Work never stops at the Westbury Shed

THE Westbury Shed has been a hive of activity over the past couple of months as members were kept busy with making, mending and fixing things across the town.

The members were recently approached by Rowena Collins from Newland Homes who asked them to create a bespoke ‘little library’ which will be placed on the side of the development to be used by the public.

Westbury Shed explained, “The idea is for people to borrow or donate books which can be returned or replaced, and to encourage people to delve into books they may not consider reading if they were to be purchased and encourage all ages to get into the world of reading.

“Stepping up to Rowena’s challenge, Tony and Norman were keen to work on the project; the library is now complete and is soon to be available. Whilst visiting the workshop, Rowena was impressed by the items being produced and which will be for sale at various events in the town. These include occasional lamps, Lazy Susans, cheese boards, garden seed ‘tampers’ and bird boxes.

“Shed members have also been kept busy at the Chestnut Grove allotment, and thanks to the community spirit of the Grove residents they have been helped to repair the very well-used lawnmower and provided water to make sure sown seeds have germinated and grown. All excess produce from the allotment will be shared in return for this help and also to support Westbury Area Network Foodbank to help offer a variety of fresh produce as it becomes available.”

Alison Bowen sales manager for Newland Homes commented, “Book swaps are a great way to share a love of reading, discover a new author and start to create a connection with the community around you.  We hope this new little free library will be well used by Westbury’s residents and the idea of reusing and sharing fits with Newland Homes’ ethos of helping our customers to live more sustainably.”

The Westbury Shed is a charity formed in 2015.  Whilst it is based on the Men’s Shed ethos first developed in Australia, where it was recognised that men’s emotional wellbeing was at risk due to social isolation and lack of community engagement, Westbury chose to make the Shed a community group for both men and women and is always on the lookout for new members.

Members of the Westbury Shed share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace, and in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment which offers an escape from solitude, boredom, or changes in circumstances brought on by retirement, bereavement or any other of life’s twists or turns.  The Shed, found off Eden Vale Road, is a place to make new friendships and connections.  For further information please visit www.westburyshed.org

Anyone interested in joining in activities at the workshop or allotment can get in touch via Facebook or westburyshed@gmail.com or can visit Westbury Shed at the Health and Wellbeing event on Sunday 25th June in the town centre.