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Ditchingham Men’s Shed finally opened their doors on Saturday 24th September after six long years looking for a new permanent home. The Wetlands Trust at Earsham generously offered a corner of land where a large shed has been built and insulated.

We were delighted to welcome Julie Reinger, BBC Weather, to finally cut the ribbon to the Shed’s future. Julie said how important the Men’s Shed organisation is in supporting men with their mental and physical wellbeing. She added that loneliness in men can be extremely difficult as men do not have the friendships ladies do.

More than 60 people enjoyed cake and refreshments and had an opportunity to meet the Shed’s members, see some of the carvings, bird tables and boxes members have made and to watch a demonstration of wood turning.

BBC Look East weather presenter Julie Reinger received a wooden pen and turned wooden bowl made by Ditchingham Shed member Charlie Taylor

A presentation was made to Julie of a wooden pen and turned wooden bowl both made by Shed member Charlie Taylor.

Jonny Wood, Better Together’s Men’s Sheds Network Facilitator also attended the opening event. Jonny said:

“I’m so pleased to see this new Shed facility fully open. It’s been a challenging journey for the Ditchingham Shed team – not least having to deal with COVID lockdowns on the way – but they never gave up and they now have a first class facility that will enable them to reach out and make a huge difference to many more lives in the Waveney valley.”

Ditchingham Men’s Shed is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 till 12 noon. Check out their website or contact their Secretary on 07867 556968.

We’re also looking forward to other ‘grand openings’ in October. Poringland Shed officially opened its new premises on Friday 7th October and a completely new shed set up in Cromer is planning to cut the ribbon towards the end of October. Better Together is pleased to offer support to Men’s Sheds across Norfolk.