, working in collaboration
with CAMRA friends and well‐known brewers. The club will be open from 12 noon on
both days, and everyone is welcome to join the celebrations. • Friday afternoon:
a special brewers’ event • Saturday afternoon: live music from The 189ers It
promises to be a relaxed, enjoyable weekend with plenty for beer lovers and
visitors alike.

WHAT’S BEEN ON AT THE RED SHED
The Red Shed at Banners Held High 2026 The Red Shed was pleased to once again
support this year’s Banners Held High event, standing alongside trade union
groups, community organisations, and local supporters. It was a successful
weekend overall, with plenty of activity both in the city centre and back at the
club. Friday Fringe Events The weekend began with Friday’s fringe programme,
hosted in the club. We were pleased to welcome Calum Baird, whose performance
drew a strong crowd and set a thoughtful tone for the start of the weekend. The
club was busy throughout the evening with music, conversation, and visitors
dropping in before the main event. JJ’s on Saturday Night On Saturday evening,
JJs played to a full room at the Shed. Their set was well received, and the
atmosphere stayed warm and lively even as people came in to escape the rain. It
was a solid end to the day’s events.

WHAT’S ON AT THE RED SHED
As well as our regular events (see the next page) we have a wide range of
special events and dates to keep in your diary. 
Coming up at The Shed..... 
11th July 8pm - Steve & Ed Live at The Shed. Following their debut appearance,
Eddie Mac is back with Steel Slick Steve. If you missed them first time round
then you don't want to miss them again. 
27th July 7pm - Bard Company Bard Company return to The Red Shed to continue
their series of live dates to promote their new album. 
26th July, 2 – 4pm Class Lines & Red Rhymes First time at the Red Shed, we
welcome Janine Booth, Joe Zux, and Nick Toczek presenting Class Lines & Red
Rhymes. Poetry from the frontlines to the picket lines, join us for an afternoon
of verse. Funds raised by the event go to support ‘We Shall Overcome’ and
Wakefield Street Kitchen. 
1st of August - Member’s day Details on the first page. 
7th - 8th of August - CAMRA The club will be open from 12 noon on both days, and
everyone is welcome to join the celebrations. • Friday afternoon: a special
brewers’ event • Saturday afternoon: live music from The 189ers 
15th August - Charlie Padfield Charlie Padfield returns to the Shed with his
vast repertoire of self-penned ditties and swinging hits through the ages. 
21st August- Wakey Punx Presents.... The Krayons - Fast, In your face, Wakey
Thrash Punk as well as Graik Guard, Agoniser and Mouth Parts. 
29th August 2 – 4pm Talk: People of the Great Strike: Herbert Smith & Isabel
Brown Come and hear the inspiring stories of 2 key figures of the 1926 General
Strike. Kathryn Stainburn, supported by Colin Burgon, present the life and times
of Herbert Smith, and Alfie Norris speaking about Isabel Brown. Katherine, Colin
and Alfie will then do a Q&A after the talks. 
4th September - Hunch Hard Hitting Irish, American & Latin folk with a generous
dash of humour.

WHAT’S ON AT THE RED SHED
Our regular events are the heartbeat of the Shed: they keep everyone connected.
They’re the moments where we come together, share a laugh and, keep the club
thriving. We’d truly love to see you at them, whether you drop in occasionally
or make them part of your routine.

Mrs R’s Retro Disco – 
1st Saturday of every month, from 7:30 ‘til late A beloved classic. Expect
floor‐fillers, forgotten gems, and the kind of joyful chaos only Mrs R can
deliver. Whether you’re dancing all night or just soaking up the atmosphere,
it’s always a brilliant evening.

Dave’s Song & Tune Sessions – 
1st and 3rd Sunday afternoons, from 1:30 Relaxed, friendly, and full of heart.
Bring an instrument, bring your voice, or simply bring yourself. These sessions
are all about sharing the love of music, stories, and good company.

Open Mic Night – 
Last Saturday of every month, from 8:30 
A showcase of local talent and brave first‐timers. Sing, play, read, perform —
or cheer on those who do. It’s one of the most supportive rooms you’ll ever step
into.

Weekly Quiz – 
Every Wednesday at 9pm
A midweek highlight with plenty of laughs and a bit of friendly rivalry. The
quiz winner walks away with a full gallon of beer, even if trivia isn’t your
thing, you’re still in with a chance of a prize the as raffle winner enjoys a
couple of pints.