Such has been the success of ‘Men’s Sheds’ that on Friday, 21st December, Midsomer Norton Mayor, Paul Myers, cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed’s brand new extension at Farrington’s Farm Shop, Farrington Gurney.

Only launched in June of this year, as part of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, the ‘Shedders’ have established a great facility for the men and women of the area to meet and practise existing practical skills or learn completely new ones.

At the extension opening, Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: “Whenever I come to the Men’s Shed project, the thing that strikes me most is the warm, welcoming and friendly environment.

“The Sheds Team have generated a tremendous workshop and social area in such a short time, and it is fabulous that having so many new members has made it possible to extend their premises using mainly recycled materials to a very high standard by their own hands.”

Membership is open to anyone over the age of eighteen and is for people of any skill or ability. For each person, the first two sessions will be free (just to see if you like it). If you decide to become a Shedder, the fees are £5 per year and £3 for each visit.

The Shed is open every Tuesday and Friday from 9.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and with membership increasing rapidly, may open on other days soon. Women are welcome, and if there is sufficient demand a ‘women-only’ session may be started.

Current shed Chairman, Richard Jordan, said: “We greatly appreciated all the help given by the local community, particularly Andy Jeffery at Farrington’s Farm Shop, for allowing us the use of the unit, and for all of those members of the general public who have so generously donated tools and workshop equipment. Without this support, Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed simply would not exist. If anyone out there wants to give ‘shedding’ a try, please come along – we are a friendly bunch, eager to share a cuppa and a biscuit!”

The Men’s Shed is located at Farrington Farm Shop behind the café, so why not give it a try in 2019? For more details, contact Steve Swift by emailing: [email protected] or call: 07775 735789.