FAQ's

WHAT IS A MEN'S SHED? 

Often when people retire, they suddenly find themselves at home with no involvement, commitment, or friendships like those they had at work.  Retirees have a wealth of life experiences and skills which can be put to great use even in retirement. We are supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant and are signed up as Bronze Members as part of that initiative and welcome any veteran wishing to join us.  Please note: We also welcome women members.

Men's Sheds were originally set up in Australia to bring men together to share their life skills with each other, teach each other new skills, socially do things together for themselves or the community as volunteers.  Women have also started to become involved in recent years.

HOW do we communicate with members?

• Our preferred method is to communicate using a WhatsApp Group for instant updates and determining activity interest. Alternatively, we can communicate using e-mail (but this has a slower turn-around time).
• For those not comfortable with modern technology, we can make alternative arrangements.

WHAT type of communications will you receive?

• Invitations to Shed Social functions, meetings & offers to help with your skills on projects.
• Information about projects & teams and activities at the Shed.

HOW can I explore Alton Men's Shed Membership?

• Email us at info@altonmensshed.org
• Pop into the Shed in Anstey Park and visit us weekdays between 09.30 and 12:00.
• Typically, we open five days a week - mornings seem most popular especially Monday to Wednesday.
• Prospective members are welcome to observe activities on a couple of occasions prior to joining.
• Please note we are closed on the first Friday of each month.

DO I need to be an expert or skilled in something?

• NO  -  Members will mentor each other to develop new interests and skills.
• What you do is up to you, which might only be to chat over a coffee.

DO I need to pay membership fees?

• YES - Our Annual subscription is currently £36, and payable in April, through to the end of the following March.  (N.B. - a Pro-Rata subscription is in operation for those joining from May onwards each year).
• For insurance purposes, active participants in the shed MUST BE PAID UP MEMBERS.

HOW does the Shed work?

• Projects may not be an activity that occur at the Sheds, but on a site in the Alton area.
• Mandatory health and safety induction session is required to be taken by all members.
• Nobody will be permitted to work unaccompanied in the Shed for health and safety reasons.
• Each member will be required to demonstrate competence on each item of equipment before use.

What level of involvement will be expected of me?

• As members you will have the choice to do as much or as little as you wish.
• In general, any member can be involved at the level of their own choosing, whether they want to learn a new skill or share their skills with others as a mentor, or to be a general helper.
• You can become involved in a variety of projects - just let us know what you are interested in.
• Projects are listed on the Shed notice boards and discussed at monthly “Shedders” general meetings.

How are sessions supervised?

• Every session will be overseen by an experienced “Shedder” for the tasks being undertaken.
• All activities must have been risk assessed, and appropriate health & safety precautions established.
• Personal emergency medical details are securely held for use by a first aider in the event of an accident.
• All attendees MUST sign in at each session in a daybook.
• All facilities must be left as you would expect to find them, in a tidy, clean state.