On Thursday 24 April, a public discussion forum will be held at Castle Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, to outline plans to introduce a Men’s Shed in Sherborne.

With aspirations to utilise the space that The Green Shed once occupied, where it provided a workshop for adults with dementia and learning difficulties, Men’s Shed UK is inviting people to come along and learn more about the project.  

The Mayor of Sherborne, Councillor Robin Legg, will open the forum, followed by an introduction to Men’s Shed UK by ambassador, Patrick Abrahams, who set up Frome Shed. Demonstrating the positive impact that Men’s Sheds have in local communities, by creating a welcoming environment for adults to come together, to make, repair and repurpose, Patrick will outline opportunities to get behind this project. There will then be a chance for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas for the Sherborne Green Shed.

Guy Patterson, Councillor from Sherborne Town Council, explains: “The Green Shed at Castle Gardens is a great space to bring the Men’s Shed model to Sherborne, as was evident from the successful running of The Green Shed for many years. We are hopeful that this forum will spark lots of interest in the initiative with the hope to build a committed team to get it off the ground and run it.”

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, says: “It would be such a valuable resource to see the Sherborne Green Shed come to fruition. For nearly 10 years, The Green Shed was a hive of activity for vulnerable adults, so we would be delighted to see the space used again to help improve physical and mental wellbeing and combat loneliness.”

The public discussion forum will take place in The Butterfly House at Castle Gardens in Sherborne from 11am – 12:30pm. It is open to the public, and those who wish to attend can register by emailing amy@freshlygroundpr.co.uk.