Blackpool shed of the year finalist needs public votes

Garden woodcare brand shortlists 21 sheds nationwide to compete for the coveted title of Cuprinol Shed of the Year 2019, and this year the North West has the chance to bring the trophy home.

Blackpool based shed building superstar Anne Hindle is hoping to drum up votes after being shortlisted for one of the most iconic events for outbuilding aficionados in the UK – Cuprinol Shed of the Year.

Celebrating the great British shed in all its forms – from the miniature to the massive, the modern to the traditional, the cosy to the minimal and everything in between. The competition welcomes entries in all shapes, sizes and functions.

This year a new category has been added with entrants being invited to show off their “Nature’s Haven” with designs inspired by nature – demonstrating the shift towards an unlandscaped outdoors, embracing a trend for garden maintenance that allows nature to thrive.

Among the spectacular sheds making this years shortlist is Anne’s Vintage Tea Shed in Blackpool.

The pretty creation is stuffed with chintzy items and cost less than £100 to create. There are cushions, tea cups, fringed lamps and inspirational signs all in soft pastel colours. Books jostle for space on the shelves and it is full of pretty things, with a small fold-down table to work at.

Anne explains it is a “tea-themed/vintage themed crafting shed” where she can relax and get away from the chaos of her family.
It was inspired by her love of tea and vintage with teacups as storage pots and tea-themed tins. Everything came from charity shops, second hand shops or her own collection.

The judges have whittled down the entries from hundreds to just three finalists per category, who will go head-to-shed in a bid to win the coveted title of #shedoftheyear.

Anne is vying for the public vote in the Budget category.

A winner from each category will be decided by a public vote, then an overall winner will be crowned by a panel of shed experts with a giant golden crown for the winning shed. The best shed will receive £1,000, a plaque and £100 of Cuprinol products.

Head judge and founder of the competition, Andrew Wilcox, said: “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the incredible, imaginative and innovative sheds entered into this year’s competition – and the way some have been created with so little money have really taken us by surprise.

“The creativity and imagination of all entrants never fail to amaze the judges. This year’s bunch are second to none.

“We’ve been really impressed by the aesthetics of the sheds – especially those that entered the brand new Nature’s Haven category with entrants really demonstrating how important it is to welcome nature into our lives and our gardens.”

Kirsty Woodbine, Marketing Manager for Cuprinol, said: “This year has certainly seen the entrants up their game with a real noticeable shift towards sustainability and a drive towards embracing our natural environment.

“We’ve been impressed with the recycled and upcycled materials being used by sheddies and the creative designs really show just how much you can do with a small outdoor space.”

Public voting is now underway for the 13th annual competition and will close on Tuesday 29 August 2019. Check out all of the 21 finalists here.

Cast your vote here to support your local sheddie star: www.readersheds.co.uk