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Aldridge Shed - 'a place to make, mend and connect' - celebrates opening of new, larger venue

A community venture in Aldridge that has been bringing people together to connect, create and learn new skills has got bigger and better with the launch of a new, larger venue.

By Beverly Rademacher
Published

Aldridge Shed, part of the UK Men’s Shed movement, has been operating since June 2016, offering likeminded locals a chance to learn skills such as woodworking, model making, crafting, sewing, tool restoration and more.

Since it was launched, originally at Alrewych Court, it has steadily grown in size and membership - necessitating larger premises which the venture now operates from a mile-and-a-half away.

The opening of Aldridge Shed's new base, with Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton cutting the ribbon
The opening of Aldridge Shed's new base, with Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton cutting the ribbon

To highlight what’s on offer at the new and improved Aldridge Shed - Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton was invited to officially launch the charity’s new, larger shed as it staged an open house event on Saturday August 9 at its new premises on the Maybrook Industrial Estate, Walsall Wood.

The Conservative MP said: "It was a real honour to be invited to Aldridge Shed's open house and to be asked to cut the ribbon to officially open their new, larger 'shed'.

Wendy Morton MP at Aldridge Shed - trying out a guitar that was made from scratch by one of the members
Wendy Morton MP at Aldridge Shed - trying out a guitar that was made from scratch by one of the members

“Aldridge Shed is a fabulous community focused organisation of like-minded men and women where practical skills meet great company - a place to make, mend and connect, where woodworking, model making, craft and sewing, plus plenty of tea, coffee, company and conversation are on offer.

“I remember the Aldridge Shed first opening its doors back in June 2016, and since then it has grown steadily in size and membership, and also in terms of presence in the community.”

The new Aldridge Shed
The new Aldridge Shed

She wished the team “every continued success” in the new premises and said she looked forward to visiting again.

Ivor Anderson, chair of the trustees, said the open house event and official opening of the new premises marked a “significant milestone for us”.

Wendy Morton MP at the open house at the new bigger and improved Aldridge Shed
Wendy Morton MP at the open house at the new bigger and improved Aldridge Shed

Now they have more space, he said the charity’s dedicated team is keen to spread the word about the facilities on offer to the local community.

There are also hopes of fundraising to raise money to create a new mezzanine for electronics and artistry to enable the organisation to expand its activities offering further.

Mr Anderson, a retired salesman, said the open house was a great way of raising awareness about what the Shed has to offer.

"It was an extremely good day," he said.

"We must've had 200 to 300 people come. It was pretty packed. A lot of local people came to see what we do."

He said the initiative currently has around 160 members and people with no experience in things like woodwork and crafting can come along and learn new skills, or just enjoy a cup of tea with company.

People can find out more about what's on offer by going to the Aldridge Shed website https://www.aldridgeshed.co.uk/