A five figure grant from the National Lottery Community Fund will enable Longridge Men’s Shed to build on its early momentum.
Having opened last September, Longridge Men’s Shed, based in Warwick Street, is currently bringing together 15-20 blokes every Tuesday night.
While the evening allows them the chance to take part in woodwork and maintenance projects, the main aim is to facilitate an open environment in which they can chat and form friendships.
Read more: Special fundraising event in memory of Longridge girl Jade Cronshaw who died aged 13
Founded by Longridge Town Council deputy mayor Robert Walker, he said the grant from the National Lottery was of real importance.
He said: “It will allow us to do a lot. All the tools we have currently have been donated and this will allow us to replace many of them with better and safer equipment.
“We have been fixing things for members of the public and currently have 15 chairs that we have been given. We will repair these, sell them and plough any money back into the Men’s Shed.
“The main thing is we have good number of blokes coming every week and they are men who have often never met each other before, but they are talking. That is so importance because, so often, us men are just idiots and don’t talk if we have a problem.”
Based in Robert’s sign writing premises, Longridge Men’s shed has really taken off since it was launched last year. It runs on a Tuesday night from 5-8pm and more information is available on the group’s Facebook page.
Robert added: “This group gives people focus and allows them to get on with things, which is often the first step to opening up. This grant helps us grow that reach.”
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
Read more: See the latest Ribble Valley news and headlines
