A VALUABLE group which brings people together to support the community and tackle mental health problems has issued an urgent plea for a new home.
Cirencester Men’s Shed, which makes and repairs items, is having to leave its current premises at the Old Department Store in the Market Place after around six months due to an ‘internal reorganisation’ by venue operators.
The group - which spends much of its time making things for schools and community groups and aims to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and combat social isolation - is urgently in need of a new workshop.
Launched in 2018, the club is made up of around 20 members and became an independent organisation around two years ago.
It makes, repairs and repurposes predominantly wooden items in a supportive and social environment, with men of all skill levels welcomed.
The group recently created a planter train for Watermoor Primary School.
It also recently presented a large model of Thomas the Tank Engine to Cirencester Opportunity Group for children to play in.
The organisation was previously based at the Obelisk Community Rooms - formerly known as the Scout Hut - in Cirencester’s Cotswold Avenue.
However, the venue was closed in October last year as it was no longer ‘viable’.
The group has had a workshop on the first floor of The Old Department Store in the Market Place, Cirencester for around six months.
Yet, as Bob Allison, chair of Cirencester Men’s Shed, explains, the organisation is having to leave these premises amid the community hub’s plans to transform the floor into more of a public area.
“What The Old Department Store decided was they needed to use the space more commercially and get in organisations, I believe, that will be able to pay more rent, because they do have costs for the building,” Mr Allison said.
“We make noise and there’s dust, and that doesn't fit in with what will be a public space.”
Mr Allison said the men’s shed has received ‘quite a bit of interest’ since posting about the need for a new venue, with South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage and her office also joining the hunt for a new location.
However, Mr Allison stressed that the organisation still needs suggestions for places it can operate from.
“The perfect scenario would be a good-sized workshop with electrics, windows, good access, a restroom area, a kitchen, a toilet and parking,” he said.
“However, we know we’re not going to get all of those.
“It could be a building or it could be a big shed or a goods carriage, or even a piece of land that somebody would let us maybe put a container on.
“We are completely flexible about what we can use.”
Mr Allison added that the group gives men the opportunity to interact and open up about issues in their life.
“When men talk to each other, it’s shoulder to shoulder, because that’s the way we are,” he said.
“By working together on projects and stuff, we get the opportunity to talk together.
“Members have a bit of fun and laughter, chat about the day-to-day, chat about issues in their own lives and chat about their health, which sometimes men find quite difficult.
“We won't let the club fold but we do need a workshop.”
If you know of a venue that can be offered to Cirencester Men’s Shed, email cirencester.mens.shed@gmail.com or call 07526 676822
A spokesperson for The Old Department Store said: "When the Men’s Shed were evicted from the Scout Hut last year, we were glad to offer them space here and have housed them since November 2024.
"In that time, they have brought immense value to our community - helping to mend, build, and bring new life to The Old Department Store.
"We are grateful for their investment and have truly enjoyed having them with us.
"Due to various factors, we have together agreed it’s time for them to find a new base.
"We need to make wider use of the first floor for our legacy businesses and to meet growing community needs - including youth provision, a shared creative workshop space (bookable by different groups) and coworking areas.
"This is part of our visionary plan to activate the first floor of The Old Department Store.
"We invite the Men’s Shed to make use of our spaces.
"They are welcome to continue using our Sanctuary space for social meet-ups and will be able to book future workshop space as needed.
"Our relationship remains positive, and we’re helping them search for a new permanent home while exploring other ways to work together."
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