Men’s Shed provides a ‘lifesaver’ after retirement

THE Melksham Men’s Shed has been branded a ‘lifesaver after retirement’ for members of the town’s community.

The group, which opened in 2015, has made a wide range of items for local community groups and organisations, including benches, bird boxes, raised flower planters and notice boards. Its aim is to encourage men to come together to share skills, make friends, improve well-being, reduce loneliness, and combat social isolation.

“For many members, the Shed has been a lifesaver after retirement and has given them a new purpose in their lives,” said one of the members, Chris Pickett.

“When men retire, they may dream of spending time in their shed at home, but it soon becomes apparent that they miss the banter of the work place,”

“The shed provides an atmosphere where men can meet to chat, joke, and enjoy company. They make new friends or meet old friends, reminisce on the past and see a future in this new part of their life.

“It gives new purpose to the days and provides a space for the men to be themselves in a non-threatening environment; finding old friends or making new ones.”

“Retirement for some can be a sad place to be, but not at the shed,” added Chris.

“Our current projects include the rebuilding of a large eight-foot oak bench from Melksham Hospital which had severe weather damage. This has been fully restored to almost new condition thanks to the carpentry skills of our members. In addition, we are making bug boxes, hedgehog boxes and bird nesting boxes. We also help in the community with individual requests like helping rebuild a trailer or repair a shed roof.”

In addition to meeting at the shed, Chris said there are days out to places like the Tank Museum in Bovington, the Oakham Treasures and the Haynes Motor Museum.

The Men’s Shed is located to the rear of the Forest Community Centre, just off Bowmans Court in the Forest Area. It is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, including bank holidays from 9.30am until lunchtime and once a month ‘Shedders’ also meet up in the Pig & Whistle pub for a beer and catch up on the workings of the shed.