Robert Sharpe worked to turn his Cotteridge shed into a mini museum during his cancer treatment.
Robert Sharpe has one of the very best sheds in Britain(Image: Robert Sharpe)
A Birmingham man’s shed that became a ‘lifeline’ during his cancer treatment is in the running to be named best in Britain.
Robert Sharpe, 67, transformed his shed during his recovery from maxillofacial cancer, creating a tiny little makeshift Second World War museum to house his militaria collection.
Robert’s collection features items from British, American and German forces, including a Wellington Bomber HE218 wing spar – which he says was discovered by the lake in Compton Verney – medical equipment, cameras used by soldiers, journalists and aerial gun crews and personal items that belonged to servicemen.
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The garden gem, near Cotteridge, is now in the running to be named Tiger’s Shed of the Year, a competition in its 20th year.
Robert began collecting militaria in childhood, storing his artefacts in the loft.
Robert said: “My shed has very much been my lifeline, supporting me during my recovery from maxillofacial cancer in 2023.
Inside Robert’s shed near Cotteridge(Image: Readersheds)
“Collecting militaria has been a hobby of mine since childhood and during my darkest days during surgery, chemo and radiotherapy I clung on to my interest.
“More recently, I thought to myself that my collection deserved more than just being stored in my loft and perhaps I could enjoy sharing it with others and telling some of the stories associated with my most precious pieces.”
As well as inviting local groups to visit his garden, Robert has taken artefacts into schools to share his items with others.
“My shed offers me the opportunity to restore and repair items, while also researching their history and, where possible, uncovering the stories behind them,” Robert said.
“Sharing these stories with visitors has become one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.”
If Robert’s shed is named best in the country, he will win a £1,000 cash prize as well as additional products.
The public vote for the best shed on the Readersheds website with votes taken until June 14.
Militaria from British, US and German forces are in the shed(Image: Readersheds)
The overall winner will be crowned in July.
Head judge Andrew Wilcox, who set up the Shed of the Year competition 20 years ago, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating the competition’s 20th year.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve seen thousands of brilliant sheds entered, and the creativity and passion people put into their spaces never stops amazing me.
“This year’s entries are already fantastic, with people transforming sheds into everything from entertaining spaces to workshops, and unique hideaways.
“It’s brilliant to see the competition continuing to inspire so much imagination across the country.”
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