All Aboard The Men's Boat
HMS Battersea Men's Shed launches following a three year build
The Deputy Mayor launches the boat, assisted by Men's Shed member Semhi
HMS Battersea Men’s Shed has set sail on the Thames thanks to a three-year boat building project.
Battersea Men’s Shed promotes positive mental health and reduces social isolation amongst people over 55 living in Wandsworth. It’s a chance to meet like-minded people and work together on projects such as woodworking or furniture restoration.
It’s run out of a specially-converted workshop at Dimson Lodge, Battersea Church Road and is mostly aimed at men, but women are also welcome to join.
Building the boat together has been an ongoing project for members for the past three years. It was officially launched onto the Thames at Putney by deputy mayor Jane Cooper, with music from Roehampton over 50s choir, An A-Choired Taste.
Men’s Shed member Mike said, "At long last our boat has been launched and, to all you doubters out there, it did float. The Men's shed is such a good project and we all have a great time. Now we’re looking for ways to top this!”
Both the choir and the men’s shed project are run by the Wandsworth Council housing department’s Community Development team. The team is part of the sheltered housing department but works with communities from all over the borough engaging with elderly and isolated people.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Battersea Men’s Shed can contact Elaine Curley on Ecurley@wandsworth.gov.uk
August 7, 2018