On Tuesday 25^th August we welcomed Antony Cullop and Geoff Copping from the Haverhill Men’s Shed.

Antony began with an overview of the Men’s Shed movement, which originated in Tongala, Victoria, in the late 1980s–1990s. The founders recognised that many older men find structured social interaction difficult yet communicate more easily while working side‑by‑side on practical tasks. This “shoulder‑to‑shoulder” approach became the foundation of the movement, aimed at improving men’s health, confidence, and social connection. The concept has since expanded worldwide: approximately 1,150 sheds in the UK with around 33,000 members, 450 in Ireland, 150 in Canada, 40 in the United States, and others in Denmark, South Africa, Japan, and Kenya.

Through local contacts, Antony secured the former caretaker’s cottage at Samuel Ward School, providing a long-term base. After extensive refurbishment, the building now houses a fully equipped wood workshop, a metalworking area for repairs and restoration, and facilities for computer skills training. A 3D printer is available for producing small components at low cost.

Outdoors, a quiet garden space has been created with seating and planting, using furniture made by members from donated materials. Two porta cabins support additional activities, and a vegetable garden is being developed with the aim of offering simple meals and a welcoming place for Sunday socialising.

Community involvement is central to the Shed’s ethos. Members undertake projects for schools, parks, and individuals who need practical assistance, helping raise awareness of the support the Shed can provide. The organisation is entirely self-funding and welcomes donations of equipment, materials, and expertise. Items such as bird boxes and bread boards are made and sold to help cover costs, and the team is open to requests for bespoke projects.

The Men’s Shed encourages people to come together to make, repair and repurpose materials, whilst supporting projects in their local communities.  Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation is the Men’s Shed’s key objectives.