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13
Aug 2021
Ripon Men's Shed opens door to new friendships
Ripon Men's Shed opened its doors this week, bringing an enormous collaborative effort to fruition.
Following a June 2019 meeting at Community House in Allhallowgate to gauge interest in the project, the charity's trustees - Andrew Makey, Caroline Bentham, Ed Moore and Tony Johnson - made great strides, in spite of the intervening limitations brought by covid.
The Men's Shed movement, which addresses issues of loneliness and social isolation, has a specific focus on the older male population, but women are welcome too.
There are also Sheds in Harrogate, Starbeck and Pateley Bridge, offering weekly activities ranging from joinery to the restoration of bicycles.
Mr Makey, who is responsible for publicity for Ripon Men's Shed, told the Stray Ferret:
For John Hayson, a retired master plumber living in Boroughbridge, the Men's Shed will be something to look forward to.
He said:
Catherine Limbert is currently the only female member, but is not phased by being in an all-male environment.
The NHS nurse said:
While the social aspect of the shed is good for members, it is also beneficial for the people involved in delivering the sessions.
Barry Sutton, who was formerly secretary of Selkirk Community Shed, has brought the knowledge he gained in Scotland back to his native country.
The retired forester and now community volunteer, said:
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With a chair lift provided from monies secured by Ripon's North Yorkshire county councillors Stuart Martin and Mike Chambers, the Tuesday sessions between 10am and 4pm are being made as accessible as possible.
Anybody wishing to become a member, or get involved in other ways, such as making a donation or providing practical assistance with provision of tools that can be used in woodworking sessions, can find out more on the Ripon Men's Shed Facebook page.
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