ORGANISERS of a community 'shed' group are on the lookout for a new home.

Yate Men’s Shed was set up with the help of Yate Town Council in October last year.

The group, which provides a place where men can go to socialise and brush up on their practical skills, is currently based at Yate's Armadillo Youth Centre.

However, members are keen to move into premises where they can have a room to call their own.

Steven Ring of the group, said: “The initial idea was to set up a Yate Men’s Shed in a disused shipping container, but this was soon set aside when around 100 people turned up to the first meeting. 

"We are now looking either for a disused space in an existing building, to convert into a workshop, or a small piece of land near some existing facilities, where the charity can site a 20 foot square workshop. 

"If you are a local business or a community facility with an unused part of your building you may wish to rent out, or someone who has an unused outbuilding, or if you have some hard standing with access to mains electricity and facilities, we would very much like to hear from you."

The Men’s Shed movement began in Australia and the first British ‘shed’ was created in 2009. 

Since then, over 420 have been set up across the UK. The sheds offer a place for men – although the Yate group will be open to women too – to get together and meet new people and share their skills on projects such as wood turning and metal work.

"There are many practical ideas we wish to pursue, ranging from making bird boxes, car mechanics, fixing bikes, making electronic projects and model aircraft, to participating in larger community projects, or working with other Men’s Sheds in the local area," said Mr Ring.

"An important aim will be to provide social contact and opportunities to work with other like minded people. 

"Anyone who would like to join is very welcome to come along."

The group meets on on Thursday mornings at 10.30am for an hour or so at the Armadillo Youth Centre.

For more information on the Men Shed, or if you can help with a base, call Steven Ring on 01454 323 857.