The community men’s shed in Weymouth is appealing for more members after a fall in numbers during the pandemic.

The Weymouth Men’s Shed operates out of a flatpack in the Bincombe Valley Primary School car park, which was erected over the previous Easter break. 

The group meets every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm, where they conduct both group and individual crafts projects to 'converse, connect and create'.

Since 2019 the group has declined to only six members, four of which are active.

This year the group is hoping to attract new members, allowing them to expand their skill base, support their current membership and expand their community projects.

This includes plans to build a viewing platform over a pond at the school so that kids can look over and see the wildlife.

Dorset Echo:

Secretary and treasurer Gaynam Lock said: “The membership we had gathered by May 2019 has withered to just two or three active members.

"This year our tiny band struggled to build a boundary fence, construct, and an outside machine operating platform.

“Men’s Sheds are safe places where we can try new skills we might never have attempted alone. The Repair Shop programme on television has given me tremendous confidence to try new crafts and as a group of shedders, we want to encourage newcomers.

"It is more than just learning new skills, it is craft therapy."

Mr Lock also added that whilst the current location is good and has very low costs, its location means that those looking to pop in to have a look can be put off by the closed school gates.

Mr Lock added: “Meeting the closed school gates at the end of Alamanda Road does not exactly shout ‘Weymouth Men’s Shed’ or ‘we are open’ and people give up. The location is good, but if people want to come in to have a look, they just need to ring us to let them in.”

Dorset Echo:

This past year the group has also refurbished an old toboggan sledge and is currently turning bases for pin cushions from a length of maple wood.

In addition to expanding the number and scale of projects, more members would also allow the group to potentially operate on Monday and Wednesday nights.

Those interested can call or message 07710 893837 on Saturday mornings, or email Mr Lock at gaynamlock@yahoo.co.uk.