WESTBURY Shed is finalising plans to open its new workshop at Westbury Community Project next week.
Linda Hallowell, trustee, said, the group is planning to open the Wednesday and Saturday afternoon sessions from May 19th depending on any government announcements before then.
“We will be opening with the rule of 6 with social distancing and double doors open to allow air circulation,” she said. “People are welcome to come and visit but will need to be mindful of the social distancing rules.
“We do hope that by June we will be able to accommodate larger numbers at sessions which are held Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
“Currently we are looking to finish putting up shelving, organising the equipment and some materials which have been donated during lockdown.
“There are still outstanding projects to complete including tasks for Victoria Gardens and notice boards for All Saints Church including replacing the temporary one members managed to produce in the short time frame they were able to meet.
“We have also continued to sell plants from the allotment and donated by members and would like to thank those who have kindly bought plants and generously paid above the asking price.”
The Shed offers people a space to socialise while working on community and individual projects. Founded in 2015 by local resident Dan Gmaj and a small group of like-minded, local people, it built on the Men’s Shed movement ethos developed in Australia.
With the support of Westbury Town Council, they initially functioned from the Chestnut Grove allotment, which continues as a Shed resource. Small workshop premises were then secured at the LA Works in Alfred Street.
Membership numbers increased and larger premises were secured at the same site, where community and individual projects were undertaken. Continued support from Wiltshire and Westbury councils and other local organisations, including Imperial Charity, has enabled Westbury Shed to develop and grow, resulting in a move to workshop premises at Westbury Community Project, with charitable status being awarded in 2019.
