Moretonhampstead Community Shed  

AFTER SEARCHING FOR OVER A YEAR, THE MORETONHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY SHED HAS FINALLY IDENTIFIED A SUITABLE SITE IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN. THANKS TO A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY CROWDFUNDER WHICH SMASHED A TARGET OF £5000, THE COMMUNITY SHED HAS FUNDS FOR AN INITIAL ONE-YEAR LEASE IN THE PREMISES FORMALLY OCCUPIED BY MED THEATRE, THROUGH THE ARCHWAY TO THE RIGHT OF THE CO-OP.

We shall take possession on the 1st November. So please look for the notices giving details of events. There will be lots of work to do to get the workshop up and running so please do get in touch if:

· You or someone you know would be interested in using the Shed

· You would be willing and able to help out getting the Shed fitted out

· You would be willing to join our Steering Group and help plan the future of our Shed

Inspired by other Community Shed/Men in Sheds projects across the country, the Moretonhampstead Community Shed will act as a library of tools, with a friendly team to share skills, advice and a cup of tea. The workshop will be a practical base for the community to learn new skills and share knowledge, with workshops on tool sharpening, DIY skills, cycle maintenance, etc. Everyone is welcome to access the shed but there will be specific men’s sessions focusing on boosting men’s mental health and wellbeing.

The ‘Shedders’ will also be supporting local community groups with DIY projects of all shapes and sizes. Already an enthusiastic team of volunteers has been hard at work, building raised beds at the Primary School, repairing public benches, supporting the Flag Festival with flag pole maintenance, and holding knife-sharpening fundraising workshops for the Town Twinning team.

With funding secured for the first year, the shed will be officially taken on in November and open for regular open days in the winter, with the aim of raising more funds to keep growing and expanding the initiative. There will be lots to do in preparing the Workshop, and the Community Shed team welcome anyone who wants to donate time, tools or materials to get it set up.

For those who want to get involved there will be a launch event shortly, but in the meantime please pop into the Workshop for a chat.

There are over 30 Sheds in Devon, which have been successful at providing a meeting place for people, especially older men, to get together to do light work and meet new friends. Community Sheds are about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter over a cuppa.

If you want to get involved or find out more contact communityshed@wellmoor.org.uk or call 01647 478378