THERE’S a call for chaps over a certain age to mosey on down to The Men’s Shed at Hereford, a place where they can chew the fat, share skills and knowledge, and generally put the world to rights.

The Men’s Shed, a movement launched in Australia and already sweeping across the UK, aims to bring men over 65 together in one place.

Next month, Hereford’s own ‘Shed’ will open its doors at Aspire Community Hub in Canal Road. Once off the ground, the hub can provide a well-equipped hobby workshop and garden area where men can work together on a range of practical activities.

The chair of Aspire, Bryan Casbourne MBE, said: “Men don’t talk face to face, they work shoulder to shoulder.

“The Men’s Shed provides an excellent opportunity to have something practical to focus on and to create a community in which to share skills as well as experience.”

He added that the idea is proving popular nationwide with Hereford’s "shed" among 65 others established in the UK.

The city's Men’s Shed has been supported by Herefordshire Council Wellbeing and Innovation Fund which has helped provide Shed co-ordinator Les Williams to offer support and encouragement.

Two groups will be introduced each week and eventually it is hoped to have provision for women and younger age groups.

The main aim will be to provide a social community, enabling members to give something back.

This will mean taking on small projects, such as making and selling items for charity and small repairs.

“The exciting thing is that the shed is a whole new concept with the adventures and experiences to be shaped by those who join,” added Mr Casbourne.

New members are welcome from a wide variety of backgrounds ranging from highly skilled to those with little or no practical experience. Everyone can work together, with roles for all abilities. There will be an annual membership fee of £25, plus £3 per session to cover refreshments and materials.

Those interested are invited to a meeting on September 21 from 2pm to 4pm at the Aspire Community Hub in Canal Road, Hereford.

For information on joining, volunteering, or for businesses wanting to sponsor the group, contact Sue Bucknell on 01432 266881.