Paging any of my followers involved in Men's* Sheds (or similar makerspace / communities) - Have you come across any decent management software? if so what?
I can see "club" management (things like #TidyHQ), and homegrown hackerspace access control / training register things, and commercial "have you done your monthly checks of X" things, but nothing obviously targets all of the above. #Mensshed #software
*I'm aware of the gender laden name, but see the mental health history of AU sheds
@joannaholman
Great idea!
Now I’m picturing a series, where communities come to their local men’s shed* with a problem which is then solved - or not, but the really interesting thing is the process & dynamics.
* (and by the way, some men’s sheds I know have transformed or evolved into ‘community sheds’ - even tho still dominated by males, who tend to have more of these woodworking, metalworking, machinery skills)
#mensShed #communityShed #solutionsToProblems #woodworking #metalworking #machinery #ideasForTVShows
Model railroad group goes solar
The Gosford City Model Railroad Men’s Shed is set to take a major step towards improved energy efficiency thanks to support from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program.
The Men’s Shed will receive $30,606 to install a new solar system and back-up batteries, helping to cut power consumption and increase sustainability.
#Solar #Energy #Gosford #mensshed #ModelRailway
https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2025/08/model-railroad-group-goes-solar/
Men’s Sheds across Swansea welcome funding boost to support social wellbeing
The grants will support both new and existing groups, including sheds at Jersey Park Pavilion and Sketty Bowls Club, where members say the funding will make a meaningful difference to their weekly activities and outreach.
The Men’s Shed movement has grown rapidly in Swansea in recent years, with the council investing more than £100,000 to help expand the network from single figures to over 25 active groups.
Weekly meet-ups and new spaces
Among those attending regular sessions is Alan Potts of St Thomas, who joins a weekly social at Jersey Park Pavilion on Wednesdays between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
“We usually have between 12 and 18 attend each week,” he said. “It’s a change of scenery, gets us out of the house and socialising.”
David Lloyd of Port Tennant added:
“Some play cards, or participate in a quiz. We have some expert gardeners who give tips and tricks to the rest of us, we share a meal, and there’s always hot water for a cuppa.
It’s a lovely relaxed environment and we are looking to expand thanks to the funding from Swansea Council and welcome even more members.”
Sketty BowlsAt Sketty Bowls Club, the funding will help cover building rental and materials for social activities, especially during the winter months when outdoor bowls is paused.
Paul Thomas said:
“We play several times a week but have introduced a club evening every Wednesday for new members.
Throughout the winter we’ll be meeting one evening every week and the funding will help with running costs and provide materials for social activities.”
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Council support and community impact
The latest round of funding follows a call for applications in May, with more than 20 groups now set to share the £25,000 allocation. Swansea Council says the investment reflects its commitment to supporting grassroots wellbeing initiatives.
Council Leader Rob Stuart said:
“The growth of the Men’s Shed network is a real success story in Swansea, providing great social opportunities for hundreds of people every week.
I’m proud that we’ve been able to play our part in making this happen.”
Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, added:
“I’ve been fortunate to visit quite a few of the sheds and have seen at first hand the incredibly positive impact they have on the health and well-being of members in reducing social isolation of both men and women.
The volunteers that run them are doing a fantastic job and are playing such important roles in their local communities.”
Men’s Sheds offer informal, welcoming spaces for people to connect, share skills, and take part in activities ranging from gardening and crafts to quizzes and shared meals. While traditionally aimed at older men, many Swansea sheds now welcome women and younger members too.
#CllrAlysonAnthony #CllrRobStewart #JerseyPark #lawnBowls #MenSShed #SkettyBowlsClub #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil
Funding boost pledged for Swansea Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where men and women from all backgrounds can meet, chat and take part in the shed’s activities.
To date Swansea Council says it has invested more than £100,000 to support the network with the number of sheds increasing from single figures to more than 20 in just four years.
A further £25,000 is available this year and groups can now apply by visiting swansea.gov.uk/SupportForMensSheds with a closing date of Sunday June 8.
The funding can be used for both capital and revenue aspects of projects and the grants are open to new groups and those that have been assisted in the past.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, said: “Men’s Sheds have a really positive impact on health, well-being and in reducing social isolation by drawing on the wealth of skills and experience that exists within our communities.
“I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these groups in Swansea to see the life-changing impact they can have on those involved, both men and women.
“I would urge any groups that may qualify to get in touch, whether they are established or just getting started, as our Tackling Poverty team are available for a friendly chat and advice about the opportunities for support that are available.”
There is no minimum or maximum amount set for applications, however it is anticipated the average grants will be up to £1,200.
The Old Blacksmiths in Clydach (pictured top) is among those to have secured funding in the past and said the impact of Men’s Sheds can be life changing.
“We have an 89-year-old who has been coming to the Shed since we opened. He has recently said that he would be lost without the Shed. He lives on his own and is always the first to arrive, ready to start or finish a project. He has made wonderful friends and life is worth living again after losing his wife,” said a spokeswoman.
A regular at the Gateway to Gower Community Shed added: “I really enjoy coming to the shed as I get to chat and meet lovely people with different talents and we all help each other experience new hobbies. It is a real community event which is so important. It gets me out of the house and having the delicious food is a real bonus. You can see it lifts people’s spirits just getting together and making things.”
Andrew Elwell
Su_G
Chrysalis
Peter Riley
David Coombe
The_Sun
Kit Peters