Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed Expands with Shed 2.5!

Nestled in the quiet suburb of Bridgeman Downs, Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed might look modest from the outside, but step inside, and you’ll find a hive of activity. Tucked away on the grounds of the local Anglican Church, the Shed stretches back into the hillside, with every nook and cranny ingeniously put to good use.

Shed Secretary Brian Stickland recently shared the exciting news that the Shed is expanding: “With our membership growing and the demand for more woodworking space increasing, we have taken the initiative to expand. We’ve enclosed a concrete path at the back of Shed 2, creating what we affectionately call Shed 2.5.” he said. Brain said that “the new addition will accommodate our lathes, which we’re moving from Shed 1, our main workshop.” The extra space has also allowed the Shed to expand its offer to include exciting new technologies like pyrography and CNC routing machines.

Creating Shed 2.5 isn’t just about adding more space; it’s about optimising what they have. By relocating equipment and reorganising their layout, they’re streamlining operations and making room for much-needed spring cleaning sessions. With three main sheds and three ‘half’ sheds, the Shed now offers dedicated spaces for different activities.

The Shed’s Social Shed, Shed 2, is the heart of its community. Many members come on Mondays for a purely social gathering, where they chat and listen to the Shed’s regular guest speakers discuss important health, wellbeing, and lifestyle topics. Shed 3, the “paint Shed”, is tucked away on top of the hill.

But it’s not just about what happens inside the Shed; it’s about what they give back to the community. Projects like creating dementia boards for local patients and tackling repair work for local residents keep Shedders busy and fulfilled. A local government micro-grant has helped with travel expenses so the Shed can pick up items for repair, making a positive impact on community members while helping to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.

At Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed, community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle of their operations. Through collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for making a difference, they’re building more than just projects - they’re building connections that last a lifetime.