A MEN in Sheds charity in Bromsgrove have received a vital donation to help them keep their home and continue to provide their services.
A £1,000 cheque from a holiday park at Shobdon in Herefordshire proved to be the perfect gift for Bromsgrove Men in Sheds as they were having to find new premises and funding to continue their vital work.
The charity, which comes under the umbrella of Age UK and has 45 members in the Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Foreset group, tackles social isolation engaging with older men & women in activities supporting health and wellbeing.
Their usual members are retired or experiencing the loss of a partner which can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
The Bromsgrove shed provides access to a workshop type environment with tools, machinery, work benches and raw materials to construct, repair or finish a variety of projects.
Local organiser and member Eugene Byrne, nominated BMIS to benefit from a year long silver anniversary pledge marking 25 years at Pearl Lake Country Park in Shobdon, where he has a holiday lodge.
Eugene said: “I knew we were struggling with our lease coming to an end on our unit at Metal Ore Industrial Estate, and the uncertainty of where we could afford to go so I put BMIS’s name forward.”
Eugene joined the charity in 2019 and after learning many skills has not only become an instructor himself but won turner of the year, a national competition run by the UK Men’s Shed Association.
He added: “An essential part is the camaraderie, friendly banter and peer support we provide to each other.
“We’ve undertaken some great community projects and we’re thrilled to receive this donation from Discover Parks which has come at a perfect time for us as we move into our new premises at Finch End Farm.”
Discover Parks MD Glenn Jones says they are proud to have helped such a worthwhile group.
Glenn added: “Many of our holiday home owners are retired or have lost partners and it’s important there are places for people like this to make friends and have something to get their teeth into.
“We wish BMIS continued success in their new premises and look forward to hearing about their next project.”
