SHED HEADS September 2026 THE RED SHED TURNS 60! Join us as we celebrate six decades of Wakefield Labour Club I hope everyone has had time to enjoy summer weather and had some well-earned time to relax and recharge. As the summer begins to fade and the nights start drawing in, we have a packed programme planned throughout September and October. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back and seeing you all again as we head into the autumn months. This autumn is particularly special as we come together to celebrate The Red Shed’s 60th anniversary. The weekend of 24th to 27th September promises to be a very special occasion, and this newsletter contains all the details of the weekend’s programme, events and celebrations. We hope as many of you as possible will join us as we celebrate six decades of memories and friendship. Here’s to a busy and celebratory autumn at The Club. Matthew Hallas President - The Red Shed OUR 60th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS! We kick off the week on Saturday 19th September, at 2pm for a talk by Ian Clayton, “It’s the beer talking” based on Ian’s book. An informal journey through some adventures in public houses! On Sunday 20th September at 1.30pm join THE RED SHED FOLK, who will be devoting their folk music session in remembrance of the last 60 years since the Red Shed came into being. All singers, instrumentalists and monologuists are asked to prepare (if possible) their songs, tunes etc to reflect the last 60 years...even if it is a tenuous link e.g. events, issues, people, conflicts etc. It is not essential that planned music should link up with the 60 years theme as this is a normal, free Sunday session. All are very welcome. Then on Wednesday 23rd September, join our regular quiz night for a ‘Decades Quiz’, with spot prizes and the usual big prize of beer tokens worth a gallon of beer. The fun starts from 9pm. On the big day itself, Thursday 24th September from 7.30pm, we’ll be celebrating with cake, nibbles and a ‘welcome drink’ When attending any of these events, please arrive early to avoid disappointment as the club does have limited capacity, and we expect it will be busy across the week. Friday 25th September, You are invited to a lively panel discussion: The Labour Party's association with The Red Shed, 60 years of memories. The panel members are David Hinchcliffe, Denise Jeffrey and Simon Lightwood and facilitating the discussion is Jane Walton. Denise Jeffery started working for Wakefield Council as a 16 year old, straight from School. Denise went on to work for Nalgo and then Unison. When David Hinchcliffe became the Member of Parliament for Wakefield in 1987, Denise won David's previous Council seat, becoming Deputy Leader in 2007 and Wakefield's first female Council Leader in 2019 to 2026. David Hinchliffe began his working life as a Social Worker, then a Tutor in Social Work. David was a District Councillor in Wakefield before becoming the Member of Parliament for Wakefield from 1987 to 2005 when he stood down. A published author, David is also a former Rugby League player and life long supporter of Wakefield Trinity. David has been a member of The Red Shed since 1967. Simon Lightwood MP studied at Bretton Hall and was a case worker for the former Wakefield MP Mary Creagh between 2005 and 2009. He later worked for the National Health Service before becoming the Member of Parliament for Wakefield in a by election in 2022. Simon is the Member of Parliament for Wakefield and Rothwell and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Transport and joint Minister for Equalities. Doors open at 6.30pm, the discussion will start at 7pm, followed by music from the talented Lewis Pugh at 8.30pm. More music on Saturday 26th September, when we welcome guests of the Tony Foster Band from 6.30pm, and Tony and his band from 8.30pm onwards. We round off the weekend on Sunday 27th September, with music from the 60’s, and some fun and games, like Play Your Cards Right, Bingo, and much more. All hosted by our resident DJ, Mrs R. There’ll be pizza to keep you fuelled up, and we’ll be drawing the Prize Raffle. Join us from 1.30pm DO YOU BELIEVE IN COINCIDENCE? On the 24th September 1966, the Wakefield Labour Club opened its doors and a new chapter in history began. On the same day at All Saints' Church, Castleford, Michael, an apprentice carpet fitter, married Kathleen, a hairdresser. So, one is celebrating its 60th birthday and the other celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on the same day—but what’s the connection? I’m not going to go through the history of the Club, as this is well documented on the amazing history wall in the club. However, here is a brief story of a couple who were married on the same day the Club opened and the modern-day connection. Mick and Kath went on to have two sons, one born a year and a day after their wedding day and the other a few years later. Mick went on to have a variety of jobs, with Kath working at Hickson & Welch, owning a grocer's and off-licence, and tutoring their sons in the basics of retail and how to best look after their customers: a deep-rooted belief that good service will be rewarded. Returning to Hickson's for a few years, they then moved to Blackpool to own a B&B and a café (Kath’s Café). Further tuition and experience were handed down—put the customer first and success will follow. Then finally retiring. Or so we thought. No. Mick decided to go back to work and run a Tesco Express before getting fed up with hearing, “Did you not? Could you not? Have you not?” and so returned to God's Own County to again enjoy later life with Kath. A good, hard-working Yorkshire lad and lass, taking their chances in their married life and doing the best for their family whilst handing down their knowledge and experiences. Values we promote and uphold in the Labour Club today. However, by now you are saying, what’s this got to do with the Club today? Here is the connection: that gorgeous little boy born one year and one day after the opening of the Club and his parents’ wedding day is now your Treasurer, and he is very proud of his parents and the position he holds in our Club. Do you believe in coincidence? Andy Gornall Treasurer- The Red Shed 60th Anniversary Merchandise – Get Ready For Autumn. With the crisp autumn weather on the way, make sure you’re ready for the chill with our Red Shed Merchandise. We have Plain Hoodies (£35) to keep you cosy. T- shirts (£15), Beanies (£10) and 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. Artwalk Wakefield Thanks to everyone who attended our latest Artwalk, a display of pyrography by Lorraine Lane. We’ve received lots of great feedback on Lorraine’s pieces, and sold quite a few too! Our next Artwalk will be starting a little earlier than usual (early September), and it’s all about our beloved Red Shed, or more specifically, the people who’ve made the place what it is over its 60-year life. We still need photographs to include in the display, so if you can help out, please get them to me, Tracy Rodger, or Linda Bratley asap. The display will keep evolving as we add more images, and I’m hoping to make it a special event at the official Artwalk on Wednesday 30 th September by taking photos of our ‘Artwalkers’ to add to the display. Don’t forget on Artwalk night we open from 5pm. SHED IN THE COMMUNITY Wakefield Street Kitchen – Thanks to everyone who joined in and donated their Bags for Life. You donated 125 Bags for Life, and 39 strong carriers. A brilliant effort, and really appreciated by the Street Kitchen. NEW WSK CAMPAIGN We’re changing things up slightly, with a new campaign for them. The next donation drive, starting mid-September, will be for toiletries for them to pass on to the more vulnerable in our community. We’re looking for donations of anything from deodorants to nappies. As you may be particularly aware, many families struggle to fund female sanitary products, and there have been numerous successful campaigns to get the VAT removed from these products. However, they are still quite an expensive item. The donation bin will stay in place by the bar, all toiletries must be unused and/or sealed. Donations of this nature can have a massive impact on the recipients, and really boost their well-being. Also, don’t forget to get your Anniversary Raffle Tickets, with all funds raised being donated to Wakefield Street Kitchen. Draw takes place on Sunday 27th September, some great prizes to be won. CAN RECYCLING This on-going initiative has so far generated over 12 bin bags of cans being donated from the club, the cans are crushed before being passed onto Angela. John is now also collecting the ring pulls for Angela, as these are being donated to a project called ‘The Purple Community Fund’, which helps support and educate families and children in the Philippines. The ring pulls are re- purposed into fashion items. 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. 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. 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. 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