Halstead Men's Shed completes purchase of St John Ambulance station

The Halstead Community Shed project has announced it has completed the purchase of the St John Ambulance station.

The trust signed heads of terms with St John Ambulance to purchase the vacant Ambulance Station at Fenn Road in September.

The group had been seeking a lease for the building for some time as it looked to progress the plans further.

Now, the full agreement and purchase has been completed.

Site - the vacant St John's Ambulance Station at Fenn Road (Image: Public)

The ambulance station will now become the focal point for the trust’s ‘Wellbeing at the Shed’ project, with the aim to create a focal point for health and wellbeing in Halstead through self-help.

The project was brought to Halstead and is run by project leader Kevin Pryke.

He said: “Work will begin in the New Year to renovate and convert the training rooms.

"Thanks to the help of members of the Halstead Men’s Shed, local volunteers and volunteers from NHS maintenance staff, we hope to complete the first stage of the works by the beginning of February, allowing the rooms to be used to support a range of activities.”

Boss - Halstead Men's Shed project leader Kevin Pryke (Image: N/a)

Men’s Sheds are places to pursue practical interests and enjoy making and mending.

Garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are designed to be the opposite, forging relationships between members.

Sheds bring health benefits by encouraging physical and mental activity, and improved wellbeing by providing an enjoyable way to stay socially integrated in communities.

The trust says it will also be running activities for women and other groups as the project progresses. 

Mr Pryke said: "If you are a group whose activities are connected to health, wellbeing, fitness or run a support group and are looking for space to hold meetings or sessions we still have space so please contact us at halsteadshed@gmail.com."

The trust is also welcoming contact from those who have older male relatives, friends or neighbours who could benefit from the support a Men’s Shed can offer.