In true Wharfedale Men’s Shed style, Malcolm, Loz, and Bob braved torrential rain to tackle their latest project. With a wobbly gazebo for shelter and tea in constant supply, they embraced the downpour with Yorkshire grit. Loz quipped they were “adding moisture to the wood,” while Bob, moments before soaking his boots, reassured everyone it was “only water.” Despite the chaos and soggy tools, the trio soldiered on, proving that even the wettest weather is no match for Shedders on a mission. By day’s end, they were drenched but triumphant, showcasing true determination and camaraderie in the face of a storm.

The Eccleshill Freemasons’ Lodge has kindly donated a very generous £1,500 to our Shed. This will be used for the purchase of tools and towards our new Shed which we are hoping to build over the next couple of years. The story was published in the Ilkley Gazette.You can read it by clicking on the link below.Ilkley Gazette Article

Wharfedale Men’s Shed proudly crafted a Barn Owl nesting box in collaboration with Wildlife Friendly Otley. Dedicated to the memory of Chris Cullum, a cherished Shed member, the box was installed on the Denton Estate and quickly became home to a pair of barn owls. In its first year, five chicks were hatched, bringing new life to the estate. The project, a tribute to Chris’s love of wildlife, highlights the Shed’s commitment to community and nature. Seeing these magnificent birds thrive is a proud achievement for us, honouring both Chris’s legacy and our passion for making a difference.

As part of the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture’s ‘Hidden Stories’ project, Wharfedale Men’s Shed (WMS) created a plywood elephant named Clara. Inspired by memories of circus elephants parading through Otley, the design captured the town’s heritage. Crafted from heavy-duty plywood, the elephant featured intricate jigsaw cutting, vibrant painting, and even a hand-plaited string tail. Initially displayed in the Otley Courthouse foyer, Clara was later donated to a school for disabled children, where she found a new home in a sensory garden. The project brought together creativity, craftsmanship, and a celebration of Otley’s rich community history.

Otley Courthouse is thrilled with its new tombola machine, expertly crafted by Wharfedale Men’s Shed. Designed to replace the worn-out original, the vibrant yellow machine features a secure magnetic lid and smooth, reliable mechanics. Commissioned by Hazel at the Courthouse, the Shed team rose to the challenge, creating a tool that combines functionality with flair. Already a hit at multiple events, the machine has drawn praise for its seamless operation and cheerful design. This collaboration highlights the impact of skilled volunteers and community spirit, ensuring the Courthouse continues its tradition of successful and enjoyable fundraisers for years to come.

When Ilkley Round Table called on Wharfedale Men’s Shed to rebuild their cherished Santa’s Sleigh, we couldn’t resist the challenge. With Bob M. at the helm and a team of dedicated Shedders – Dave, Loz, Neil, and Stephen – the project became a festive labour of love.

COVID restrictions meant the entire rebuild had to take place in Bob’s driveway, where the sleigh underwent a dramatic transformation. The chassis was stripped to bare metal and repainted, wheels and hubs were refurbished, and a brand-new body was built and painted Santa-red. The team even wired up a stunning array of decorations and Christmas lights.

After weeks of hard graft, the sleigh was reborn, ready to spread holiday joy across Ilkley, Burley, and Addingham. Check out the photos and video – a Christmas miracle, courtesy of WMS!