Village's new Men's Shed project preparing to get to work

THE first official meeting of the newly-formed Lyndhurst Men’s Shed is being held next week.

It follows on from a successful event in December organised by Pete Trodd, the organiser of a similar project at Totton, which is already up and running.

“The room booked was a bit small for the numbers,” said Pete. “One prospective member with great artistic skills is already designing a logo for the Lyndhurst Shed and at the first meeting we need to agree a name for this new group.”

The meeting is being held at the Nondescripts Club in Lyndhurst on Tuesday 7th January at 7pm.

It is expected that a steering committee will be set up and issues such as a regular venue will be discussed.

Meanwhile the group has been attending local events to promote the idea, start fundraising and gather more members.

Started in Australia a few years ago, the fast-growing Men’s Shed movement is aimed at older men in particular as the end of their working life can often lead to isolation and the loss of a sense of purpose.

Barry Golding, one of the founders of these groups, describes them as places for “having fun, making stuff, talking about stuff, or doing nothing, together”.

In the UK there are now 534 sheds and a further 141 in development with over 12,000 men involved.

To find out more or get involved email newforestmenshed@gmail.com, call 02380 812067 or visit www.mensheds.org.uk.