At Wharfedale Men’s Shed, we are often asked to repair or transform items. Some projects involve simple fixes, while others demand complete rebuilds. This post highlights a few remarkable stories, from a chair restored from a pile of sticks to a custom dining table for a child with disabilities. We’ve also tackled larger undertakings, like rebuilding a wildlife area retaining wall and restoring Santa’s Sleigh for Ilkley Round Table. Each project, no matter how big or small, was lovingly completed by our dedicated team, turning broken or non-existent items into something truly special.

Wharfedale Men’s Shed (WMS) proudly took part in the Otley Science Festival this week, held at the Otley Courthouse in West Yorkshire. Visitors were invited to assemble bird-box kits prepared by WMS, with guidance from members Michael, Malcolm, Stephen, Ken, and Stuart. The activity was a hit, with 21 boxes successfully completed and taken home. Attendees of all ages enjoyed the hands-on experience, and the team kept spirits high with delicious pork pies, courtesy of Bob M. It was a wonderful day of creativity, learning, and community, as WMS helped inspire future makers and support local wildlife.

Wharfedale Men’s Shed is proud to have been awarded a £5,000 grant by the People’s Postcode Trust, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This funding will help us enhance our Shed’s activities, providing vital tools, materials, and resources to support our projects that benefit the local community.

Thanks to the players, we can continue to offer a space for men to socialise, learn, and contribute to meaningful initiatives. A huge thank you to the People’s Postcode Trust and players of People’s Postcode Lottery for supporting us in making a difference in Otley and beyond.

At Wharfedale Men’s Shed, we turned recycled decking boards into six stunning garden planters for a local church member. Led by Loz, with help from Bob E. and Michael, the team transformed the old wood into beautiful, functional planters. Each piece was carefully crafted with screws, sweat, and a sprinkle of Shed humour.

The client was thrilled, calling them “perfect” and generously donating to support the Shed. These planters aren’t just boxes; they’re a testament to teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness. Have a DIY dream? Visit us at Wharfedale Men’s Shed—where we bring ideas to life with sawdust and smiles!

Wharfedale Men’s Shed is delighted to have won the top prize of £1,000 in Skipton Building Society’s 2024 Community Giving scheme. Thanks to incredible community support, we secured the highest donation available.

This generous grant will fund essential tools and materials, enabling us to continue projects that benefit Otley and beyond. Shed Secretary Bob Miles expressed his gratitude, saying, “To receive the most votes from Skipton customers shows the amazing support we have locally.”

A huge thank you to everyone who voted—your support helps us provide a welcoming space for men to learn, socialise, and give back to the community.

Wharfedale Men’s Shed offers a supportive space where men of all ages come together to work on meaningful projects, enjoy companionship, and give back to the community. Members work on everything from building hedgehog boxes and restoring furniture to community repairs and personal DIY projects. With a mix of practical skills and social connections, the Shed provides purpose and a sense of belonging. As we plan to expand into a new workshop, we look forward to welcoming even more members and increasing our impact on the local community.”

Monday morning at the Men’s Shed saw Loz, Bob E, and Michael tackling the latest donation from Tite-Fix—a pile of timber more nails than wood. Armed with hammers, crowbars, and sheer determination, they set about transforming the glorified firewood into usable pieces for projects like mud kitchens and planters.

Bob E wrestled with nails the size of railway spikes, Loz’s enthusiasm split more wood than intended (doubling the “productivity”), and Michael found refuge at the lathe, crafting wooden mushrooms that were more experimental than decorative.

By day’s end, the pile had shrunk, yielding “rustic” trugs, a gap-filled planter, and a family of eccentric mushrooms. The shed rang with laughter as they surveyed their work, proving yet again that no piece of wood, no matter how hopeless, is wasted at the Men’s Shed.

Support Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue in Otley! Over the past 20 years, UK hedgehog populations have declined by up to 50% due to habitat loss, road deaths, and pesticide use. Prickly Pigs plays a vital role in reversing this trend by rescuing and rehabilitating injured hedgehogs, raising awareness about hedgehog-friendly practices, and preserving their habitats. Small actions, like creating wildlife corridors and avoiding harmful chemicals, can make a big difference. Join us in supporting this essential work to protect one of Britain’s most beloved species. Together, we can help hedgehogs thrive for generations to come.