Meet the South Mercia 'shedders' at free regional Men in Sheds open day

BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS: Around 30 men over the age of 55 are part of the Bedford branch of Men in Sheds

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MEN of retirement age in Bedfordshire and invited to pool their DIY know-how and woodworking skills at a regional ‘Men in Sheds’ open day.

Men in Sheds, a concept which originated in Australia in 1996 made its way to Bedford in 2012, has since then has attracted around 30 members meeting twice a week to work on projects ranging from gardening to carpentry. The aim of the group is to provide friendship and company for men who have retired and may be feeling lonely, and also to give them the opportunity to become involved in personal and group projects where they can learn and share their personal skills.

The event, which is free to attend, on September 24 in Milton Keynes is being organised as an opportunity to mingle with other ‘shedders’ from across South Mercia and for potential new members to find out more about their local branch.

Registration starts at 9am and guests will be able to browse a range of stands including wood turning, painting, bird boxes, electronics, model making and woodworking. The rest of the morning will be taken up with presentations from each of the South Mercia sheds, with the Bedford shed discussing how to work with others to keep costs down and Aylesbury Shed talking through the pros and cons of setting up a Shed.

An hour’s break for lunch at 12.30 will give guests another chance to visit the stalls and mingle with men from neighbouring sheds.

In the afternoon there will be presentations about how Sheds can support the community, male carers, men’s health and representatives from Age UK, the royal voluntary service and Milton Keynes Community Foundation will be on hand.

The South Mercia region includes Warwickshire, Northants, Bedfordshire, North Buckinghamshire, North Hertfordshire, East Oxfordshire and West Cambridgeshire.

Meet the South Merica Shedders runs from 9am-4pm on September 24 at Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG. To register your interest in the event phone Peter Gallagher, chairman of Milton Keynes Shed on 07831302848

Meet the South Mercia "shedders" at free regional Men in Sheds open day