AFTER months of planning, the Petersfield Men’s Shed is about to be launched – and those interested in joining are invited to contact the organisers.

The imminent opening of the Petersfield Men’s Shed follows the Christmas launch of the Liss Men’s Shed group, based at the pavilion on the Newman Collard playing fields.

Among other projects, the Liss group has already completed the repair of the cricket pavilion clock at Bedales school in Steep.

Men’s Sheds are aimed at creating an environment where men (and women) of all ages can socialise, join in workshop activities, learn new skills and enjoy a chat over tea or coffee.

Shed activities can also help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.

And to help launch the Petersfield Shed, David Wilson Homes is donating £1,000 to the organisers at its sales office at Causeway Park tomorrow.

Petersfield Shed spokesman Steven Watts said: “We still have much to do, such as finding a permanent meeting building, develop a workshop and gather more funding, but with the website in place, some generous initial funding from Age Concern and David Wilson Homes, and an offer of temporary meeting space in the town, we are confident local men will wish to join us.

“And with lockdown easing, we are planning an inaugural open meeting for anyone interested to come and meet us and discuss our plans.

“The idea started in February with a simple email thread on the Petersfield Pulse Facebook page, enquiring if anyone was interested in setting one up.

“And after various responses and an initial meeting, a steering group was formed.

“Over the past months, the steering group has developed the Petersfield Men’s Shed to be able to now launch it formally and recruit members.”

Men’s Shed is an international organisation set up originally in Australia in the 1990s to help alleviate potential isolation of men caused by loneliness, retiring from work, after bereavement or medical reasons.

Today there are now more than 670 Men’s Sheds in the UK, and Petersfield Men’s Shed is a member of the UK Men’s Sheds Association.

Steve added: “We aim to work together using our collective practical, hands-on skills and life experiences to support local community and charitable projects as well as our own hobbies and interests.

“The benefits of the group are support, inclusion and good company.

“Each Men’s Shed is different, depending on the skills and the aspirations of its members, and ours will develop as the membership grows.”

For details about Petersfield Men’s Shed, visit the website at www.petersfieldmensshed.org.uk/contact

To contact Liss Men’s Shed email [email protected]