CHIPPENHAM’S Men’s Shed has been given £100k from the lottery to build a new workshop.
The group applied for funding for a new home after they had to leave their old premises at the town’s sailing club.
Now they have been given a spot near Chippenham Cricket Club to put up their own place.
“We are really delighted,” said Shed member Hubert Dias. “We have put planning permission in to put up a portacabin type building, which will be wood clad and with a pitched roof to fit in with the cricket club building. Hopefully we can be in by next year.”
He said they had to leave the old premises at the sailing club due to rent increases, but the rugby club offered up land for the new site, adjoining the cricket club.
The Chippenham Men’s Shed is one of many across the UK. Calne has one. As does Wotton Bassett.
They are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending.
The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge.
“We have a good social scene,” added Hubert. “I am a musician and make guitars, so I come to the shed to build and fix guitars. All the tools are here.
“I suppose you could call it a place where we make and break things, and get to know some people too.”
“Since coming along I have met other musicians here. We also have a chap who used to be a chef. He brings delicious scones and fudge!”
“We have also had a couple of girls come along too. So it’s not just for men.”
Many Sheds get involved in community projects too – restoring village features, helping maintain parks and green spaces, and building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need.
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