https://www.basscoastpost.com/catherine-watson/irreconcilable-differences

#CommunityGarden #MensShed #Wonthaggi

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.”

At 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.”

#Clydach #funding #Gower #MenSShed #SwanseaCouncil

Sheds Around the World 2025 Calendar: This year our theme for the 2025 Shedder’s Calendar is Sheds Around the World and we were delighted and grateful to receive the stories and photos from so many sheds... Read more

The post Sheds Around the World 2025 Calendar appeared first on Australian Men's Shed Association. https://mensshed.org/the-shed-online/sheds-around-the-world-2025-calendar/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Sheds #MensShed #Shedding #Community #Calendar2025

Swansea Council has invested more than £100k in supporting new and existing groups and this year, 22 Men’s Sheds in the network successfully applied for funding.

Four years ago the number of sheds in Swansea was in single figures. Among those to launch this year is the Llansamlet Men’s Shed.

The group has taken over the former OAP Pavilion in Birchgrove at a peppercorn lease from the council and has received financial support towards the on-going refurbishment of the building.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and donations from local businesses and partners there is a new kitchen, the main hall has been brought back into use and a workshop is being added at the rear.

Going forward there are plans for growing beds outside to produce fruit and vegetables for the local foodbank and improved parking at the entrance.

Shed Chairman Peter Harris said:

“I used to drive lorries and was aware of Men’s Sheds in other areas so every now and then I’d go and have a look at them and see what they were doing.

“Starting one here was something I’d been looking to do for a few years and getting this up and running means a lot to me.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support we are getting from the council and the support of the local councillors has been amazing.”

Each Monday there is a sewing and knitting group that is proving popular with the women members.

Around 25 to 30 people attend between noon and 3pm on Tuesdays for tea, cake, biscuits and a chat as well as the occasional guest speaker.

Once the workshop has been kitted out Mr Harris said opening hours will increase and the aim is for the pavilion to be in use every week day and not just for members but for other local groups needing a home as well.

Marcia Ashton said: “It’s been a great thing for people in this area especially if they are on their own and looking for company and friendship. Everyone is welcome.

“I think after Covid a lot of things stopped and never got going again so to have this, to encourage people out of the house, it’s important.”

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing Alyson Anthony, recently visited the Llansamlet Men’s Shed to meet the volunteers.

Cllr Stewart said: “I’m very proud that through the council support that’s been made available in recent years the network in Swansea has more than doubled.

“Men’s Sheds have a very positive impact on health, well-being and in reducing social isolation of both men and women and the council’s ongoing commitment to them is just part of our support to local initiatives that make a difference to people’s lives every day.”

Cllr Anthony added: “It’s great to see the growing popularity of the Llansamlet Men’s Sheds and to hear about the exciting plans they have for the future.

“The volunteers are doing a fantastic job and I’m pleased we’ve been able to play our part to get this group up and running and playing such an important role in the local community.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/17/network-of-citys-mens-sheds-doubles-in-swansea/

#Llansamlet #MenSShed