MEMBERS of Bembridge Men in Sheds are celebrating — having taken delivery of a building which will be their base.

The group held its first exploratory meeting in February 2018 and since then has enrolled more than 20 members while actively seeking a shed in which to undertake projects.

The group received backing from Bembridge Parish Council with a ten-year lease for space in Steyne Park. It then obtained planning permission to site two portable buildings, the first of which arrived on January 12.

Age UK Isle of Wight has provided support and funding, having been instrumental in setting up many other Sheds on the Island, and Bembridge Scouts lent the use of their hut as a temporary meeting place.

Bembridge Men in Sheds have been active throughout the year organising the siting, purchase and delivery of its first building, helping plant bulbs around the village, making bird-boxes for the IW Literary Festival, re-modelling scenery panels for Bembridge Little Theatre Group and laying a path for Bembridge Village Hall.

Bembridge and St Helens have one of the highest percentages of people over 65, on the Island and in the UK. Many find themselves isolated through remoteness from family members, sickness or the loss of a partner – and in need of some company.

Group activities vary depending on members' interests and they try to help other local groups with any non-commercial requests.

Chairman Ian Graham said: "At last we have a building we can call our own, so we can now begin developing our activities for the benefit of everyone in the area."

Anyone over the age of 18 in the Bembridge and St Helens area is welcome to join the group.

To find out more, email Ian on ianmg.iow@gmail.com.