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Supporting local community "Shed Clubs"

By Portable Space Limited in Article

Two community workshop projects have been helped by Portable Space. The two ‘Shed Clubs’ are affiliated to the UK Men’s Shed Association – a community initiative to support local facilities where people can get together to connect, chat and create or repair items that can be re-used – similar to the BBC TV series ‘The Repair Shop’.

Debenham Shed, in Suffolk, was started by two individuals, Les Wright and Bernard Rose who had been asked to clear out a number of local houses but couldn’t bring themselves to throw away the tools and equipment they found. Using a donated 40ft container kitted out with lighting and electricity, Les and Bernard had the perfect space for a workshop.

As the Shed Club expanded the container needed to be relocated to another site a few miles away. Portable Space’s transport team moved the 40ft container and three other units to the new location free of charge.

Bitterne Shed Club in Hampshire needed a secure unit to house their collection of tools. They ordered a 4m x 2.1m powder-coated flatpack store which has now been delivered, constructed and in use. Flat pack stores are an ideal solution when access to a site is restricted as they can fit on the back of a low-loader vehicle for delivery.

Hugh Robinson from Bitterne Shed Club said:

We needed a secure and waterproof unit to house our tools and the wood we use to make our items. The Portable Space flatpack met all our criteria and we are thrilled with the result. As it is located on a site with slightly restricted access, we were really grateful that the company’s delivery driver was so skilled and considerate. Throughout, all our dealings, the team has been helpful and friendly – a very positive experience.

Lauren Gladding, Sales Manager at Portable Space, said:

Both of these Shed Clubs provide a great meeting space in their local communities for men (and women) to benefit from regular social interactions, build and develop skills and undertake regular, active participation in activities they enjoy. We are delighted to play a small part in supporting these projects.