The new Forest Men’s Shed grand opening took place on a very unseasonably wet second of July. Gloucestershire Freemasons had been invited along as we had given them £2000 in 2021; there were also representatives from the local, district and county councils there, all of whom had been glad to support the great work ‘The Shed’ does as a hub for the local community.
The facility provides men from the Forest area a place to meet and make friends, to learn new skills and also to access support from other agencies if they need it. We met several people who had found ‘The Shed’ to be invaluable in helping them through challenging periods of their lives.There were some impressive pieces of woodwork on display with several others in progress or being planned. Despite the rain there was a feeling of real excitement about the new premises and equipment. Membership is likely to grow now from their current level of seventy members now the new facilities and equipment are available. Gloucestershire Freemasonry was thanked by Chairman Sam Phillips for being one of the donors who enabled this to happen.
“This is an exciting social partnership, between likeminded organisations to provide adults of all abilities, the elderly and those who are isolated and lonely, the opportunity to get out of the house and be in a safe, secure, and friendly environment. Care givers can also attend to have a break and attend to personal needs and to relax.
The Forest Community Shed is a volunteer community group, for everyone, providing a social environment for wellbeing through shared creativity. Open 2 days a week Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-3pm. You can socialise, learn new skills, and hone existing ones. You can work alongside each other on your own projects, community projects, and projects that support Orchard Trust and that raise funds for the Shed.
We have a wood and metal workshop, space for hobbies and crafts, green woodworking, social spaces, tea and coffee, and always a friendly welcome.
The Orchard Trust’s Day Service is fully resourced and equipped to offer high quality Day Service and therapeutic facilities. You can do all sorts of fun creative activities both inside and out. The smallholding is home to a range of livestock all accessible by wheelchair friendly paths and encounter barns where people can get closer to the animals in a sheltered environment.
The site has an accessible activity park which can be enjoyed by all people young and old, along with facilities for all personal care needs.
web: http://www.forestmensshed.com
https://www.facebook.com/ForestofDeanMensShed
e-mail: deanforestshed@gmail.com
Workshops 10-3pm Weds and Thurs.
Orchard Trust
Upper Stowfield
Lower Lydbrook
GL17 9PD
