The Men’s Shed team brings a piece of Tudor Village history back to life, celebrating craftsmanship, community spirit, and local heritage
As you drive along Tudor Village Drive towards the Community Centre, you’ll notice on your left a beautifully restored Apple Press and Cart. This remarkable piece of history dates back to the late 1930s, when the site was home to an apple orchard and processing plant for MAC’s Apple Cider Products.
For many years, the cart sat forgotten in the grassed area at the top end of Grosvenor Walk, slowly falling into disrepair and becoming overgrown.
In 2015, Richard Scott, a dedicated member of the newly formed Tudor Village Men’s Shed, proposed that the group take on the ambitious challenge of restoring the cart. It became one of the Shed’s first major community projects, a perfect way to unite members around a shared goal.
The restoration took over 12 months. Working from Richard’s garage, volunteers carefully sourced parts, replaced the wheels, reshaped timbers, and repainted the cart, including the intricate MAC’s logos. Once complete, the team proudly wheeled the restored cart down Hampton Court to its current position near the Community Centre.
Nearly ten years later, in early 2025, the Men’s Shed decided it was time for another refresh. Bob Blood led the new project, assembling a small team of skilled members to replace deteriorating timbers and repaint the cart with the same attention to detail as the original restoration.
This time, the work was carried out mostly on-site, with fine detailing completed back at the Shed.
The Apple Cart project holds a special place in the hearts of the Men’s Shed members. It not only revived a cherished piece of Tudor Village history but also symbolised the beginnings of their thriving workshop and community hub.
Today, the Tudor Village Men’s Shed is a lively centre of creativity and collaboration. Members continue to take pride in a variety of restoration projects and handmade items, while residents use the Shed’s specialist tools to bring their own ideas to life.
Next time you visit the Community Centre, take a moment to admire the restored Apple Cart, a proud reminder of Tudor Village’s heritage and community spirit.
