THE Wells Community Shed (WCS) has found somewhere to move to when it has to leave its site at Heads Up.
For more than six years the WCS has provided a safe space for people, particularly older men, to get together to socialise and work on craft projects in a building at the Heads Up site at Upper Breach, South Horrington.
In November, Heads Up told WCS that it would have to move, as it needs more space for its own activities. On January 31, Trustees gave WCS three months’ formal notice that it must be out by April 30.
Now, following an article in Wells Voice about WCS’s search for new premises, somebody has come forward to offer the use of a building at Launcherley, near Wells.
“Members are delighted that we have found an alternative location,” said Steve Whitby, one of the volunteers who help run the Shed.
“It was looking as if we might have had to wind up operations. We had held discussions about the possibility of relocating to other sites, including the Portway Annexe, but nothing had materialised until now.
“This is a lifeline for us. We are very grateful for the generous offer.”
The Shed was opened in 2018 by then MP James Heappey. Woodworking has been a major activity, including the making of bird tables and hedgehog boxes, and members renovated several garden benches for The Bishop’s Palace. The most recently repaired bench (pictured) was delivered in February.
Back in November, Wendy Attridge, the Chair of Trustees at Heads Up, explained that WCS was being asked to move because an increase in client numbers and demand on Heads Up’s services meant that the mental health charity needed more space for its own operations. “The Trustees’ obligation is to the wellbeing of its charity, and over six years, situations have changed,” she said.
Membership of the Shed has grown steadily over the years. Members include women as well as men, and there is a waiting list to join.
WCS is hoping that the new base at Launcherley will be up and running from May onwards. It is possible that at the new location, the Shed might be able to open more often than its current two mornings a week.
Steve Whitby said that they are looking for grants to help pay for removal costs, and for companies that can help with removals. It is likely that some of the surplus equipment will be given to other community groups.
Steve added that WCS is hoping to set up car groups with volunteer drivers who can transport members from Wells to Launcherley and back.
Anybody who can help in any way is asked to contact Steve by emailing steve.whitby@wells-community-shed.uk or calling 07468 317217.