Men's shed move as area needed for nuclear reactor

The group's old site will now be turned into a modular nuclear reactor

A group helping tackle male loneliness has found a new home - after their old one was earmarked to become a modular nuclear reactor.

For six years, The Cotswold Community Men's Shed had been based at the Science and Technology Park in Berkeley but was told it had to relocate.

In May, Hamfields Social Club based at the old Berkeley power station, gave the go ahead for the group to relocate there.

Brett Jones, who runs the group, said a lot of the members have retired and miss social interactions: "They miss the comrade ship of the workplace, especially ex-servicemen, when they come to so-called civvy street."

The men's shed sees a group of men come together to work on projects, many of which are for the local community, such as mud kitchens and planters.

The group take people from all ages, with their oldest member being 92 years old.

Mr Jones said as long as you can make a cup of tea, you can join the club

A lot of the work they do benefits the community, including repairing public benches and noticeboards.

The group also sent broken prosthetic limbs, which they repair and then send to African countries through the charity Stand.

Aside from the charity work they do, the group also comes together to build friendships.

One of its members, Iain Shaw, experienced severe PTSD after leaving the armed forces and says the group has helped his mental health.

He said he found friends in the group that he can speak to every week.

On Friday, the group will host a barbecue to thank members for helping them find a new home.

The Cotswolds Community Mens Shed is still taking on new members while it sets up its new site.

"Our mantra, you don't need to anything at all, as long as you can make a cup of tea," Mr Jones said.