ON June 17 Wales Assembly cabinet member Kirsty Williams joined Knighton and District Rotary Club president Dorothy Scott at the Knighton Men's Shed. Also present were Men in Sheds in Powys (MISIP) founder and chairman Chris Longford, Knighton founder members Henry Morgan and Graham Dawson, Nigel Frankland chairman of the Llandrindod Wells Men's Shed, and Kaleidoscope representative Kevin Etheridge

Rotary president Dorothy presented a cheque for £500 to Chris who said "We are very appreciative of the support Knighton Rotary Club has given to this project and we hope for a long lasting relationship with them" Kirsty added "The Men's Shed charity are an amazing organisation who support men recovering from health issues, including mental health, and allow them to develop self confidence through action. All such unseen illnesses can be overcome with friendship and support in a safe environment, as that provided by groups of volunteers such as those here today". Dorothy Scott later said "I must thank incoming Rotary president Patrick Smith, who could not be here today, for suggesting that we support Knighton Men's Shed"

The Knighton Men's Shed offers all men, regardless of health conditions, the time and space to complete projects at their own pace. Here they can develop friendships and skills in a friendly non-judgemental atmosphere and regain their place in society, supported when necessary by external agencies. The restoration of old tools and a future partnership with the charity "Tools for Self-Reliance" is an important part of the Men's Sheds work.

Organisations such as the substance abuse charity Kaleidoscope refer men to the Shed from their outreach centre in Knighton.

In addition to the Knighton Rotary Club, the project is also supported by KINDA – the Knighton Initiative for Dementia Action, represented today by Julia Llewellyn-Roberts and Kirsten Haynes. Kirsten also works for Knighton Community Support and accepted thanks for the support given by that organisation. In addition Mrs Catherine Plant (not present) accepted thanks on behalf of Shed supporters "Volunteering on Prescription" for their generous financial donation. KINDA today donated the Men's Shed with a toaster and a kettle, the latter of which was christened at the end of proceedings.