Barnes is set to get its own Men's Shed.

The ‘shedding’ movement, pioneered by the UK Men’s Sheds Association, promotes community workspaces (similar to garden sheds) for groups of men to work together and have fun.

Barnes Community Association has been planning the project alongside FiSH Neighbourhood Care and Castlenau Community Centre.

Steven Mindel, chairman of The Barnes Community Association, said: “We’re trying to make a space for men - who are notoriously bad at making social networks during their lives - and when their partner dies they are socially isolated.

“This will be a place to make friends and have companionship.”

The shed will bring retired men together and build on their woodworking and mechanical skills.

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The project won a £10,000 grant from Richmond Council’s Village Planning fund, giving it the go-ahead, and now its organisers are looking to raise the remaining £15,000.

Details of where the shed will be located will be announced in the coming spring.

The Barnes Community Association are now seeking volunteers to join their committee to get the shed up-and-running. If you’d like to help, contact Mr Mindel on steven@barnes-ca.org