Lancaster's successful Men's Shed initiative starts work on creating new home at Kanteena

A community project launched in Lancaster earlier this year to help men get more out of life is opening its doors to new members as it plans its move into a new home.
By Gayle Rouncivell
Published 23rd Jul 2020, 07:00 BST
Some of the Lancaster 'shedders'.Some of the Lancaster 'shedders'.
Some of the Lancaster 'shedders'.

Lancaster's Men's Shed initiative launched in March with a successful initial meeting at The Cornerstone.

And the not-for-profit project has now begun creating a new ‘Shed’ at Kanteena, giving them a base to meet and develop a range of activities.

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The project, pioneered in Australia in the 1980s, is aimed at men over 18 who are looking to get more out of their lives – especially if they are semi-retired, retired or unemployed or simply wanting to get out of the house.

Kanteena - part of the old Mitchell's Brewery building off Edward Street in the Canal Quarter.Kanteena - part of the old Mitchell's Brewery building off Edward Street in the Canal Quarter.
Kanteena - part of the old Mitchell's Brewery building off Edward Street in the Canal Quarter.

Men’s Sheds typically attract older men, but many of the 552 in the UK, with a further 142 in development, also have younger members.

A report from the Caledonian University of Glasgow highlighted many significant improvements in men’s wellbeing as a result of joining a men’s shed.

The Lancaster group is hoping to incorporate activities such as woodwork, painting, gardening and upcycling. They will also be offering trips out, talks, skill-sharing and fitness activities.

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Organiser David Munro said: "We had a very successful meeting back in March with around 40 men turning up and registering their interest.

"We've kept in touch with each other but about three weeks ago we started work creating our new 'shed' at the Kanteena, off Edward Street.

"It's an exciting partnership between us and the Kanteena as it will mean that we will hold a midweek community market there - already the Kanteena has started holding flea markets on Sunday.

"Together we will provide an interesting and exciting alternative market for people interested in upcycling and local produce and crafts to go."

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Now renamed LADS - which can either stand for Lancaster and Districts Shed or Shedders (the nickname of members of a Shed) - the group has already launched a regular stall in St Nicholas Arcade and at the flea markets at the Kanteena, and anyone interested in the work they do is welcome to go along to speak to someone and find out more.

They also have a Facebook page "Lancaster & District Men’s Shed" as well as a website at http://menshedlancaster.co.uk/

In addition, you can email [email protected] or contact David Munro on 07502 218063.

Related topics:LancasterMen's Shed

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