Men's Shed launches £200k appeal for new home

A men's shed group is hoping to raise £200,000 to build its own permanent home.

Wareham Area Men's Shed has been granted planning permission by Dorset Council to build a workshop at Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club, off Bestwall Road.

The group, which offers companionship and woodworking projects to men who are lonely, disadvantaged or retired, currently rents temporary premises at Lenctenbury Farm outside the town.

Chairman Harold Forbes said the cost was "daunting" but would be "more than worth it" to secure the Shed's future.

A permanent base would end the risk of losing its premises, after the group was handed an eviction notice by Care Dorset in 2024, before it emerged the notice had been sent in error.

The Shed moved out of its former home at the Purbeck Centre in Sandford Lane a year later.

Forbes, who was recently given a Dorset High Sheriff's Award for services to the community, said the group also needed more space as its membership grew, partially due to a new women's section that is currently being formed.

"We would love to build the workshop ourselves and have many of the skills and tools needed," he said.

"But the price of materials has skyrocketed and we also have to consider things we cannot do, such as footings and core plumbing, so we'll have to pay for a job lot."

He said the group was hoping a benefactor or sponsor might come forward, but would otherwise pursue charitable grants and a crowdfunding appeal.

The scheme has the backing of Wareham Town Council, while Dorset's planning officer said public comments showed the proposal would bring "community benefits and support for members".