Shed of the year 2024, Sponsored by 
Our shed is a 1940s Civilian Police Station Living History display which we take ( as a hobby ), to 1940s events around the country and also to Police open days. Built onto a trailer, we tow it to an event location, add the skirts, porch, steps and other external features, then step back in time to the 1940s to create a wartime police station. The public can come inside to learn all about Policing during World War Two and to see the equipment, posters and paperwork relevant to policing during that period whilst hearing wartime radio broadcasts in the background. We work with other re-enactors to act out scenarios such as air raids, as well as giving talks and demonstrations involving the public with fingerprinting and learning how to put a fire out with a stirrup pump. We even have a small cell which has housed many a wartime "Spiv" as well as one or two downed German pilots!
The shed started life as the flat base of a caravan onto which I built wooden framework then plywood walls. I covered the exterior with corrugated steel making it safe and sturdy whilst being towed as well as looking in keeping for the period. After installing the doors and windows I progressed to making the roof trusses and the plywood roof. I covered the roof with roofing rubber with the much needed assistance of a good friend and this ensured a water tight finish. I made skirts to go around the bottom of the shed to disguise the wheels etc. and steps too. These were all constructed of wood and covered with a moulded plastic sheeting which my wife Jackie then painted to look like brickwork. The skirts, porch, and steps are all transported inside the police station then put in place once we are on site at an event. I made the police lamp too, as they are hard to come by. I then designed and built the cell and furniture to fit the space available. Jackie dresses the desks etc once on site. We complete the look by disguising the tow hitch with our "hedge" and street name sign. A number of people have suggested we enter for Shed of the Year so here we are!
