Beloved Wareham Men's Shed group evicted by council

Dorset Council's company Care Dorset has given three months' notice to Wareham Men’s Shed to leave its site in a workshop at the firm's centre in Sandford Road. 

Set up six years ago, the group is a meeting place for lonely, disadvantaged or retired men who can then make objects out of wood to benefit Wareham’s residents and beyond. 

But the group faces no choice but to disband unless a suitable alternative home is found.

Shed chairman Harold Forbes said: “That would be an enormous shame both for our members and for the wider community, for which we have done so much over the past few years. 

“Our reputation for making and repairing many and varied items out of wood has grown steadily and we know those for whom we have worked have been very grateful.” 

• If you or anyone you know can help, please contact Harold Forbes on 01929 792591 or email warehamshed@gmail.com.

Since its opening, the group of currently 30 men and those before have completed voluntary work for schools, councils, churches and charities. 

Examples include the restoration of the car-wrecked clay mining trolley at Wareham Roundabout for Wareham Town Council, a climbing wall for reception kids at Stoborough Primary School and a raft spider viewing platform for RSPB Arne. 

It has also made countless smaller items such as hedgehog houses, bird boxes and planters for nature groups. 

Last year they created a new tourist attraction for Purbeck by carving and painting a 14ft totem pole for the Blue Pool. 

Mr Forbes said he was shocked by Care Dorset’s notice to quit, which came “out of the blue”, and found its decision “very strange”. 

He added: “Their stated purpose is ‘supporting adults to live better lives’. That’s also the shed’s ethos. Many of our volunteers feel it gives them a purpose in life that they would otherwise not have.” 

A spokesman for Care Dorset admitted notice "should not have been given when it was" and as a result is pausing all matters relating to the issuing of the notice.

He said: "We will be meeting with Men’s Shed, together with adult social care staff at Dorset Council, to explore the options for the future.  

"We hope to meet in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, Men’s Shed can be assured that no action will be taken in relation to their tenancy.

"We are committed to improving our day service offer, and that has to be our first thought, but our centres are valued parts of their communities and we recognise that there are wider conversations that need to be had as we go forward.

"We are sorry for the concern and anxiety that has been caused and want to assure all those involved with this project that we are committed to developing our services with local people and community groups."

If you or anyone you know can help, please contact Harold Forbes on 01929 792591 or email warehamshed@gmail.com.