By Alison Howell: The ‘Bath Shed’ project in BANES is about to receive a new permanent home at Bath City Farm in Whiteway, Bath, in the form of a workshop made of converted shipping containers which arrive on Thursday 29 February.
The concept of Sheds has existed in the UK since the 1980’s, following on from the worldwide success of the Men’s Shed movement as a social place for people to meet and participate in practical activities and address issues of social isolation and loneliness.
Five years ago in Bath, the first group got together to form a shed as they felt that a city the size of Bath should have one. Although the Bath Shed as it is now known did not have a permanent base, both men and women started getting together at various places in the city for craft, DIY and building projects that mostly involved carpentry. The Bath Shed is for men and women over the age of 50.
As well as improving social connection and combatting isolation and loneliness the Bath Shedders have done a lot for community projects in BANES, creating a mud kitchen for the Southdown Methodist Church and making bug and bee hotels and bird boxes. The group have been nomads for the past three years with sessions held at the St Johns Foundation and the Salvation Army and local cafes.
Finally after many years of discussions we are delighted that Bath Shed will be making its new permanent home at Bath City Farm. £40 000 has already been raised towards the build and we are now seeking to raise a further £20 000 to complete the fit-out and provide a warm space with all the required services. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help generate funds and can be found and supported here www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bath-shed
With a permanent place to call home the Bath shedders aim to reach out to more people in the Bath area with further sessions.
Martin Sharratt, the secretary of the Bath Shed said: “ We’re so excited by the thought of having our own place at last. We hope that by being based at Bath City Farm our members can also be of help to the Farm, mending things or building things on the site.”
Brendan Tate Wistreich, Bath City Farm Director said: “The Shed project is so aligned with the values and mission of Bath City Farm, it was a no brainer to host the project here. We are excited to work with Bath Shed to expand the offer of community services delivered from our unique farm setting.”
If you are interested in joining the Bath Shed, please contact Martin Sharratt on bathshed@outloom.com
Membership costs £30 per year, materials teas, and coffees £3 per session.
For more on the farm visit https://www.bathcityfarm.org.uk/