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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Jenga with a Twist: Otley Town Clock Challenge
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.
Westgate School Planters– Another 2 Bob + Project!!
Wharfedale Men’s Shed returned to Otley Westgate Primary School to build large planters and create a planting space in the tarmac playground. Over two days, members cut through hardcore, prepared soil, and completed timber planters, transforming a stark space into a greener environment that delighted the headteacher.
Woodturning: The novice’s second bowl!
WMS members have kept busy through the hot summer, meeting, making, and learning together. Stephen has been developing his woodturning skills, moving from ‘between-centre’ projects to bowl turning. With guidance from Malcolm, an experienced turner, he shaped, hollowed, and finished a Masasa wood bowl—declaring it “fit for peanuts or hazelnuts.”
Titty Bottle Oak and WMS
A WMS member, passing tree surgeons felling the now-famous oak, asked: “What will happen to the wood?” Days later, a huge trunk section arrived at Otley Courthouse. Too large to store whole, it was cut into slices for drying. Members now plan creative uses once the timber is ready.