THE newly formed Kingsbridge and District Men’s Shed have sourced a site in The Mounts, with a view to the members building their own permanent shed.

Men’s sheds are non-profit organisations that originated in Australia, and aim to provide a space for men and women to meet up and work on individual projects.

The Kingsbridge and District shed is supported by Age UK Devon, and Trish Warren, the active in later life manager said: ‘This is a very exciting project and with local support and sponsorship, the members will soon be actively engaged in the planning and building of their shed.

‘Once built, the Men’s Shed will provide facilities for the pursuit of hobbies, sharing of skills and helping with community projects - along with a welcome cuppa!’

Trish and the ‘shedders’ - as those involved in the project are known - are now looking for local businesses to get involved to support and sponsor the project.

Trish said: ‘This would be a perfect opportunity for businesses to invest in their community through providing funding or materials to create a Men’s Shed for Kingsbridge.

‘We are so grateful for the monetary support received to date through Kingsbridge Town Council and councillor Rufus Gilbert.

‘However, this needs much more investment. Throughout the UK, local businesses have really got behind their Men’s Sheds. I know that businesses in and around Kingsbridge would welcome that same opportunity.’

The ‘shedders’ were present and displaying some of their projects in the NHS marquee at last weekend’s Kingsbridge Show.

Trish said: ‘We did very well and got a few leads for sponsorship. Some ‘shedders’ brought along work they had done. Including one of the guys setting up a harmonium he had made.

‘We’re still looking for further sponsorship. We’re raring to go and get this shed built!’

Trish and the ‘shedders’ are keen to meet other potential shedders, supporters and sponsors.

Their next meeting will be held at the Age Concern building in Kingsbridge, on Wednesday, September 21 at 6pm.

To learn more about the Kingsbridge & District Shed, contact Trish Warren on 0333 241 2340 or email [email protected].