Pontypridd Men’s Shed Official Opening

Since it’s formation two years ago the Pontypridd Men`s Shed project, based in the Taff Meadow Community Centre in Treforest, has grown to more than 40 members.

The Men’s UK Men’s Sheds Association encourages people to come together to make, repair, and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities.

It also aims to improve well-being, reduce loneliness, and combat social isolation.

The Pontypridd-based Men’s Shed comes under the umbrella of Men’s Sheds Cymru and UK Men’s Sheds Association

Such has been the success of the Initiative that the Shedders have branched out by setting up a Wood Shed in East Street, Trallwn under the banner “Woodfellas” which has been officially opened by Rhondda Cynon Taff mayor Cllr Dan Owen-Jones.

Pontypridd Men’s Shed chairman Andy Phillips said: “The members, led by former roofer Gareth Pugh, have been busy creating the much-needed infrastructure required to develop the new facility, which over time has been a bakery, a garage, and a print shop.

“Gareth along with other Shedders have rolled up their sleeves and started transforming it into what promises to be a fantastic workshop.

“The Shedders have been able to create workbenches and storage, installing machinery while overseeing the collection of much-needed donations of equipment, materials, and tools, etc, thanks to the generosity of the general public”.

Cllr Dan-Owen Jones said that on a recent visit to the Pontypridd Men’s Shed, he had been impressed by the work being carried out.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure to open this exciting new venture.”

Among those present at the opening was Men’s Shed Cymru Development Officer Robert Visintainer who said it was inspiring to see Pontypridd Men’s Shed continue to thrive. He said:

“The Wood Shop is proudly established in the heart of Pontypridd and I am confident it will be a great benefit to all those who participate and serve the wider community”.

– Article written by Dave Edwards (Pontypridd Men’s Shed)