Forest Community Shed

22/07/2025

Lots of Sharpening of secateurs, shears and kitchen knives on Saturday and some bike maintenance. Well done team.

18/07/2025

At the repair cafe tomorrow, sharpening and bike maintenance.

This Saturday, 19th July, is the next Ruspidge Mend & Repair Cafe, starting at 2pm in the lower hall.
What to bring along:
Small domestic electrical appliances for repair;
The team from the Forest Community Shed sharpen knives and small garden tools (such as secateurs). They will also be there to do checks and adjustments to bicycles;
Clocks and other small mechanicals;
If bicycles, scooters, motorised items, toys or other metal things aren't working because a new metal part needs to be specially made, bring it along and talk to Martin about whether he can help; Queries about smartphones and tablets.
Repairs are free of charge*, although donations are welcomed. *We don't keep replacement parts, although we will do our best to identify the part and suggest where a replacement may be obtained.
https://ruspidgememorialhall.weebly.com/mend--repair-cafe.html

17/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who came to visit us today. we had fun, even did an impromptu glass workshop with Carol and Katy.
Gordon also found time to finish the bench refurbishment - a great job thank-you.

14/07/2025

Thursday is Open Day. Come and see what goes on in The Shed, with tea and cake.

14/07/2025

Supporting Lydbrook fete yesterday. Fun day keeping out of the sun!
Thanks to our volunteers.

07/07/2025

Come and find us on the day. Kids and adult activities.

26/06/2025

Volunteer day on site.
Mending the swing seat, making a hay rig for the alpacas and installing the animal signs, blackboards and shape sorter we have been making. Anna even had time to brush Rosie!
Thanks to Jon, Herbie, Colin, Geoff, Anna, Gordon, Don, Nigel & Jane.

25/06/2025

Workshop open to visitors

25/06/2025

Come and see what goes on

10/06/2025

06/06/2025

Winner - Community group of the year - Gloucestershire volunteer awards 2025.
Well deserved everyone.
Thank you to Anna, Nick, Debbie and Angie for accepting the award and Go Gloucester for a great evening last night.
Here is their summary:
The Forest Community Shed is a vital hub for social inclusion, community well-being, and skill development. Serving people of all ages, particularly those who are isolated or vulnerable, it provides a welcoming space for hands-on workshops that enhance both mental and physical health.
After relocating and partnering with The Orchard Trust, the Shed has thrived, expanding its offerings and support for local charitable groups. Participants, many referred by health services, enjoy meaningful social interactions and skill development in a fully accessible, 7-acre environment. In response to growing demand, the Shed is fundraising for a new accessible barn to accommodate more activities, including heritage skills, crafts, and community projects. This expansion will further enhance the Shed’s ability to serve those who are often overlooked, improving their mental health, self-esteem, and social connections.
With structured sessions three days a week, the Shed has become a crucial resource for many participants' well-being.

26/02/2025

Making our first picture frame and mount with some equipment kindly donated to us - took us 3 hours to work out how it all worked properly, but a great team effort!