Video: Castle Point mayor visits Men's Shed group to see workshop progress in Rayleigh

The Men's Shed at Rayleigh Weir provides a base for men to socialise, and has been successfully running for several years.

The group was joined by Clive Walters, Mayor of Castle Point Council and Jamie Satwell, Manager of the Megacentre in Rayleigh where the workshop is based on March 14.

Mr Walters visited the Men's Shed to see the progress that has been made to the workshop facilities for the community social group.

The shed, part of The Men's shed UK Association, provides the facility to reduce the isolation of men in the community by bringing them together to share ideas, skills and to socialise.

The "Shedders" work on their own woodcraft and engineering projects and take on commissions from and for the community.

Paul Linguard, committee member for the Rayleigh Weir Shed, said: "As a member of the Shed Clive has supported this project for sometime now and is delighted to see the progress and the support it gives to the men of Castle Point, Rayleigh and surrounding area."

Men’s Shed started in Australia to give a focal point to men who were not in employment and/or not socialising often with working at home, as sole traders or retired.

The movement started in the UK in 2013 and now has in excess of 280 registered ‘Sheds’.

It was found that men talk better when doing something, comparing skills or suggestions as to finding solutions to situations. Men talk shoulder to shoulder where women talk eye to eye. By giving an opportunity for men to have a practical base, they are more inclined to share skills, talk about ‘men’s things’ e.g. football, cars, the price of timber and voice opinions on political or current affairs issues.

Visit http://www.rayleighshed.org.