The Microgaming Health & Care Trust (www.microgamingtrust.im) has made a generous donation to Men in Sheds, providing the machinery and tools necessary to equip their woodwork shed.

Men in Sheds is a project aimed at retired or semi-retired men who meet regularly to share access to workshop facilitates and subsequently organise craft projects for the local community.  Based on an Australian scheme which has helped thousands of men enhance their retirement years, it provides an opportune moment not only for men to share their craft skills, but also to regularly socialise and chat whilst enjoying an all-important cup of tea!

The local project established in March 2011 and has become incredibly popular with the local community. The shed is located at Thie Rosien, Port Erin, and forms a central hub for retired men to engage in a wide range of woodwork projects. Thanks to the Microgaming Health & Care Trust it is now fully equipped with a full range of woodwork machinery. This new equipment will allow for supplementary skills to be utilised such as wood turning, carving, scroll work, joinery and carpentry.

Graham Hall, Chairman of Men in Sheds, comments: “Men in Sheds has proven extremely popular since its inception.  We currently have over 35 full members with numbers increasing on a monthly basis. By having more equipment within the woodwork shed we are hoping to attract further interest and reach out to yet more people on the Island; not only to the retired, but to younger men too! The donation from the Microgaming Health & Care Trust allows us to do this, and we are incredibly thankful to them.”

John Wardle, Trustee of the Microgaming Health & Care Trust, says: “Men in Sheds have established a rare and unique opportunity for men to share their life skills and to be active in the local community.  They are an inspiring group, and we are delighted to be able to provide them with this funding.”  

Men in Sheds meet regularly every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Port Erin, between 10am and 5pm.  

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