Find out about Men in Sheds movement and join the gang

The group started in 2012 and there are now 33 members, who meet in a large portable building at Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre in Ampthill Road.

Their main activities are woodwork where they make bird boxes and garden planters, repair chairs and refurbish furniture.

An all day event at Milton Keynes Conference Centre on Thursday, September 24 will be a chance for men from around 20 established and developing sheds to exchange ideas and information and for men interested in joining a local Shed or starting a Shed in their local area to find out more about the movement.

Men in Sheds UK chairman Peter Gallagher said: “First and foremost we want the event to celebrate the growth of Men’s Sheds across the region, and enable other men to join their local Shed or establish one in their local area if there isn’t one already.

“But there is also a more serious discussion we need to have with health and social care providers about the contribution that Shed’s can play in either preventing deterioration in the health of older men or supporting the rehabilitation of men who have suffered event such as strokes, heart attacks or mental health issues.”

Registration is from 9am with the formal programme starting at 10am. For more information and to register go to www.eventbrite.com and search for ‘South Mercia

Regional Event’ or call 01908 267126.

Speakers will include representatives from a number of local Sheds, the UK Men’s Sheds Association, Men’s Health Forum, Open University and the Royal Voluntary Service.

Men in Sheds Bedford caters for mainly men over the age of 50 but there is now one woman member.

Those interested in becoming a member can contact chairman John Bowskill on 07854 826888 or email [email protected]