"  I’ve been involved with the Shed for a year and a bit. Many years ago there was talk about starting a Shed and we all went over to Harpenden [to the Repair Shed] and it was brilliant – they made us very welcome. Everybody was enthusiastic and then Covid hit and everything stopped. Getting premises was the hardest thing. Finally Standalone Farm was offered but it needed a lot of work to get it sorted. I joined before Christmas before work had begun.

I was retired and wanted something to do to keep my brain working and it seemed ideal. I keep coming back because I enjoy it – the company, the work ethic – you’re not pressurised - that’s unusual these days. I enjoy it and would recommend any other men to ‘give it a whirl if there’s one near you’. I think you need to be of sound mind and reasonable health.  

At our stall at the Steam weekend, most of the people who showed interest were women saying things like ‘this is just what my dad needs’. We’re pretty full to capacity at the moment with just one session. The sooner we can clear the garage and get the stored tools in use, the better.  "

"  My first contact with the Men’s Shed was attending one of the monthly planning meetings in Letchworth and I then decided to take a closer look by visiting the Shed itself.

 I’d describe a Shed as a social club, mainly for older men. There’s a real mix of ages, abilities and interests, but the friendliness is the thing that strikes me most. That said, I’m the sort of person who likes to be active as well as having a good chat – if I see something that needs to be done, I get on and do it! I like tinkering.

I regret we don’t have more space – with bigger premises we could grow our membership and our range of activities – we have plans but the space is limiting. As we grow we could also do more social activities to help everyone to get to know each other better.  "

"  I’ve been involved with Letchworth Shed for approximately 4 months. I lost my wife and spoke to my doctor – I was very lonely and needed to speak to people. The doctor put me in touch with Herts County Council and a person came and interviewed me to find out what my needs were and they came up with the Letchworth Shed address. I also got a young lady to come out once a week and talk to me in my own home. That was a great help – the main thing was that I wasn’t meeting anyone to talk to and I was beginning to worry. I was a carer for my wife for many, many years – she was bed-ridden – so I couldn’t get out. I would get up in the morning, put the telly on, and not see anyone all day.

I used to do joinery and this [the Shed] has helped keep that going. The people here are wonderful – it’s the comradeship, it really is. At work I had people day to day – it just worked, no trouble at all. Many years ago I played cricket, football, and table tennis – up to about four years ago I was still playing league table tennis.

I’ve had problems with my knee – I had a replacement but it went wrong. I’ve had eight operations in five weeks to put it right but it’s still giving me problems. I couldn’t walk when I came out of hospital, but I can now – so I must be making progress!

The friendship is the thing with the Shed – everyone is so, nice. It’s a treat to come here and obviously altering the building is good – it was a heap when we moved in and we’re getting it into shape. I’d like to get more involved in the Shed when it’s sorted. I can’t bend down now so that makes things difficult, but I’ve done a lot at home in the past – I put an extension on many years ago, I did all the household repairs, l’ve also laid paving, and enjoy gardening – but I can’t now!

If you’re lonely, the Shed is a good release – it puts the cap on your loneliness – you get terrific friendship with the people here. When you’re at work, you’ve got your comrades there and see them every day. I worked for a local authority for 57 years – I started as an apprentice carpenter and joiner then moved into the office and was a trainee surveyor – doing alterations and upgrades for people who were infirm. I prefer to use my hands rather than my head.

I have a daughter who is extremely busy. She’s got to work to pay off a mortgage - I see her maybe once a week. I’ve lived in Letchworth for about 50 years so I feel I very much belong here.  "

"  I’ve been involved with Men’s Sheds at a local and national level for the past decade. When I retired I promised myself I’d join my nearest Shed. The place where I live doesn’t have one, so I joined the Letchworth Shed.

I was determined not to get involved with the ‘boring bits’ – policies, administration, and raising funds. Two years later, I’m a trustee, committee member, and membership secretary. So that plan failed, and my week is spent working more on the Shed than in it, but I love it.

I’m surrounded by great people with a wide variety of interests, experiences and life stories. We don’t even seem to have the grumpy old man that is common to most Sheds… unless that’s me? "

" I heard about the Letchworth Shed through my GP just over a year ago and came to have a look. For me, the Shed gets me out of the house and meeting people which is important - I don’t work because of physical disability and have some other health issues. But we’re all in the same situation really, and meeting up and feeling able to talk really helps. It’s a relaxed and safe place to be – there’s no pressure to be doing work, you can just sit and chat if you want to.

I can recommend Men’s Sheds for anyone who’s feeling lonely, has mental health issues, or maybe has lost a partner – it’s better than watching daytime TV and gets you out to meet other men who may be in a similar situation.

I really like that we’re on a farm – where we do lots of little jobs, and I do what I can. We’re very lucky to be surrounded by animals, and the farm staff make us feel very welcome. If I could wave a wand I’d like us to have a bit more space, but everyone will always want more space! "