'Men in Sheds' group faces closure as venue shuts
Daybrook Men in Sheds volunteer Chris Rumsey says "we are losing a fantastic service"
- Published
A community group which provides people with friendship and a chance to get creative is facing closure.
The building used by the Daybrook Men in Sheds group, Nottinghamshire, is owned by Gedling Borough Council.
More than 70 people aged over 50 use the facilities each week, but the lease on the premises has expired.
The council and Age UK, which runs the service, say they're working closely together to find a new venue.
The group has a large woodworking workshop which is regularly used by 70 members
Daybrook Men in Sheds runs eight sessions a week where people can craft their own piece of woodwork and get technical advice.
Volunteer Chris Rumsey, 56, says: "We always have a tea break so people can have a chat round a table. It's about making friends."
The group was initially set up to help older men who may have become isolated in retirement or following the death of a partner.
"Last year we started having a mix of men and women," added Mr Rumsey.
However, the workshop used by the group, housed in a former warehouse off Jubilee Road in Daybrook, Nottinghamshire, is to close.
The rent-free lease finished at the end of March and the group's been told to be out of the building by the end of June.
Mr Rumsey added: "As it stands, we've got to finish by the end of next week to get all of the equipment out. We are losing a fantastic service."
Volunteer Graham Shorten says the group helps to keep him and other members active
Fellow volunteer Graham Shorten, 75, said: "I've been coming here since 2018, after I moved up from the south.
"I spent the first two years playing on lathes but we just have a good, social time. Everybody enjoys it. They almost depend on it.
"We socialise, play with wood and help each other. It keeps me active, keeps me young and gives me something to look forward to."
Asked about the impending closure he added: "It really is devastating - my main concern is when will it start up again?"
The group has previously made wellington boot racks for an Arnold school and benches for local schools and parks.
Appeal for new premises
Gedling Borough Council says it's "proud" of the work it did to help set up the project seven years ago.
Chief Executive Mike Hill added: "When the lease was due to expire it was clear the building needed some essential maintenance work.
"At that point the decision was made by Age UK not to extend the lease and they informed us they would be leaving.
"We've been working very closely with them to find more suitable accommodation and we will be doing everything we can to help ensure this essential community project continues and we hope a suitable alternative can be found soon.”
There is a network of Men in Sheds groups across the country, with two more in Nottinghamshire - at Blidworth and Worksop.
Age UK, which runs the service, says it's sad the Daybrook group is having to close, although possibly only temporarily.
A spokesperson for Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire said: “We are looking at ways of using our other venues while the search for new premises continues.
"We expect the interruption to the service will be temporary and we hope to be able to offer a new venue in the next few months.
"We’d be pleased to hear from anyone in the local community if they know of a building which may be suitable.”
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