BEMBRIDGE Men in Sheds has received almost £9,000 in grant funding for a second portable building at Steyne Park.

The group, established to improve the lives of older men living in the area, already has one building at the site, and hopes to take delivery of the second next month.

Chair Ian Graham, said he was delighted two grant applications, to the National Lottery and Isle of Wight community charity WightAid, had been successful.

The Bembridge Shed is the latest in a growing network across the Island, and internationally, giving older men a chance to share skills and make new friends.

Vice chair John Sparrow said Bembridge had the highest proportion of over-60s on the Island, making it an ideal place for a Men in Sheds group.

"We have found homes for unwanted tools, planted roadside bulbs, made bird boxes for the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, remodelled scenery for the Little Theatre Club, laid a path behind the village hall, and smartened up the area around the new art installation known as The Wave," he said.

Ian added: "It’s clear our community work has been our strength. I’m so glad this was recognised in both our successful community bids. We will make every penny count.

"We can now move forward by paying legal set-up fees, installing main services and equipping and decorating the two portable buildings.

"We will also be able to provide disabled access as well as buying essential safety equipment and key tools."

Bembridge Parish Council has granted the group a ten-year lease at Steyne Park, and supported its planning applications for the portable buildings.

The group has around 25 paying members who currently meet at the Mitten Road scout hut.

New members are welcome. For further information, email Ian at ianmg.iow@gmail.com

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