Local charity, Age UK B&NES, is holding a public meeting to discuss setting up ‘Men’s Sheds’ in the area. Despite the name, the charity is keen to stress that these new facilities would be for everyone!

‘Men’s Sheds’ started out in Australia where there are now nearly 1,000 groups, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

The shed will be a place where older people can pursue practical interests, sharing tools and skills to work on community projects. A shed’s activities often involve working with wood; such as carpentry, joinery, carving, whittling and furniture renovation, but can also include bike and vehicle repairs, tool renovation, upholstery, model engineering, milling or gardening. Many of the groups get involved in creating items for their community.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited along to a meeting on Wednesday, 1st November at St Michael’s Centre in Bath from 2.30 p.m.

Rodney Veazey, who runs a shed in Corsham, is an ambassador for Men’s Sheds, and will be there to talk about the history of the project, and share ideas on how to get a successful shed running.

Ketyn Jepson, a spokesperson for Age UK B&NES, said: “Despite the name, we want the new project to appeal to men and women. We are looking for enthusiastic people to get involved from the very start, to help us find the right premises and give us their ideas about how they would like the Men’s Shed to develop. We will also talk about ways of funding the project.”

If you are interested in getting involved, or can provide a venue or equipment for this new project, please get in touch with Ketyn Jepson on: 01225 484510 or email: [email protected]