After difficulties of the last 18 months inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic, Tavistock’s Men in Sheds group is up, running and thriving.

Men in Sheds is a project aimed specifically at men aged 50+ and looks to bring them together to put their practical skills to good use and encourage them to be more socially active. It provides an open space to develop a hobby workshop where men can work together on a range of practical activities. This could focus on woodworking, horticulture or metal work, however, new project ideas are always welcome.

Men in Sheds began as a movement in Australia and developed from the 1980s through to the year 2000 as a means of improving the health and well-being of middle-aged to older men. The movement then spread to countries such as New Zealand, Greece, Finland, the USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK. The UK now has over 600 such sheds including one in Okehampton.

The idea for Tavistock’s Shed was proposed and then rapidly formulated in December 2019 through a small committee which initially came from ROC (Redeeming Our Communities). After having to contend with lockdowns and restrictions induced by the pandemic, the Shed officially opened in July of this year. It was originally an old storage facility that had fallen into a state of disrepair, with no power or running water, and required a lot of work to be renovated and brought up to speed.

The team are always busy and projects they’ve worked on so far include: making birdboxes and Christmas decorations and repair work for Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock Football Club and members of the local community.

The ‘Shedders’ (as they coin themselves) recently showcased some of their handywork at RAF Harrowbeer on August 14 and 15 this year at the 1940s Weekend. Next on their agenda is work to be completed for Christmas-based projects such as this year’s upcoming Dickensian Evening.

Initial interest was strong, with membership figures starting at 25, the majority of whom are retired and hugely credit the social aspect the initiative offers, believing it to be of invaluable benefit. They’re always on the hunt for new blood too; Shedders Nick Hunt and David Palmer assure anyone looking to join them that hard work, camaraderie and banter are always ablaze and said ‘new members will always get a friendly welcome here. The more people we have, the more skills we have!’

Tavistock Men in Sheds is a part of Simply Connect Tavistock who issue social prescibing referrals for those who would benefit from joining the team. Furthermore, it’s not only new members who are welcome — the team are always on the hunt for tools and scrap materials, particularly wood, and kindly implore members of the community to donate any of their unwanted materials which can be used. They are most grateful for tools and machinery that have already been donated.

Men looking to join are welcome to come to any of the meetings to become acquainted with their fellow ‘Shedders’ for an introductory chat and tea or coffee. The initial visit is free but the team have an annual subscription of £25 and £1 per session for tea, coffee and other refreshments.

Tavistock Men in Sheds is based at Kings on Pixon Lane. The Shedders meet Mondays from 10am-noon and from Wednesdays 2pm-4pm. Contact Nick Hunt on [email protected] or visit https://tavistockmeninsheds.uk if you’d like to join the Sheddars.