We are delighted to say that, thanks to the generosity and efforts of many local people, the Men’s Shed is now officially open, and we have held our first session.

At its core, a Men’s Shed is a positive health measure. As people live longer and hope to remain fit and able, they need something to keep them active, physically and mentally. A big part of this is social interaction. The Shed is where men – and women – come to take part in physical and mental activity to benefit themselves and the community, interact socially and have a laugh. It is a positive health measure.

“Men don’t talk face to face; they work shoulder to shoulder.”

It is difficult to get men involved in groups; women form the backbone of most community activities and initiatives. Many men enjoy using their own shed, where they repair or tinker with machinery or build things on their own. However, where there are groups where men are the majority (wood turners for example), they get ideas from each other and inspire each other. This is the concept of the Men’s Shed – you have a communal shed that can be a centre for many activities that appeal to men (and women).

We now want men to come and join us in our Shed. It is located on Farrington’s Farm, directly behind the café. Ladies are welcome too.

The session is each Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. If we have enough interest and have the people to lead it, we will try to arrange additional sessions and hopefully a Ladies-only session. (We already have some ladies who would like a ladies only session).

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 per each visit.

You can find us at: www.midsomermensshed.co.uk Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/mensshedmsn/ or phone: 07818 420685.

We are a friendly bunch and we look forward to seeing you soon.

R. Jordan