SHED HEADS January 2026 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT THE SHED Now that we’re at the start of 2026, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you all. Looking back at last year, one of the things I’m most proud of is how strong our regular events have become. The Retro Disco, Open Mic Night, Art Walk evenings, Wednesday night’s quiz, and our new Sunday afternoon music session all found their stride in 2025. Week after week, people turned up, got involved, and made each night feel like its own little community. We also made real progress across the city. Our involvement in the Rhubarb Festival, the Blues Festival, and our continued support for Banners Held High helped put The Red Shed firmly on the map. It’s been great to see the club not just hosting events, but taking an active role in Wakefield’s wider cultural life. And the best part is that we’re not slowing down. We’re looking forward to building on all of this in 2026 — keeping those regular nights thriving, growing the new Sunday session, and staying involved in the big citywide events that bring people together. Looking Back at 2025 When I think about 2025, what stands out is the atmosphere. Whether it was a packed night or a quieter one, there was always a sense of people enjoying being together. It felt steady, genuine, and rooted — the kind of year that reminds you why this place matters. Our 60th Year Begins And now here we are in 2026 — our 60th year. That’s something special. Not many places manage to stay true to their values for this long, and it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate that. We’ll be celebrating throughout the year, and I hope you’ll be part of it. It’s a chance to honour the history, the people, and the spirit that have kept The Red Shed going. We were recently featured in the Wakefield Express who highlighted this as our 60 year. You can read the article here https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/the-red-shed-to-celebrate-60-years-as-a-socialist-club-5457506 Membership Renewals A quick reminder that membership renewals are due. They’re £5, or £3 if you’re unwaged, and the easiest way to sort it is simply to pay in cash the next time you’re in the club. Renewing helps us plan properly for the year ahead — especially with the anniversary events — and it keeps the club on solid ground. Thank You I want to say a genuine thank you for everything you put into the club last year. Whether you came to events, volunteered, or just popped in for a drink and a chat, it all matters. The Shed only works because people show up and take part. As we head into this milestone year, I hope you’ll keep coming along and helping us make 2026 something to remember. All the best Matthew Hallas President - The Red Shed WE’VE GONE REALLY RADICAL As part of our upcoming celebrations of the club's 60th year, we have collaborated with The Radical Tea Towel Company to create our very own, strictly limited-edition tea towel. We won't be reprinting these, so once they're gone, they're gone! On sale in the club now - £15. We have been using the company's tea towels as part of our various displays on the '84-'85 Miners' Strike, and Women of the Working Class, and they've drawn comment from lots of people. Check out their website, ethical policy and good causes page. They are a family business, and here's their website https://radicalteatowel.co.uk/ 60 YEARS OF GOOD BEER AT THE CLUB We sat down to discuss what we could do about celebrating the Labour Club’s 60th year. Something that would last a year and touch on one of the core parts of the club’s DNA. The first thing that came to mind was of course Real Ale. The Wakefield Labour Club is a multi award winning club for its beer and has been in CAMRA's book, The Good Beer Guide for over thirty consecutive years. So how do we celebrate this and maintain this throughout the year ? We decided to talk to forty of our real ale brewers, all across the UK and ask them if they would make us a beer for the club and celebrate our sixtieth year. They said yes of course for such an iconic club. So please look out for a beer of the month or several beers of the month with our own original pump clips, throughout the year. Our first beer was from The Five Towns Brewery and called Hellfire Club, for which I'm very happy to say sold the whole eighteen gallons in no time at all. But don't think you've missed out. We have boxes of three bottle conditioned still available at £11.40. Our next beer is a wonderful 5.5% Porter from TigerTops Brewery. Nine gallons out of a wooden cask and nine gallons out of a standard cask. So technically two beers to try. So, look out for the pump clips and come quick. They will not be there long. You can monitor what's on at The Red Shed by downloading The Real Ale Finder App and see our amazing value for money prices. Happy 60th to a fantastic community, entertaining and award winning premises. The Wakefield Labour Club, (The Red Shed). Andy Gornall WAKEFIELD ART WALK This year has seen The Red Shed re-establish itself as part of the Wakefield Artwalk event. Held on the last Wednesday of every second month, starting from January and finishing in November, we have brought you a range of displays from lino-etched prints, photographs, textiles, and various paint mediums. We've finished the year with a unique installation tracking the role of social media in the Israeli-Palestine war, which is prompting much discussion, just as art should. We've tied the Artwalks to our themes, which have been on display in the Main room: * 40th Anniversary of the Miners' Strike (Dave Wilders - Mining/Industrial Scenes) * Women of the Working class (Artwork by women - Seanna Doonan, Carrie Scott-Huby, Jess Rowbottom, Loretta Fallas, and Jacqui El Masry) Plans are already shaping up for 2026, and on Wednesday 28 January we will be welcoming Neil Oates for his first ever Artwalk! We're open from 5pm, so please come along and show your support for Neil, plus the bar is open! We'd like to say a big "THANK YOU" to all our artists, who have taken part this year. If anyone would like to show off their artistic talents, there are a couple of spots left in 2026. Contact: Tracy Rodger, t700c@hotmail.co.uk Also, watch out for our 60th Anniversary display featuring specially produced pieces for The Red Shed. Cheers, Tracy RED SHED MERCH As we continue moving towards marking our 60 year, alongside the new beer collaborations, we’re excited to be launching a brand new range of Red Shed merchandise. Order forms are behind the bar. PRICE LIST 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 2026 RHUBARB FESTIVAL The Rhubarb Festival Weekend at the Shed Friday 20th February – Sunday 22nd February We’re going all‑in for Wakefield’s famous Rhubarb Festival, and the Shed will be bursting with pink‑tinged creativity throughout the weekend. [N.B. There is absolutely no hidden political message there! Ed.] You can look forward to a range of rhubarb drinks, including a specially brewed rhubarb beer, plus a rhubarb savoury snack to keep you going. On Saturday afternoon, we’ll also be serving a special rhubarb‑themed menu lovingly prepared by Karen Wright (of Great British Bake Off fame) Karen’s dishes will include a rhubarb‑infused curry, a hearty chilli non carne [That`s not a mis-spelling. Ed.], and comforting puddings like crumble and sponge with custard — each with that unmistakable hint of rhubarb. It promises to be something genuinely memorable. Full menu details will be shared soon, so keep an eye on our social media channels for updates. The Red Shed thrives because of the people who fill it — your music, your laughter, your curiosity, We can’t wait to see you at the next event and share more good times together. A YEAR OF THE RED SHED THANK YOU! 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 as the raffle winner enjoys a couple of pints. KEEP IN TOUCH Facebook Website Instagram Beer List Call the Club on 01924 215 626