The Story So Far -The Wharfedale Men’s Shed (WMS)

WMS was originally formed in Menston in October 2018 with the intention of becoming a non-profit making charity. A Committee was formed and six months later Wharfedale Men’s Shed became a UK Registered Charity (No. 1183609), currently based at the Otley Courthouse and covering the Lower Wharfe Valley.

Heading up the Committee was a psychotherapist with both personal and professional experience as to the challenges facing the well-being of men and also the lack of consistent and local access to physical, practical and emotional support venues and organisations. Along with the other three Committee members it was quickly established that we all had the same passion for creating such a venue where men could be part of ‘something’ that promotes their well-being, mental health, friendship, community, a sense of purpose, and the learning of practical skills in a workshop environment.

Since then, WMS has been involved in a number of community-based projects, including the Santa Sleigh rebuild for Ilkley Round Table, bird table and nest boxes for Wildlife Friendly Otley, hedgehog pods for the Hedgehog Highway project in Otley and shelf fit-out of unused storage space for different groups based at Silsden Town Hall. We have also supported fellow members in completing personal projects, including planters, gates, etc. There are presently 16 active, registered members.

WMS also offers a ‘repair shop’ facility and is formally associated with the UK Men’s Shed Association. Since its conception in 2018 and despite the Coronavirus pandemic, WMS has continued to grow in membership and remains a profitable and viable organisation. It has an excellent track record of success from grass roots start up to the Registered Charity it is today.