Building Olney Men's Shed
Olney Men's Shed is a new community space being created by local volunteers at The Recreation Ground on East Street, in the heart of Olney.
A Men's Shed is somewhere to make things, fix things, learn new skills, and enjoy good company. Whether you're recently retired, ex-services, between jobs, or just looking to meet people and stay active, you'll find a warm welcome here.
We're close to gaining access to our premises, generously offered by Olney Town Council, and will soon be converting it into a workshop and social space. With tools and materials already being donated, and fundraising underway, we're on course to open in early 2027.
Members of Men's Sheds are known as Shedders, and there's more than one way to be one. We're not open yet, so right now you can join as a Founder Shedder and help shape the Shed from the very start. When we open, you'll choose whether to be a hands-on Bench Shedder or a sociable Brew Shedder.
Read more about our membership options in the 'Become a Shedder' area of our website.
About Olney Men's Shed
Our Vision
We believe that everyone deserves to feel connected, valued, and part of a community.
Olney Men's Shed will be more than just a workshop. It will be a place where people can meet for a chat, work on projects, learn from one another, and contribute to the local community. Whether someone is looking to stay active, make new connections, share their skills, or simply enjoy the company of others, they will find a warm welcome at the Shed.
Life can sometimes bring changes that leave people feeling isolated or disconnected, particularly following retirement, ill health, bereavement, or other major life events. By bringing people together through shared interests, purposeful activity, and mutual support, Olney Men's Shed aims to create a sense of belonging and friendship that benefits both individuals and the wider community.
Our Objectives
Create opportunities for friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging
Support positive mental and physical wellbeing through shared activities and participation
Encourage confidence, lifelong learning, and the sharing of skills and experience
Strengthen connections within the local community and inspire meaningful contribution
Provide a welcoming and supportive environment that complements existing health and community services
Our Journey
Milestones Achieved
A founding team of local volunteers has come together to establish Olney Men's Shed
Incorporated as a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC)
First financial donations received and fundraising underway
Tools, equipment, and materials being donated and collected
Premises secured at The Recreation Ground, East Street, Olney, thanks to Olney Town Council
Up Next!
Receive the keys and gain access to our Olney
premises
Finalise plans for the remodelling and development of The Shed
Founder Shedders help to prepare the Shed for opening
Complete building alterations, improvements, and decoration
Organise workshop, social, and storage areas + install tools, equipment, furniture, and fittings
Host our official opening event
Get Involved
We're building something special for Olney, and there are plenty of ways to be part of it.
You can join now as a Founder Shedder and help us get the Shed ready, or register your interest in becoming a Bench Shedder or Brew Shedder when we open.
You can also support us with tool or material donations, suggest a community project, or make a financial donation.
Whatever you'd like to do, we'd love to hear from you.
Become a Shedder!
Olney Men's Shed is a place to make things, fix things, learn new skills, and enjoy good company - and there's more than one way to join us.
Join now as a Founder Shedder
We're not open yet, but you don't have to wait. Founder Shedders help shape the Shed before we open - coming to our monthly meetings, sharing ideas, and pitching in to get us ready. Membership is £40, paid in full, covering your first 12 months from the day you join.
When we open, you'll choose whether to become a Bench or Brew Shedder (more on both below) - you stay on your £40 rate until your 12 months are up, then simply continue at your chosen rate.
Join when we open as a Bench or Brew Shedder
From opening day, there are two ways to be a Shedder, and you choose the one that suits you...
Bench Shedder
£60 a year, or £6 a month. Hands on the tools. You'll be inducted on our machinery, work on your own projects, and join in with community builds - benches, bird boxes, and whatever Olney brings us to do.
Brew Shedder
£30 a year, or £3 a month. The social side of the Shed. No tools, no induction, no obligation to make anything - just the Shed, the conversation, and good company.
Whenever and however you join, you'll help shape an important community space that serves Olney for years to come.
Worried about the cost?
Don't let it put you off. Have a quiet word with any of us, and we'll find a fee to suit you - no form, no explanation, and you're a full Shedder like everyone else.
Register your Interest
There are many ways to support Olney Men's Shed beyond membership, and every contribution makes a difference. Whether you're a local business looking to get involved, or you have tools, equipment, or materials to donate, we'd love to hear from you.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
We're looking for local businesses who share our belief in the value of community and men's wellbeing. Corporate sponsorship is a great way to associate your business with a cause that makes a real difference in Olney. We'd be delighted to discuss what a partnership could look like for you.
Donate Tools or Machinery
If you have tools or machinery sitting unused that could find a new purpose at the Shed, we'd love to hear from you. Everything from hand tools to power tools and larger machinery is gratefully received.
Donate Materials
We're also grateful for donations of materials — wood, fixings, paint, and other workshop supplies all help us get the Shed ready and keep it running.
Suggest a Project
Olney Men's Shed wants to make a practical difference in the local community - and we'd love to hear your ideas.
If you're a resident, community group, school, charity, or local organisation with a project in mind, tell us about it. Whether it involves creating something new, repairing something worn, or restoring something with a bit of history, our Shedders will give every suggestion careful consideration.
Simply complete the form, and we'll be in touch once your project has been discussed with the team.
Financial Support
Financial contributions play a vital role in helping Olney Men's Shed become a reality.
Donations help us convert our premises, purchase essential tools and equipment, and create a safe and welcoming space for our future Shedders.
Every gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to opening our doors and to building a community space that will serve Olney for years to come.
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Ask a Question
Have a question about Olney Men's Shed? We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you'd like to know more about becoming a Shedder, making a donation, suggesting a project, or anything else about our plans, simply complete the form and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
No question is too small!
