Building Fun: Playground Blocks for Petersfield Infants School

The workshop has been buzzing with activity recently as our members teamed up for a fantastic local cause! We are proud to share that the Petersfield Men’s Shed has been busy crafting a new set of sturdy wooden playground blocks for the children over at Petersfield Infants School.

As you can see from the latest photos sent in by Nick Broom, it’s been a brilliant team effort. From measuring and cutting the wood to carefully gluing, clamping, and screwing the pieces together, the guys have put their woodworking skills to great use.

These hollow, durable wooden blocks are built to withstand plenty of wear and tear, and they are sure to provide hours of creative, hands-on playtime for the kids. Projects like this are exactly what the Shed is all about, sharing skills, enjoying some great camaraderie, and giving back to our local community.

A huge thank you to everyone who pitched in on this project!

Want to get involved in community builds like this? Come down to the Shed, grab a cup of tea, and say hello.

Custom Storage Built & Installed at the Free Shop

It’s been a busy few weeks for the workshop team. Following our recent delivery of custom gear, we are thrilled to share some photos of the new setup in action at the Free Shop Petersfield.

Our team headed down today to complete the installation of the handcrafted vegetable racks, display tables, and shelving units. It was a pleasure to meet the wonderful volunteers who run the shop, their smiles say it all. We’re so glad these pieces are already making their hard work a little easier and the shop a bit brighter.

What’s New on the Floor:

  • The Slanted Racks in Action: Now fully stocked with crates, these racks are ready for doing exactly what they were designed for, keeping fresh produce visible and easy to grab.
  • Custom Shelving & Organization: We’ve added new shelving units to help organise items, including clearly labelled bins for clothing and supplies.
  • Handcrafted Tables: Our low display tables are now in place, providing a sturdy base for heavier items and additional browsing space.

The Work Continues

The feedback has been so positive that the Free Shop has already invited us back and we’ve just received a request to supply three larger tables to further expand their display capacity.

It is an honor to support such a vital community hub. Check out the gallery below to see the latest transformation, and a huge shout-out to Nick and the workshop crew for their stellar craftsmanship.

Stay tuned for more updates as we start work on the next phase of furniture!

New Gear for the Free Shop Petersfield

A huge thank you to the hard work in the workshop. We’ve just received some fantastic new additions to help keep the Free Shop Petersfield organized and accessible.

Custom vegetable tray racks and low display tables have been created to ensure fresh produce and community items are easy to browse. These sturdy wooden pieces are exactly what we need to keep the space looking sharp and functional.

  • Slanted Vegetable Racks: Designed to hold crates at an angle, making it easier for everyone to see and reach the fresh greens.
  • Handcrafted Low Tables: Perfect for additional display space or for keeping heavier items off the ground.

These “bits” make a world of difference in how we serve the community. Next time you’re stopping by the Free Shop, be sure to check out the new setup!

Fantastic craftmanship.

New Monthly Social Mornings – Starting Thursday 19th March

New Monthly Social Mornings Starting Thursday 19th March 2026

Hi everyone,
Following our recent committee meeting, we are pleased to announce the launch of drop in Social Mornings at the Shed, led by Trevor Nichols.

These sessions are designed to be a relaxed way to catch up with fellow members particularly those who don’t often attend other Shed sessions and ensure there’s more happening throughout the week.

  • Date: Thursday, 19th March
  • Time: From  10.30 a.m.
  • Location: The Shed

Moving forward, we plan to hold these on the third Thursday of every month. If they prove popular, we’ll look into making them more frequent.
We hope to see you there.

Best regards,
On behalf of the Committee

From the Shed to the Hedgerow: Shedders Master Ancient Craft

Last week, three of our very own swapped their workshop tools for billhooks and binders! Peter Gillard, Steve Jones, and David Hall headed over to Butser Ancient Farm to participate in a professional hedge-laying course.

Working alongside National Trust employees and local volunteers, the team learned the intricate techniques required to maintain traditional British boundaries.

The Project at a Glance

  • The Task: Laying approximately 45 meters of mixed hedge.
  • The Species: A hardy mix of hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, and hazel.
  • The Purpose: Beyond creating a “stock-proof” barrier, these hedges serve as a vital corridor and haven for local wildlife.

Special Thanks

This fantastic skill-building opportunity was made possible by:

  • East Hampshire District Council for generously funding the course.
  • Darren Hammerton (Treewright) for his expert tutelage and patience.
  • The Butser Ancient Farm team for their seamless organization.

It’s great to see our members out in the community keeping these traditional skills alive. If you see Peter, Steve, or David at the Shed, be sure to ask them how they got on!