The British Male considers the humble shed a sanctuary and haven, with many British Females following suit. My dad kitted out his last shed with an armchair, camping stove, radio, bar heater and small fridge. My mum could never quite understand why banning him there after an argument made him cheerful, rather than contrite. I’ve had many a thoughtful cup of tea in mine and regard it as a second home.

On a rainy afternoon, tea, biscuits and domestics aside, what else does the shed offer? Is it merely storage for tools and somewhere to listen to the shipping forecast, or is it a secret laboratory for burgeoning mad scientists and future Dysons? Rob Beattie’s delightfully funny book reads like a “Boy’s Own” annual of DIY treasures, accessible for all skill levels and pitch-perfect for today’s Recessionistas.

The More Traditional Approach Brings Its Own Rewards

“Making a dovetailed joint the old fashioned way is much more satisfying than just turning on a router and dialling in the correct measurements.” says Beattie. You may not have the faintest idea what a dovetail joint is, but after reading “101 Things” you’ll be au fait with it and lapped joints, dowelled butt joints, stopped joints and mortise-and-tenon joints besides. You’ll also be able to inlay wood, make your own paper and fashion a sundial.

For an entire generation spoon fed on Playstations and fast food, this is going to seem an awful lot like hard work. It is: it’s also rather a lot of fun. In these cash strapped times we’re all realising disposable anything was a bad idea. Our grandparents spoke of “make do and mend” and our parents admonished us to go outside in the fresh air and make our own amusement. Our imaginations and bodies grew as a result and we became better people for it.

Think for Yourself

There is nothing more satisfying than making something useful out of scraps of naught. There is also nothing better than taking a piece of wood or paper and wondering what you can do with it. I spent many hours making gliders out of balsa wood as a child and Beattie’s Long Flying Glider brought back happy memories. He’s even included the ubiquitous Christmas favourite of the Nail Puzzle, which four decades later I still haven’t mastered.

There’s a Cotton Reel Car and Kaleidoscope, a Box Car and a Boomerang. Clockwork Boats and Aged Maps nestle alongside Fishing Rods, Shove Ha’penny Boards and Weathervanes. All the instructions are straightforward and illustrated throughout and there’s even a glossary at the back for the terminologically challenged, like me. The final project is my favourite: the Secret Box.

“As the name suggests, this is a box with a secret. From the outside – and to the uninitiated – it appears impossible to open, but, as you’ll see, the design conceals a cunning inner drawer which can only be opened if you know how.” Welcome to the Secret Box of “101 Things to Do in a Shed” – and welcome to the fun you’ll have as an initiate.