A second Men’s Shed has been launched in Trowbridge because the first was so successful it was oversubscribed with a waiting list.

The town’s deputy mayor, Cllr Denise Bates, gave the official seal of approval for Tom’s Shed to begin operating by knocking a nail into a block of wood to symbolise its opening.

Kevin Wright, who was instrumental in forming Tom’s Shed, said: “With the existing Trowbridge Men’s Shed full we found ourselves in a position where we were turning guys away who wanted to join.

“This did not feel comfortable with the committee and following the success of the Women’s Shed using Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge, kindly provided by the Church of England, it was agreed that a second Men’s Shed should be formed and to operate from St Thomas’ Church, Trowbridge.”

It has been called Tom’s Shed to follow the name of St Thomas’ Church, Kevin's middle name and first name of one of his grandfathers.

Mr Wright added: “Tom’s Shed is a place where you can relax in an environment of old-fashioned mate-ship and importantly, there’s no pressure.

“We want to hear your ideas and find out what you’re interested in, but you can also just come, have a yarn and enjoy a cuppa if that’s all you’re looking for.”

Wiltshire Times: Kevin Wright discusses the proposed decorations for the wooden Christmas tree with plans to enter the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church in December. Photo: Trevor Porter 70161-3Kevin Wright discusses the proposed decorations for the wooden Christmas tree with plans to enter the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church in December. Photo: Trevor Porter 70161-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The Men’s Shed movement started in Australia in the 1990s and generally interests men who are retired or semi-retired, with an age range of 50 upwards.

They provide a safe place designed to benefit men’s health and wellbeing, by reducing isolation, loneliness and empowering them to help in their local communities.

They are a place to share interests, build confidence to improve skills, make new friends and learn from others.

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The first Men’s Shed in Trowbridge was set up in 2016 as a woodwork shed at Andil House, a former mill building in Court Street.

There is a restriction, due to safety regulations, on the number of members at any one time using the power tools.

It mainly caters for men interested in general carpentry and woodworking, but there’s now a waiting list to join and woodworking may not suit everyone’s needs.

Tom’s Shed has been set up in St Thomas’s Church Hall to provide men with interests in handicrafts such as artwork, model-making and similar activities.

It will open every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm at £2.50 per session.  Email Kevin Wright at kbtwright@outlook.com for more details.