Bob Emblin, 72, shares his thoughts on the Wharfedale Men’s Shed, saying, “I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t come here. This place has been great.” The Shed serves as a gathering spot for men from the affluent area of north-west Leeds, meeting weekly for DIY projects, coffee, and conversation. Established in 2013, it is part of a network encompassing over 1,100 Men’s Shed groups across the UK. The impact of this initiative is evident among its members who gather in Otley each Monday.

Bob, a retired BT engineer who lost his wife during the Covid pandemic, began attending the group to overcome loneliness and seek a new beginning. “It was loneliness and the need for me to make a fresh start,” he recounts from a cozy coffee area filled with sounds of machinery. In an adjoining room equipped with tools like laser cutters and lathes, about 20 members work on various projects—some serving local charities or community groups while others focus on personal DIY endeavors.

Neil O’Brien has been part of this community since 2019 and has developed a knack for creating hedgehog boxes. “Every one of these that I make sells very quickly,” he laughs, acknowledging their popularity. His expertise in both metalwork and woodworking makes him a valuable resource for others seeking help with their projects. Adam Tasker, a supply teacher aged 32 who recently joined the group, looks forward to learning from Neil. “They’re really nice people,” he remarks.

Robert Burnett, another member who joined two years ago after moving to Otley, emphasizes the supportive nature of the group. Members wear distinctive blue jumpers and polo shirts that foster camaraderie. A code of conduct ensures discussions remain respectful by avoiding politics and religion. “We all have different outlooks and different views of the world but we leave it at the door,” Robert explains.

Recently, the group helped rebuild a local resident’s garden fence after thefts occurred. This sense of community service energizes members as they utilize their skills productively. Bob Miles, the group secretary and co-founder, highlights that friendship is just as important as handiwork: “You don’t have to use your hands; it’s important you make friends.”

As membership grows, however, space has become an issue at their current location in Otley Courthouse arts center. Fortunately, they have received planning permission to demolish an adjacent derelict café to build their own facility. This will not only accommodate more members but also allow them to rent out space for other organizations.

Chairman Stuart Gregory expresses optimism about future growth: “Our intention is not to turn anyone away.” The group’s impact on individual lives and the community drives their eagerness for expansion.