Fitzmaurice featured in Wiltshire Times for Men’s Shed members who built their bug house

Members of Bradford on Avon’s Men’s Shed have been showing their handiwork at the Big Help Out event to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The event on Monday (May 8) was relocated from the town’s Westbury Gardens to St Margaret’s Hall because of the wet weather.

Men’s Shed chairman Peter Eveleigh says the 30-strong group of men and women is going from “strength to strength” after finding premises next to Bradford on Avon Town Football Club.

“Our aim is to provide as much enjoyment as we can,” he said. “Having fun is more important than the things that we make.”

The Men’s Shed movement was formed to give men community spaces where they can connect, converse and create.

While making things for themselves and their local communities, they are able to gain camaraderie, build friendships and overcome social isolation.

At the Big Help Out Volunteer Day, Richard Hill showed his 16-foot canoe made from Cedar and Ash, while Peter Eveleigh and Paul Shotton took along their Bugingham Pallet bug house.

Jokingly named after Buckingham Palace, the bug house is likely to be donated to the local Fitzmaurice Primary School for its wildlife area.

Members have also just finished making a huge Jack in the Green for the Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival taking place on Saturday (May 13).

The Bradford on Avon Men’s Shed meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 1.30pm at its workshops in Trowbridge Road.

To join, contact Peter Eveleigh on 07961 418194 or email boa.mens.shed@gmail.com.