A Devon ‘making, mending and meeting’ group is hoping to celebrate its first anniversary with a clutch of new helpers as demand for places continues to grow.
The Newton Abbot Community Shed was established in June 2023 and now has more than 50 members.
Initially they met just one morning a week in a former pottery studio in the town’s library but after a grant of £1,000 from Newton Abbot Town Council that has since risen to three times weekly and now a fourth session is on the cards.
There are also plans to find larger premises, launch a repair café and gain charitable status.
Chair Peter Stevens said: ‘A large proportion of our members are very active ‘Shedders’ and many of those are happy and able to work on their projects with little or no assistance.
‘Some members however need additional support and would benefit from one-to-one working with a helper.
‘We’re interested in attracting half a dozen or so volunteers with a bit of time to spare and an interest in people.
‘We don’t necessarily need qualified tradespeople or engineers, just those with patience and a smattering of practical skills they’re willing to share.
‘We’re a group for all men and women aged 18 and above and that’s our only eligibility criterion.
‘Becoming part of the Community Shed is as rewarding for helpers as it is members and we look forward to growing our numbers as the first anniversary approaches.’
In addition to making goods for sale, such as bird boxes and key cabinets, the Shedders have created a ‘pop-up’ bistro table on the stump of a felled tree in the town centre.
They also crafted props for the Town Council’s free Easter family activities and are busy with plans to build Santa a new sleigh in time for his visit at Christmas.
Another project in the pipeline is the restoration of a doll’s house, scratch built on Dartmoor some 60 years ago.
Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘The Newton Abbot Community Shed is clearly going from strength to strength and is a wonderful example of a town supporting its own.
‘I do hope they can attract some additional helpers in time for the first anniversary as that will mean they can achieve their aims, aims that will benefit not only members but Newton Abbot and its surrounding communities as a whole.’
The Community Shed meets each Friday morning and afternoon as well as Saturday mornings. Monday sessions are being planned.
For details visit https://newtonabbotshed.co.uk.
The below image shows left – right: Tim Faulkner (NACS Secretary) Peter Stevens (NACS Chair) Ollie Doughty – the Shedder responsible for designing and painting the tintamarresque boards.
