ANYONE interested in carpentry and other craft activities in the Crewkerne area finally has a new place to share skills and experience.

After a year of uncertainty, the Crewkerne and District Men’s Shed group will be opening the doors of its new premises at 14a East Street, Crewkerne, at 10am on July 2.

Sessions will run each Tuesday from 10am until 1pm and on Thursdays from 1pm until 4pm, with experienced people on hand to give advice and support.

The move has been made possible with the generous support of Richard and Linda Wilyman who own the shop.

Richard, a former engineer, was inspired to approach the Shed after hearing about the benefits of the shed from a friend visiting from Australia, where the idea of Men’s Sheds first developed.

The Men’s Shed is part of a nationwide network of more than 500 sheds, which aim to provide a way for older men in particular to meet people and make new friends as they carry out a wide range of practical activities.

Research has shown that sheds are effective in reducing social isolation and boosting people’s sense of well-being.

South Somerset District Council, the Crewkerne Rotary groups and Crewkerne Town Council have also provided financial backing to help with the move.

Their help has enabled the Crewkerne shed to build up a good collection of power and hand-held carpentry tools.

Peter Boothby-Smith, the chairman of the Shed, said: “We are very excited to have the use of this fantastic space on East Street.

"There’s lots of natural light and I’m sure people in the area will have lots of ideas of what we can do here.

"Many older men and women enjoy woodworking and fixing things.

"The Shed is a great place to share skills, experiences and use the fantastic tools we’ve gathered.

"The Shed is a Community project. In addition to providing a venue to members to meet, it also operates a FIX-IT program for the community.

"Broken chair? Bring it in, maybe we can fix it."

There is plenty of space at the shed where visitors can carry out their own activities, and suggest new projects for the Shed.

An upstairs meeting room is also available for hire.

The Shed is a not-for-profit organisation and all funds raised from membership and session fees go towards running costs, tool replacement etc.

For more information on the group, telephone 07483 238053.