North Lowestoft Men’s Shed Expand with Solar Power

Thursday, 18 September 2025 06:00

North Lowestoft Men’s Shed is set to grow its facilities thanks to funding from six East Suffolk councillors.

The community group, based on Denmark Road, received £3,270 from the councillors’ Enabling Communities Budgets to install four solar panels. With no mains services on site, the panels will provide vital light and power for new workshops currently being built from beach huts donated by East Suffolk Council.

The Men’s Shed, which already operates a solar-powered shed built in July 2023, brings people together to learn new skills, share knowledge, and reduce social isolation. The additional space will allow the group to welcome more members and take on new community projects.

Councillor Tess Gandy, ward councillor for Harbour & Normanston, led the project. She said: “Supporting groups such as North Lowestoft Men’s Shed to continue to thrive, and expand their membership, is a great way of using our budgets. Among its many functions, the Shed tackles social isolation in our local community.”

Chair John Ellerby said the grant would help deliver another of the group’s “ambitious plans,” adding: “We’re thrilled to receive this support. Solar power is vital for bringing light and energy to our re-imagined beach huts, and it means we can widen our membership.”

Member Russell Brinded described the Shed as “a brilliant way of encouraging people to come together, make and repair items, and build a camaraderie second to none.”

The project also supports the group’s ambition to become a carbon neutral community.

There are several Men’s Sheds across East Suffolk. To learn more about their work, visit: https://menssheds.org.uk/sheds/