There’s a unique gathering taking place in Swansea on Tuesday afternoons. Known as the ‘Get Together Group – Men’s Shed’, this warm, spirited assembly of men—mostly from Swansea’s Bangladeshi community—meets to unwind, play games, and share a bit of camaraderie. They recently moved to the Volcano Theatre on High Street, a temporary space that has embraced them with open arms after their previous venue became unavailable.
Just a short walk from Swansea train station, the Volcano Theatre, a hub for all things artistic and alternative, is proving to be a brilliant temporary home. With its creative ethos and welcoming vibe, the theatre complements the spirit of the Men’s Shed perfectly. Inside, the sound of laughter, banter, and the clatter of discs being flicked across Carrom boards fills the room. It’s almost as though the theatre was built for this kind of connection.
The group’s sessions begin, naturally, with a proper cup of tea. As I was greeted by Muhammad, one of the group’s organisers, it was clear this wasn’t just any men’s club. At the heart of these gatherings is the ancient board game Carrom—a team-based game that blends skill and a bit of chance. The men here take it seriously; it’s competitive and loud, with partners facing off to knock discs into corner pockets. Watching the matches, I was met with shouts, laughter, and a spirited rivalry that transformed the room into a mini arena.
In between games, the men chat about their lives, their families, and the ups and downs of the week. “It’s a chance to get away from a busy work life or spend a bit of time away from the family,” Muhammad tells me, and you can see that it’s a form of therapy in its own right.
The group also meets up for badminton on Thursdays, and, true to form, food and drink are a key part of these gatherings. Community, comfort, and competition—these elements have created something powerful in the Men’s Shed. By the end of my visit, I’d seen Carrom champions crowned and even helped present trophies, capping off an afternoon filled with warmth, laughter, and community spirit.
The Get Together Group might be temporarily displaced, but in their new home, they’re building something even stronger—a place of connection in the heart of Swansea, one tea and one Carrom game at a time.
Get Together Group – It’s a Men’s Shed with a twist—unique in every way, yet so familiar in its camaraderie and laughter. Can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!
