THE Men’s Shed community in Hart looks set to grow this year as Church Crookham and Fleet get set to have their own.

Organisers in Hook are also in the process of kickstarting their shed, and at a meeting this week, residents in Church Crookham and Fleet looked to get theirs off the ground.

Hart District Council is working with Hart Voluntary Action (HVA) and Church Crookham Parish Council to explore the possibility of creating a larger version of the typical shed in the garden, but for a group.

The sheds are places where people can meet to make or mend things using a wide range of tools, work on practical projects together, share what they know with others, and have fun.

A successful public meeting was held in Church Crookham Community Centre on January 17 for all those interested in setting up or joining the second Men’s Shed in Hart.

Anne Crampton, Hart’s Cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “We’re very pleased to be working in partnership with Hart Voluntary Action and Church Crookham Parish Council to hold this public meeting.

“Men’s Sheds offer people the opportunity to stay active, connect with others, and learn new skills, all of which have been shown to be good for our health and wellbeing.”

Caroline Winchurch, chief executive of HVA, said: “Men’s Sheds is a growing movement with over 300 sheds open in the UK, and nearly 100 more in planning.

“Most sheds are led by groups of people from within their local community and these tend to work really well.

“We think a Men’s Shed would be a great thing for Hart and would be keen to offer practical support to help a group get going.”

Gill Scott, Church Crookham parish councillor for facilities, said: “It was an opportunity for people to find out more about Men’s Sheds, hear from people who have been involved in setting up sheds in other areas, and help to shape a Men’s Shed in Hart.”