Open meeting for new Hunstanton Men’s Shed

Following a hugely successful 2018 which saw the UK Men’s Sheds Association expand and create numerous community spaces throughout Norfolk, strides are being made to implement a group in Hunstanton.

Hunstanton Library will be hosting an initial meeting on Thursday 5^th September at 2pm for prospective ‘Shedders’ to find out more about the initiative, ask questions and get involved.

The King’s Lynn’s Men’s Shed that was launched last year has proved extremely successful and now boasts up to eighty members. There are also groups in Well-next-the-Sea, Downham Market and Fakenham.

Men’s Shed are community spaces for like-minded men to connect, converse, share knowledge and create in a bid to tackle the prevailing issue of loneliness and isolation, all whilst having fun. Utilising existing skillsets and creating new ones, the group is a ‘hands on’ community space that is not only building practical skillsets but also building valuable social connections, too.

The term “Shed” is entirely flexible, with venues originating from a variety of spaces. They can be empty offices, Portakabins, warehouses, garages, and even one case, a disused mortuary, with some being purpose-built workshops, too.

Initially, many don’t have premises at all and instead groups are formed that meet regularly for company and camaraderie until they can find suitable accommodation to kit out with tools. Shedders also get involved in community projects too, from restoring village features, helping maintain parks, and building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need.
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Activities in Sheds are diverse, but usually consist of woodworking, metalworking, repairing and restoring, electronics, model buildings or even car building. Sheds typically attract older men, but many have younger members and women. The Shed is not just about the physical space, but about the connections and relationships that are built between its members.

For more information contact Stephen Hurley on telephone/text: 07748 335041 and email: stephen.hurley@norfolk.gov.uk.