THE LAUNCH of the new ‘Men’s Shed’ community project saw many people attending a public meeting at Kingsbridge Library last week.

The ‘Kingsbridge Shed’ will join 300 other similar projects across the country, offering a space for men and, despite the name, women, to spend time with likeminded individuals working on a range of projects.

In other parts of the country, projects include tool refurbishment, bicycle renovation, boat building and the manufacture of wooden toys, among many other ideas.

Representatives of several charities and organisations attended the meeting, and the concept was greeted with enthusiasm and constructive offers of support.

One lady offered the contents of her late husband’s shed, as he was a keen supporter of the Men’s Shed concept.

Trish Warren, community activities manager from Age UK Devon said: ‘It was heartening to see such interest for the Kingsbridge Men’s Shed - the first in the South Hams.

‘Although in the early stages of planning, we are looking to local businesses for sponsorship and support for the Men’s Shed, to facilitate the great community work that the Kingsbridge ‘shedders’ will be undertaking.’

A further meeting will now be held at Kingsbridge Library on Wednesday, April 13, at 6pm. Anybody who would like to be involved with helping to form the ‘shed’ or has thoughts on the project would be welcome to attend the meeting or contact the organisers through Kingsbridge Library on 01548 857210 or by emailing [email protected].

If you would like to sponsor Kingsbridge Men’s Shed, please contact Trish Warren by email at [email protected].

For more information about Men’s Sheds, visit their website at www.menssheds.org.uk.