Members of Newport Men's Shed have been thanked by a city MP for using their "skills for the good of the community".
The ‘shedders’ meet every week in a unit at Newport City Homes' depot in Malpas where members take part in practical hobbies, learn new skills, and enjoy the company of others.
There are over 1,100 Men's Sheds across the UK. The charity's website says: "Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They’re about making friends, learning and sharing skills. Many guys come just for the tea and banter – everyone’s welcome."
Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East, chatted to the members during one of their sessions and looked around their workshop and tech shed.
She said: "It's fantastic to meet the ‘Shedders’ as I now learn that they're known. What I've learned is that there are 30 people with great skills here, be it in woodworking or in tech or art who are using those skills for the good of the community."
"It's just a fantastic community project. And I have to say, hats off also to Newport City Homes for helping to host this here, and helping to facilitate it too. A massive Da Iawn to everyone involved. It's really heart-warming."
John Ducker, from Newport Men's Shed, said: "It was great to have Jess here. She thought the Shed was a great idea and liked how it integrated with all the other community groups in the area. We showed her some of the things that we've made in the wood shed like bowls that have been turned on the lathe, planters, and bird boxes. She also saw some of our artwork that has been produced in our shed in the Reality Theatre in Newport city centre.
"And she also came into our tech shed and looked at the laptops that we've been refurbishing. So far we've taken 80 laptops, got them as good as new and distributed them in the community."
Michael Parry-Jones, Community Development Facilitator at Newport City Homes, said: "Her visit just goes to show the reach of Men's Shed with their expanding catalogue of work. The support they have given our communities over the years continues to build. They've grown from woodwork to also doing tech, repurposing laptops given to them by Newport City Homes.
"And they have teamed up with the Reality Theatre who host art classes for them run by local artist Roy Guy. It's wonderful to see community groups supporting each other in the city."
Men's Shed Newport meet on weekdays between 10am and 3pm at the Newport City Homes depot in Malpas and new members are always welcome.
Email Newport.Menssheds01@talktalk.net to find out more and receive an information pack.