One of the stars of the BBC1 show The Repair Shop was on hand to formally open a new ‘community shed’ in Cromer.

Mark Stuckey, who lives in the seaside town, was the special guest at the opening at the shed’s Middlebrook Way base.    

Richard Wall, community shed chairman, said that while the project was part of the ‘men’s shed’ movement’, its goal was to offer a place to craft and socialise for anyone. 

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North Norfolk News: A scene from the official opening of the Cromer Community ShedA scene from the official opening of the Cromer Community Shed (Image: Bruce Stratton)

Mr Wall said: “We are certainly not just a men’s club, but here for all the adults in Cromer and surrounding villages who need the help we offer. 

“Men’s sheds started over 20 years ago in Australia and has an amazing success record in helping people. 

“The wonderful thing is that we do this by having fun, the lovely, happy chatter makes people enjoy being with us and soon join in, which starts the process of them feeling better.” 

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The shed started to operate in a building owned by the charity About With Friends last October and has been growing ever since. 

Mr Wall said its next target was the construction of a purpose-built headquarters, which they hope will be included as part of a planned redevelopment of the former tennis courts at North Lodge Park. 

He said: “The shed has already got a grant for half of the cost and has been invited to apply for a grant for the rest.”

Mr Wall said he wanted to thank the members of the shed for their hard work, along with Bruce Stratton from the group Overstrand Together, who took photos at the opening, as well as his wife Lesley, and Keith and Lucy Hobday from the Belfry Centre in Overstrand for organising the refreshments. 

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He added: “There is no charge for coming along and no membership fee, the shed wants to offer help for all in the community, not just those who can afford it.

“The shed also welcomes commissions to make things, especially things for the community, like the crates for recycling plastic beach toys, which are on Cromer promenade.”