MEN in Corsham will soon have somewhere to meet and chat after the launch of The Brunel Shed.

The group, which also welcomes women, will be run along similar lines as other Men's Shed groups across the country, which are based on a model from Australia. It is based on the idea that men like spending time tinkering, repairing, and making things while socialising with others who have similar interests.

The Brunel Shed is being led by chairman Ed Brand, 61, of Brakspear Drive, at 10am each Monday. The frequency could be increased later on, depending on the uptake.

The group was launched at a meeting, attended by eight members, on Monday at Potley & Pockeridge Community Centre and will meet there from now on.

Mr Brand, who is retired, said: “Men’s Sheds are the thing of the moment and they are developing at a rate of two per week. The nearest is in Melksham.

“I used to go to the one in Melksham but I wanted to set one up closer to home. We are going to link up with the Melksham shed and all the other sheds in the vicinity.

“It is a great opportunity to join in with others and learn some tricks of the trade. The word will spread."

So far, 30 people have applied to become members including one woman. Each session costs £5 to pay for the use of the community centre.

Mr Brand added: “The word about sheds has spread so quickly and widely. I wanted to make it a bit more local.

“It is good for men and women to do it. We want to share tools and share skills.

“It may well be that we get largely only men but we don’t want to exclude. If women want to get involved they are more than welcome.

“We can make whatever people want to make. We can sort it out with them, from tables to arts and crafts.

“It is going to start in sessions of 15. We are still in the deciding stages and we could have sessions throughout the week.

“There will be lots of time for chatting and making friends. For the time being we will be at the community centre."

Anyone interested in joining can email Barry Reed on reed_barry@sky.com.