Men’s Sheds officially opens in Fairford
Working 4 Wellbeing and The Ernest Cook Trust are thrilled to announce the opening of a Men’s Sheds group in Fairford.
The ‘shed’ which is an annexe to the Dovecote in Park Street, Fairford was opened by Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust. She said: “When The Ernest Cook Trust was approached about the use of a property for a new Men’s Sheds venue, the Dovecote immediately came to mind.
“Fairford History Society are piecing together its fascinating history and it’s been a real community effort preparing it for use. It’s now great to see the building back in use and we’re proud to have played a part in getting this great community venture off the ground – right on our doorstep.”
The Dovecote, which has been let to the Men’s Sheds group at a concessionary rent by The Ernest Cook Trust, a UK-wide charity headquartered in Fairford. The building is believed to date back to the 16th century and is Grade II* listed.
Claire McIntosh, Senior Land Agent with The Ernest Cook Trust, has been working closely with Fairford resident, Malcolm Cutler and his team at Men’s Sheds to bring the project to fruition and is thrilled that the historic building has been brought back to life.
Malcolm said: “Originally the building next to the Dovecote was the Old Carpenters’ Workshop but it has also been used over the years as a barn, a studio and, more recently, as a storage area for different organisations. It has taken a lot of hard work to clear the space and I am sincerely indebted to everyone that has offered their time and energy to do this very dirty work!
“As well as The Ernest Cook Trust, I would also like to thank the Lechlade & District Lions Club and the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities for help with funding and builder, Pete Wheeler, who helped enormously.”
The Fairford & District Men’s Shed will be a historic community space for members not only from Fairford, but also Lechlade and the surrounding villages, to meet up, pursue practical interests and hobbies or just chat over a cup of tea or coffee in a fun group to help reduce loneliness and isolation.
Research has shown the negative impact that loneliness and isolation can have on a person’s health and wellbeing. Typically, it is men rather than women who find it more difficult to build social connections.
Activities in Sheds can vary greatly, but it is planned to provide facilities for woodworking, metalworking and for members to undertake their own hobbies and restore or repair their own items. Men’s Sheds typically attract older men, but many other Men’s Sheds groups have younger members and women too.
If you would like to see what goes on in the Fairford Men’s Shed, no booking is required, just pop along between 9.30am-12.30pm on a Wednesday morning. Alternatively find out more from: www.fairfordmensshed.co.uk or email info@fairfordmensshed.co.uk.
