Men in Sheds!

A BBQ was held recently to celebrate the completion of the first phase of a ‘Men in Sheds’ project in Okehampton.

Men in Sheds projects are springing up all over the country and for a long time there have been discussions about getting one up and running in Okehampton. After a long search failed to find a suitable existing shed, it was decided to build one on charity land on the community garden site in Fatherford Lane. The shed is now nearly complete and has been built from scratch entirely by volunteers.

Stephen Cook, one of the organisers, said: ‘We have landed on our feet with a spectacular setting — the shed has a veranda which looks out at a panoramic view of Dartmoor. I think a lot of tea will be drunk on that veranda!

‘The project aims to bring men together to use their skills for the good of the community — to provide a "man cave" where things can be made, mended and adapted. There comes a time in every man's life when the call of the shed becomes strong — that is why Men in Sheds is a worldwide phenomenon! We hope to be properly operational by the late summer, but anyone is welcome to come up during the build phase. We are there most Saturdays.’

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the organisers by phoning 01837 659297.

• Pictured are volunteers raising the back wall of the new shed in the early stages of building.