By Keith Brasnett and Alex Ward
On the 22nd April 2016 a public meeting was held to examine the potential for starting a Men’s Shed in the Tidworth/Ludgershall area. It was agreed to form a committee to progress the idea. Five volunteers came forward, Mike Giles as Chairman, Mike Kelly as Secretary, Keith Brasnett as Treasurer, John Hollis and Peter Rugg as committee members. The first meeting was held on 25th April when the name “Tidworth and Ludgershall Men’s Shed” was chosen. It was also agreed that despite the name we would be open to all regardless of gender. Our aim was to establish an organisation that could help people by providing a safe haven to learn a new skill or just relax and chat. The hunt was also on to find suitable premises.
We eventually settled on a garage in the grounds of a youth club; it had no electricity or water except for the damp and an uninsulated tin roof. The door would not open because tarmac had been laid up to it, but we saw potential, particularly location. We developed a plan to dig a trench to bring in electricity and water and tackle the damp.
While we had no workshop, we undertook a project to help a local charity build a bird hide, working from the boots of our cars.
As the garage was converted into a workshop, we quickly realised that woodworking and conversation over a cup of tea or coffee did not mix well and we planned a new building as a clean meeting and craft room. A timber frame was built, clad, insulated and topped with our signature rubber roof.
A couple of winters in our new workshop had taught us that an uninsulated metal roof drips with condensation over our machines and work. The solution was a new roof. This was a major project but we were up for it and planned a fully insulated double skin roof on new rafters with another rubber roof.
Apart from developing our own shed, we work on projects in the area, ranging from refurbishing road and footpath signs, to repairing roofs and notice boards. However, the project that stands out was for a retired soldier who suffered PTSD. His dog regularly escaped from his home and frightened locals due to the breed. The retired soldier’s pet was very important to him but was taken from him leading to a bout of drinking and his partner also left him. We were approached by a concerned neighbour who wondered if we could help. We put in new fencing, the dog (which was lovely and no threat) was returned, the drinking stopped and the partner returned, what a result.
“The Shed“ had developed to become a hub of the community but the pandemic came and stopped everything leaving some members very isolated. We set up Zoom sessions to keep in touch until we were able to meet again. Two members also used the period to improve the layout of the workshop and tidy up the electrics.
Post Pandemic the rather limited space was becoming a major problem and limiting our membership numbers despite meeting 4 mornings a week. A new craft room was proposed to provide a base for craft work, particularly the leather work that was becoming very popular. First, we had to build a new shed to house our timber store, then we could construct a new timber frame building in the vacated space. As part of this project, we also upgraded the electricity supply.
The craft room became an instant hit and often has more people working in it than in the main workshop and it provides a safe environment for the less able members.
Our membership had now risen to 30 with a number of Ladies being regular attendees. We also have serving military personnel but they are often posted away for extended periods.
Our latest project has been to develop a toilet to replace the previous less than ideal arrangement. On this occasion we used a professional builder and were supported by generous grants from our two Town Councils.
We have been lucky to have grant support from a number of organisations particularly the Wiltshire Council Tidworth Area Board and the Wiltshire and Swindon Community foundation. In 2025 the latter organisation celebrated their 50th anniversary and we were very honoured to be asked to make a wooden mount for a brass plaque.
This plaque was unveiled by her Majesty Queen Camilla at an event celebrating the anniversary.
In addition to grant support, we raise funds by making items for sale and repairing items for people. We attend craft fairs and village fetes where we can sell items and promote the shed. We have also been very fortunate to receive a lot of donations some of which are surplus to our needs and we either donate them to others or sell them to raise funds.
We are proud of what has been achieved in the 10 years, particularly the help we have provided to the community and our members. We hope that in the next 10 years we can continue to thrive and help people who are in need of a little support.