Janet Bridle, the coordinator at the Hub community arts centre in Port Erin, is retiring after 11 years.

Janet, who first pioneered the woodworking community project Men in Sheds and then went on to set up the Hub, said: ’It’s been so interesting and rewarding setting up the Hub’s various projects over the years.

’To be perfectly honest, I had no idea what The Hub would look like at first. Each step involved a certain amount of blind faith and in the early days it was quite daunting.

’But with the support of some key people, a timetable of activities came together and soon we were going from strength to strength.’

Regular Hub attender and Port Erin resident Gill Stephens said: ’Learning new skills is thought to stave off dementia, and I have had the opportunity to try many and various activities at the Hub.

’Janet’s energy and creativity has been amazing.

’The monthly Hub suppers have been a fun and great social experience, especially for those of us living alone.

’During lockdown Janet kept us all in contact and delivered a supper every week.

’It would be impossible to do justice to her great work and energy in a few words.’

The new Hub coordinator is Ruth Martin, a longstanding attendee and fundraiser for the centre. Ruth said: ’I have a real understanding of what an invaluable space we have at The Hub, and how important the groups and sessions are for the members that attend. I’m really looking forward to the next few months and getting to know all our members, and inviting more to find out what we do here.’

’I am also looking forward to working with the recently appointed Men in Sheds coordinator Stephen Marsh, who has some great plans for closer collaboration.’