A voluntary Kirkby group that helps men have a productive retirement is expanding its work — and appealing for help through sponsorship and the donation of materials.

Kirkby Men in Sheds is a sheltered woodworking workshop located in part of the church hall of St Thomas’ Church.

The Men in Sheds movement started in Australia at the turn of the century in response to the high incidence of suicide, depression and mental illness among post-retirement men.

A group of men from Kirkby started attending a Blidworth Shed run by Age UK and decided to set up a base in their home town.

Kirkby Shed, which is not part of Age UK although has been supported by the charity, is a well-equipped woodworking shop that was formally opened in March 2015.

Now the area available for working is being extended.

People who go to Kirkby Shed can use all the machinery (a lathe, power saws, fret saw, pillar drill etc) under guidance to make articles for their own use or for the shed to sell at craft fairs.

It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9am to 12noon, and is supervised by people who have undergone relevant health and safety and first aid training.

A spokesman said: “Our aim is to help to ensure that men have a happy and productive retirement by meeting with others over their work which is otherwise often done alone in a garden shed — hence the name!

“It has proven its worth over a number of years and we would like to see it continue for a long time yet.

“The group has been involved in making planters, which have been made to order and are sold at reasonable prices, as well as smaller items.

“We have also made objects for local organisations, including a portable six-hole crazy golf course for a playscheme.

“Some of the projects have been done by the men for themselves, but along the way they have learned to use the machines and spend time chatting with others, so having some social time together with like-minded people.

Kirkby Men in Sheds, which is a member of national association UK Men’s Sheds Association, said as a voluntary organisation it was now seeking sponsorship and/or materials that could help it to help others.

The spokesman added: “We would respectfully ask if it is possible that anyone could help us in any way. Our suggestions include the passing on of materials, for example pallets for which you may have no further use, offcuts of timber etc — we are big on recycling — or the funding of materials or equipment.

If you can help, call Garry Pilkington on 07505969799 or email [email protected]