Men's Shed charity expands as membership grows

Richard Thomson, 69, and John Gerry, 66, repairing a compressor in the workshop in Ripon

A charity which brings men together through practical projects is to buy the building where it is based due to its growing membership.

Ripon Men's Shed encourages members to work on creative projects or repairs, with the hope of improving their physical and mental health in the process.

It launched in 2021with just eight members, but now has more than 35.

Manager and volunteer Barry Sutton said: "The aim of Men's Shed is to combat loneliness and isolation amongst adults, especially older men who tend to have fewer social networks than women."

Ripon Men's Shed manager Barry Sutton said the group aimed to combat loneliness

The workshop is based at a former church site on Water Skellgate in Ripon.

It is centred around wood work, with members repairing items or making objects from scratch, as well as getting involved in projects for the community.

Members vary in age from 30 to 91.

Mr Sutton, 69, said: "We get quite a lot of people referred to us through general practitioners who encourage people to come along to venues like our own where they can form social networks."

He said a lot of men were encouraged to visit by their wives or daughters.

"Once they've retired, it's very important for them and for their families to keep them engaged and part of the community."

Members of Ripon Men's Shed vary in age from 30 to 91

Mr Sutton said the charity was in the process of buying the church building, and planned to carry out improvement work.

Tony Johnson, 72, said coming to the Men's Shed kept him mentally active.

"I think it's excellent. I think it keeps me focussed. It gives me something to do," he said.

"When you've been quite active in work and you're suddenly retired, I found myself watching stuff on television in the afternoon and that's not exactly where I wanted my life to go.

"We've got some members here and I think we're all they've got and I think without us their life would be quite different."

Bob Cooper, 78, said it was "important to get out and meet other people"

Bob Cooper, 78, is building a model of Royal Navy ship the HMS Pandora from scratch, from plans and photos rather than a kit.

He said: "I come to meet other chaps and have a bit of banter and do things which we enjoy.

"It's important to get out and meet other people."

John Lacey, 75, was brought along to Ripon Men's Shed by his daughter after moving down from Scotland.

"I was sitting about all day doing nothing, talking to no-one, watching TV and that's just not me, I've got to be out there.

"I'd worked since I was 15 and this is just like work but you don't get paid for it, but it's good fun.

"We have a lot of camaraderie and we enjoy it. It's been a Godsend to me anyway."

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