COMMUNITY group Men in Sheds held a successful community barbecue in glorious weather recently.

There was a large turnout for the event at the Men in Sheds HQ beside Okehampton Community Garden off Fatherford Road on the last Saturday in July.

The afternoon went on into the evening as people lingered, enjoying the site’s glorious views of north Dartmoor.

They were invited to look around the shed and see owl boxes and other creations made by members in their thrice-weekly sessions.

Tony Wood, publicity officer for the group, said the group had been taken by surprise by the number of people who came along.

‘As is usual with events like this, there was doubt as to how far the advertising had reached and how many might come but so many attended that the generous supply of burgers, sausages and buns laid in had to be supplemented by an emergency dash to the shops,’ he said.

‘The delicious puddings supplied by members – or their wives! – held out well but all disappeared before the end.’

The event gave the Men in Sheds the chance to tell the wider community about their plans for a large extension to the shed, for which they are currently fundraising and seeking planning permission.

It will enable them to extend their hours and offer more sessions, including woodworking classes for the community.

The group gives older men somewhere to meet, make friends and learn new skills in a relaxed environment.