King's Lynn boasts Shed of the Year

They made the rum shack

Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 4th Oct 2020

A Norfolk family are celebrating after triumphing in the Cuprinol Shed Of The Year 2020 contest with a rum shack they built when their dream holiday plans fell foul of lockdown.

The Meltons from King's Lynn had been due to go on a once-in-a-lifetime Florida getaway.

But they faced heartache when coronavirus restrictions brought international travel to a halt.

Undeterred, Senior Project Manager Joe Melton set about keeping the family's spirits up by building a bar in their back garden.

And his efforts have seen him triumph in the new Lockdown New-Build category which celebrates the efforts of those who put their time in lockdown to creating something new.

Joe, 39, built the bar with his wife, Lisa, and their three children. He explained:

"Before lockdown we were supposed to be taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Florida with the children, but it got cancelled.

"So, I set to work building a bar we could all enjoy in the garden, with a slushy station for the kids and plenty to entertain adults too.

"We love spending time outdoors in the garden so it seemed like a no brainer. It was also an opportunity to teach the children new life skills. The whole family has been involved building, sanding and waxing."

Joe added:

"The bar has brought us together during lockdown as we have continued to make changes and improvements. It's given the children a chance to learn new life skills and then enjoy slushies sitting back looking at what they have built."

Head Judge and competition founder Andrew Wilcox said:

"This year we've been blown away by the imagination and creativity on display from sheddies up and down the country, during these unprecedented times.

"When lockdown was introduced, like many families across the country, The Meltons faced the disappointment of missing out on a holiday they had set their hearts on.

"But they overcame it with ingenuity and have created a space in their back garden where they will create many happy family memories for years to come."

Kirsty Woodbine, Marketing Manager for Cuprinol, said:

"The extraordinary events of this past year have seen the nation's sheds take on a host of new roles in our lives - from a family refuge to a sheducation hub. It highlights how creative and considerate we can be even through the most difficult of times.

"Now more than ever our gardens, patios and outside spaces provide welcome respite from the uncertainties of the world outside - allowing us time to reflect, relax and socialise.