Men's Sheds charity

[David G4EBT]

There are five within 5 miles of me, including a newly formed on in my village, and there are 15 within 20 miles. (The one in Hull is closed to new members ).

Most seem to only open for three or so hours during the day, once a week.

Here's a clip of the Charitable objects of the Cottingham one Registered 05 Aug 2025.

I assume that it's standard wording for all Sheds:

'TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INCLUSION FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT BY PREVENTING ADULTS (PARTICULARLY BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY OLDER MEN), IN COTTINGHAM AND THE SURROUNDING AREA, FROM BECOMING SOCIALLY EXCLUDED, RELIEVING THE NEEDS OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE SOCIALLY EXCLUDED AND ASSISTING THEM TO INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN WHICH THEY CAN MEET JOINTLY OR INDIVIDUALLY TO UNDERTAKE CREATIVE, PHYSICAL OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, LEARN OR PASS ON SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER SOCIALLY. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS CLAUSE 'SOCIALLY EXCLUDED' MEANS BEING EXCLUDED FROM SOCIETY, OR PARTS OF SOCIETY, AS A RESULT OF ONE OF MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: UNEMPLOYMENT; FINANCIAL HARDSHIP; SOCIAL ISOLATION, BEREAVEMENT, OLD AGE OR ILL HEALTH (PHYSICAL OR MENTAL).

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/ch...-details/5262796/governing-document

The Sheds are often well provided with tools, machinery and timber by supportive well-meaning people and companies.

I did visit one three years ago, but won't say where it was.

A few guys were sat having a natter and a mug of tea, a few others were beavering away.

I was horrified that some were using lathes and bandsaws, clearly with with no training. One or two of these present seemed to be what I think Australians call 'tall poppies' and 'roost rulers', so I asked them if they'd done any risk assessments, and whether, before members were permitted to use power tools or machinery, they were given any training, particularly on health and safety.

I just got a dismissive blank look and was told 'well we're only here one day a week for three hours for a natter and to potter about, so we don't want to get too hung up with 'elf and safety'.

The reason I asked the question was that several of those present, including using the lathe, were wearing shorts and sandals. If they dropped a skew chisel and it cut their leg or foot, it could sever an artery. The manner in which the lathe was being used was dangerous, using an unbalanced large wood blank insecurely mounted in the chuck, running at too high a speed. A spindle roughing gouge was being used instead of a more robust bowl gouge and could snap like a carrot. No PPE such as eye protection, ear defenders, no dust masks or dust extraction equipment.

Someone on the bandsaw was pushing a piece of timber past the sawblade with his bare hands instead of using a push-stick. Again, no dust extraction or PPE.

I didn't comment - there seemed no point, so I just bit my tongue.

On the 'nattering' front, topics seemed to be surgical procedures, sport, pills, prostates, pets and politics.

I'm not saying my one-off visit was typical of all Sheds, but from that visit, I realised that it's not for me, and I was probably 'NRTT'. (Not Really Their Type).

No doubt every shed will be different in the make-up of it's membership and the 'ambience' and I applaud the efforts of those who set them up, which is no mean feat. Sheds clearly fill a heartfelt need and I've no doubt that for those who may be bereaved, live alone, have few friends and not much social life, that meeting people in a similar situation can improve their wellbeing no-end.

Cottingham is one of the largest villages in England with more social activities than in many towns, so no-one needs to feel left out.

The free magazine circulated to every household, lists at least forty clubs, societies and activities including a Men's Society with a series of invited speakers, every type of keep fit for older people as well as young, Scottish dancing, folk dancing, amateur dramatics, events in three halls including a civic centre with pop concerts, and a recently released film one afternoon a month (£3.00) with refreshments and ice cream, a folk festival, U3a, quiz nights with a fish and chip supper for £10.00, gardening societies, camera clubs, stamp and card club, bowls club, and East Yorkshire woodturners, of which I've been a member for 20 years.

[G6Tanuki]

These things are all very dependent on personality. I have never been the sort of person who needs to randomly socialise, so clubs-and-societies are not high on my go-to list.
Sure, I played Rugby extensively in my 20s and 30s but never did the post-match boozy sessions in the clubhouse, and I have never got on with ham-radio club meetings which have always seemed to be more focused on random nattering rather than helping me get a 5-Band DXCC award.

OK, some people like to natter randomly discussing what they have seen on daytime TV or their medical issues but I would find that totally depressing (and I speak as one who has lived with diagnosed depression for 30 years).

As a depressive the best bit of advice I ever got from a shrink was "don't associate with other depressives, seek out the successful!".

There are some things like PROBUS (the professional end of the Rotary club) which can be interesting but they always seem to want to rope you in to odd charity fundraiser stuff rather than running mentoring sessions for startups so I can share my knowledge.

If I ever want random social encounters I will go to the local piano bar where they at least have a barista who knows how to do a proper double-espresso and also have a good range of single malts.

Do any of the men's sheds have drinks licenses?

[stevehertz]

I get what you're saying. However, in most cases the sheds are there to be 'used' as you want to use them. You don't have to treat it as a social meeting hub, and that isn't expected of you if you just want to use the facilities and get on with your project. Don't be put off.

[trh01uk]

I can echo the "Don't be put off" theme. I found mine very useful for some woodworking projects, also for electronics. After all, all you need is a bit of bench space and some tools. I bought in my own solding iron. But the bandsaws were excellent for cutting out small pieces of PCB material, much easier than hacksaws and a vice.

I've only stopped going in recent years because of illness, and intend to go back once I am fully operational again.


Richard

[dougietamson]

My local 'shed' is a couple of minutes walk away. It's open 10am-3pm Mon-Fri.

for more info see: https://leithmensshed.org/

It's a large building (former primary school building that provided 2 classrooms, 2 toilets, kitchen and meeting area.
I volunteer in the repair shed Monday and Wednesday (plus last Saturday 10-1pm each month).
We have about 50 members.

[Robsradio]

I believe we have 3 or 4 dotted around the island, my father in law goes to the Cowes one and finds it quite a good bunch of people with some diverse interests. After mother in law died last year we encouraged him to go as he likes a natter, it took a year, but he now goes at least a couple of times a week.

[electronicskip]

I believe our local men in sheds charity concentrates on Bicycles restoring them, and selling then on.
We also have a Repair shop once a month in our village.