Help us build our permanent home
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 £55,000, with donations and grants from Otley Lions, Sinclairs, Postcode Lottery, Northern Circuit Barristers, Skipton B.S., National Lottery Community Fund, Arnold Clark, and Ilkley Round Table.
This covers the workshop units we need. However, to make our building accessible for all, we still need to install disabled facilities — access ramp, toilet and more.
Registered charity 1183609 — Wharfedale Men's Shed
Every contribution makes a difference
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Nest Boxes, Bird Feeders and Planters — Wharfedale Men’s Shed Helps Otley School Go Wild
Wharfedale Men’s Shed members have been busy crafting bird nest boxes, feeders and planters for Westgate Primary School in Otley, as part of a growing partnership with local charity Wildlife Friendly Otley. The handmade boxes — designed for robins, wrens and blue tits — were presented to the school’s Eco Team during a recent visit to Grove Hill Park.
WMS Committee 2025/26
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.
From Workshop to Storybook: Bird Boxes Inspire Young Creators at Leeds Libraries
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.
Happy New Year!
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,