The new year brings fresh faces to Men in Sheds in Port Erin with a new co-ordinator and a new chairman.

Stephen Marsh has taken over the role of co-ordinator from Les Shires, who retired after eight years in the post.

His many talents will no doubt come in handy whilst running the shed.

His background is in building and he was a site manager for seven years working with construction companies like Auldyn, Kinrade Construction and Paul Leivers.

Also, for the last six years Stephen has been building strip wood kayaks and operates Big Pond Kayaks.

’I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work in a rewarding role of co-ordinating Men in Sheds,’ he said.

’I think it’s a real privilege to be part of a thriving community project.

’They can help idle hands be creative and with my skills I can help guide people and improve their skills.

’But it’s not just that, the shed is a place to find like minded company, to feel that you are part of something, that you have friends but it’s not an elite club, it’s for everyone.’

Chairman Eddy Ryan has retired from a career spanning 30 years in social care working with disabled children and most recently managed the Children’s Resource Centre in Douglas.

Eddy also volunteers with Junior Achievement and through his keen interest in model engineering was a chairman for the Manx Steam and Model Engineering Club.

’I joined the shed about five months ago and I am delighted that the members are happy for me to take up the role of chairman,’ he said.

’Above all else I want to help drive the project forward and make sure it is a positive experience for all who attend.’

Eddy took over from Graham Hall, who was instrumental in setting up the project in 2011 and held the chairman’s role for nearly 10 years.

David Gawne, chairman of Southern Community Initiatives which oversees all activities at the Hub, thanked Graham and Les for all their hard work and commitment in helping to steer the shed to where it is today. He added: ’We look forward to working with Eddy and Stephen and utilizing their skills in further developing the project.’

To talk to Stephen about how to join or visit the Shed or have a community project they would like the Shed to assist with, phone 566533.