Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed, part of Midsomer Norton Community Trust, have just made and delivered two special playground benches to Chewton Mendip School.

“These benches have a specific function to help the pupils better enjoy their playground experience,” explains Headteacher Clare Rice.

The multi-coloured “Buddy Benches” are there to ensure that any child who feels lonely or bullied can sit on the bench. All children and staff are briefed to befriend and if required, console, any child sitting there alone.

“We are pleased that our organisation can be of help to the wider community,” said Men’s Shed Chairman, Steve Swift. “I would like to thank the suppliers, Charltons Timber and Protek Woodstain, who so generously donated materials to help us in this initiative,which has now rolled out through many schools in the area.”

Men’s Shed now has a tremendous workshop and social area at Farrington’s Farm Shop thanks to the generosity of the facilities provided at the farm by Andy and Tish Jeffery. And with these facilities plus the support of Charltons and Protek, Men’s Shed aims to expand the Buddy Bench scheme to other schools in the area.

Membership of “The Shed” 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). 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. Contact Steve Swift: 07775 735789 email: stephenkhswift @gmail.com Steve Swift