The Men & Women in Sheds Group, headed up by the Lady Shedders, have recently given a talk and had a festive sale, which helped them raise funds to continue supporting local women and men at the creative and crafty hub.

Men & Women in Sheds, hosted by Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, offers a safe place for individual pursuits and community projects, a sense of purpose, achievement and social interaction for those over 50.

Age UK hosts sheds in Ashwell in Rutland and Charnwood that are "just larger versions of the typical garden shed, furnished with work benches and equipment for making, mending and restoring. Reclaimed wood and practical skills, either newly learnt or from younger years, are put to good use to make items for nature, the home or just for fun!"

Whichever activities are pursued, the essence of a Shed is not the building, but the network of relationships between the members, the opportunity to connect and to share life's ups and downs with others.

It is at the sheds where friendships are made and problems are shared. Whether learning a new skill or re-engaging with an old hobby, the Sheds offer a unique opportunity to create new objects and make new friends.

At their latest fundraiser, the team have raised an admirable £260 to help the ongoing success of the sheds, by selling items created by members of the group.

The wooden Christmas trees are a great, mess-free alternative to real trees. Image credit: Women in Sheds.

The ladies have been hard at work creating wooden goodies perfect for the festive season, including Christmas trees, stars, ornaments and more, all to raise money to put back into the charitable project.

The Edith Weston Ladies who drive the event said: "We raised £260, so thank you to all of the ladies and gents involved in making our festive items, and to those who came along to our talk and sale."

The Age UK team added: "Our Rutland Men & Women in Sheds members lovingly craft wonderful wooden trees made to order and they have been a hit with many local business & residents for the last few years. Made from repurposed pallet wood, they can be made in varying styles and sizes and are a great alternative to a real Christmas tree. All proceeds from the sale of the trees directly benefit the Shed which provides a safe place for individual pursuits and community projects for local older people."

While you can't yet buy a pair of the matching dungarees made by a member of the group, trees, ornaments and more are still available to those who missed out at the fundraising event:

The team will be selling their wares outside Tesco on South Street on Saturday 25 November, 9am – 3pm.

To order, please email the Rutland Shed on [email protected], or call 01572 720319.

Join the Men & Women in Sheds groups at Oakham Enterprise Park. Image credit: Google Maps.

Alternatively, find out more about the Rutland Shed at:

Unit 2A

Oakham Enterprise Park

LE15 7TU

Men in Sheds: Monday and Wednesday, 9.30 - 12.30 and 12:30 - 3.30

Men & Women in Sheds: Tuesday, 9.30 - 12.30 and 12:30 - 3.30

Women in Sheds: Thursday, 9.30 - 12.30 and 12:30 - 3.30

Share your own good news or upcoming fundraiser by emailing [email protected].