Around 30 people attended a public discussion at Castle Gardens, which is part of The Gardens Group, to learn about plans to introduce a Men’s Shed in Sherborne. Opened by The Mayor of Sherborne, Councillor Robin Legg, the meeting resulted in many individuals coming forward to help form the project’s steering committee.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, delivered a potted history of how the space was previously used by The Green Shed, which provided a workshop for adults with dementia and learning difficulties, before Men’s Shed UK ambassador, Patrick Abrahams, demonstrated the positive impact that Men’s Sheds have in local communities. Sharing success stories from other Men’s Sheds, such as Frome Shed, which he set up in 2014, and how they can create a welcoming environment for adults to come together to make, repair and repurpose, Patrick also gave practical advice on setting up and running a Shed.

Attendees were then invited to share their thoughts and ideas on how a Men’s Shed could be implemented in Sherborne, followed by a tour of the intended space. Over the next few months, those that have shown an interest in setting up a steering committee will be contacted to assign roles, such as a treasurer, secretary and manager, with the hope of officially launching the Sherborne Green Shed this summer.

Guy Patterson, Councillor from Sherborne Town Council, is inviting anyone who would like to be considered  for a role on the steering committee to email him at guy.patterson@sherborne-tc.gov.uk.

Picture caption: (L-R) Guy Patterson, Councillor from Sherborne Town Council, Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, and Men’s Shed UK ambassador, Patrick Abrahams, outside The Green Shed at Castle Gardens in Sherborne.