Wharfedale Men's Shed is a charity based in Otley. Our aim is to combat loneliness and social isolation — particularly, but not exclusively, for men. We meet in a workshop where we get together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and work shoulder to shoulder on projects, mainly in wood for either personal use or for the local community.
We are raising funds for a permanent home of our own at the Masonic Lodge, Otley — which will allow us to expand and help more people.
Our fundraising to date stands at a magnificent £55,125, with donations and grants from Otley Lions, Sinclairs, Postcode Lottery, Northern Circuit Barristers, Skipton B.S., National Lottery Community Fund, Arnold Clark, the Sarah Jackson Community Wish Fund, Ilkley Round Table, Barker Sutcliffe & Associates Ltd, and donations from a number of generous individuals. We want to say a big THANK YOU to all who have donated, we are very grateful for your help.
This covers the workshop units we need. However, to make our building fully accessible we still need to install disabled facilities — access ramp, toilet and more.
Registered charity 1183609 — Wharfedale Men's Shed
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After more than seven years of running the WMS workshop, the committee — a hardworking, if perpetually grumbling, bunch — finally sat together for a group photograph. The result was less than inspiring. Whether they couldn’t muster the enthusiasm or simply refused to, another seven years may pass before we get a better one.
Members of Wharfedale Men’s Shed built specially adapted bird boxes for Leeds Libraries as part of the Leeds Storytelling Festival. Children used the boxes to create miniature worlds that inspired new stories. The collaboration brought together community groups, libraries, and young creatives in a project celebrating imagination, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Wishing all our readers, friends, and supporters—wherever you are—a very Happy New Year. As we step into 2026, we hope it brings you good health, happiness, and plenty of opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Thank you for being part of the Wharfedale Men’s Shed community, and here’s to another year of shared skills, good company, and projects to be proud of.
Otley Courthouse celebrated Heritage Open Day 2025 with a day of architecture and community fun. WMS created a Jenga-style model of the Otley Town Clock for a free competition, where entrants tested their skill and balance. The winners removed an impressive 27 blocks without toppling the tower.