We would like to shine a light on the lesser known charities and community groups in the Isle of Man.

Our next group is Men in Sheds, which is based in Port Erin.

The group was set up in 2011 to help men in retirement get together to chat and undertake crafts and hobbies.

We spoke to secretary, Edward Williams, to find out more about what they do.

Why did you form?

The driving force in the setting up of our Shed was Janet Bridle, who organised funding, and undertook the necessary administrative functions.

What has been your biggest achievement since forming?

Difficult to say, the Shed exists to provide a cheerful and pleasant environment, and doing this is probably the most important achievement.

We have had visits from the Lieutenant Governor, the Archbishop of York, and local dignitaries, and the recognition of our existence and activity is something to be proud of.

What is your biggest goal for the future?

[We want] to ensure that the Shed is successful in providing a welcoming environment where men can pursue activities which benefit themselves and the wider community. It is very difficult to quantify these benefits, hopefully they are reduced depression and reduced social isolation.

How can people get involved?

People can get involved by calling in at the Shed. If you walk past Thie Rosien you won’t miss our sign on the west (town side) of the complex, just by the very handy bus stop.

At the moment, we are applying for charitable status in our own right. We have been part of the Southern Community Initiatives charity, and once we become a charity we will have a website. In the meantime, enquiries can be sent to [email protected]

Our Shed is open [on] Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10am to 4pm.

There are three types of activity - some members pursue individual hobbies, wood carving, scroll saw work, wood turning, or metal work. Other members work on larger projects - we’ve built two boats and various items for the community. All members get together for tea breaks, possibly the most important activity of the Shed.

We aim to be a non-profit organisation. Members pay £60 per year, which covers insurance and administration. We raise other funds by doing various activities; we recently held a quite successful tool sale in Port Erin. We don’t accept work which can be done by tradesmen.

l If you would like to be featured, email: [email protected]