The first rule of Calne Men's Shed? Everyone is welcome!

Most of us know Calne has a Men's Shed, but how many of us know where it is and what it is all about? Calne News visited for an afternoon this week to find out more. 

Calne Men's Shed is a group for people who meet for social reasons as well as to exercise their creative talents - and don't be fooled by the name, there are several women shed members too, infact anyone over 18 is welcome to join.

Originally based on Porte Marsh Industrial Estate, the group relocated when the building they were using was sold for redevelopment in 2020. After a brief stay in Calne Central, they eventually moved to premises in Anchor Road next to Calne Recreation Ground.

The first thing that hits you as you enter the Men's Shed, is a very warm welcome - even if the shed itself is a chilly place to be in January.

The Men's Shed serves as a place for those who may need support both emotionally and mentally, such as bereaved spouses or those who feel a little lost after retirement. It provides an opportunity to use skills and meet new people over a common interest. The Shed also offers social outings and the chance to enjoy tea and cake while engaging in friendly banter.

Amongst the many projects made by the group are the rather impressive benches and planters you have probably noticed at the Calne Pop Up Park.  Trustee, Gus Gooch explained that the back of the benches even feature a special design as a nod to Joseph Priestly who discovered oxygen in Calne in 1774.

Gus' passion for what they achieve at the shed is clear to see, and with a lifetime's experience Gus knows how to make things just a bit better! For instance, he showcased a bird box, which rather than opening on top for clearing, he has made a swing door at the front, he explained a lot of people put a little perch on these bird boxes, adding:  "all they are actually doing is giving woodpeckers a place to sit while they make the entrance hole bigger, to steal the chicks - we don't do that". 

The Men's Shed members are always happy to help any residents with projects - when Leanne Hames found the doll's house she had turned into a book swap library in memory of her daughter, Evie, needed to be replaced, she contacted the Men's Shed and members helped her build a brand new book swap unit to last through the elements. 

Hedgehog boxes, bird boxes, wooden ornaments, door wedges, you name it, the talented members have made it. All the items they make are then sold at local events to raise money to keep the Shed going. When we visited, two lovely ladies were busy cutting wooden jigsaws to sell on the stalls.

There is no doubt that Calne Men's Shed is a vital resource for the town in more ways than one. 

 

 

Kenneth Stephenson told us; "It is a great place to be able to come, some of us older men don't know what to do with ourselves past retirement and loneliness and isolation can be a big problem, but you can come here three times a week and there is always friendly chat and a cup of tea going on and you get to make something useful and be of use."

Currently, the Men's Shed is focussing on the future, hoping to secure a 10 year lease in order to secure additional funding in the form of grants which require a charity to have security of tenure before being considered.

Secretary, Polly Morrow told us: “Most Men’s Sheds throughout the country are leased premises by their local council for a peppercorn rent.  We have been very lucky to have a similar situation now from CTC and we have a lease until the end of August 2024.