The Women's Shed

The Trowbridge Women's Shed, based at Holy Trinity Church, is a new community venture to reach out to women in the town.

Judy Wright, one of the founders, says:

"There’s always something fun and exciting happening at Trowbridge Women's Shed, probably best summed up in the positive and upbeat front page of our brand-new Trowbridge Women’s Shed website<https://www.trowbridgewomensshed.com/ which provides information about all of the activities, crafts and events that have started or are being planned for 2022.

"As well as joining in with a range of activities and enriching programs, it's a great opportunity to come and meet old and new friends over a cuppa. We like to keep our members informed about what’s happening at our Centre and what’s going on in the community.

"We are welcoming and inclusive, and we aim to create a connected community where women are empowered to pursue their interests.”

The Women's Shed launched on Wednesday 29th September with a Taster Morning led by Judy and her co-organisers Lyndsey and Jenny.

Judy says:

"We had three ladies from St Thomas’, twenty-two new ladies who saw the publicity on social media or a poster in town, or heard by word of mouth, and Abby and Mike from the Town Council, who were very excited about this initiative.

"We’re getting a number of enquiries through the website and via social media and next week we are meeting up with Pepper who has an Architect Studio in Bath, who wants to help through their community social enterprise arm. She is an innovator for women’s projects and was instrumental in forming Mighty Girls in Bradford on Avon."

WHEN AND WHERE?
Wednesday mornings 10-12:30 at Holy Trinity, Stallard Street, Trowbridge.
Women from the surrounding villages welcome, as well as those from Trowbridge.

COST?
£2.50 per session includes unlimited refreshments, and there may be an additional cost for specialised materials. There is no obligation to come every week.

MEMBERSHIP?
A one-off membership fee of £10 buys access to the members' part of the website, negotiated discounts at retailers and some trade materials, and priority access to tickets for future events.

LINK WITH THE MEN'S SHED?
Yes, there are some joint sessions, costing £3.50 per session in groups of four (plus a small charge for materials) to get expert help to build a project from wood, renovate your bike, learn how to tile, wire a plug and so on.

PLANNED EVENTS:
Re-FReSH Fashion Show in the New Year, selling upcycled clothing, jewellery and accessories. Tickets will be £5 including canapés and soft drinks. Bring your own wine.

WHO CAN COME?
Any women, any faith or none, and there are possible referrals from Organisations, Health Visitors and Community Workers.

FINANCE?
There are some grant applications in, but until funding is secured, the venture is an act of faith. If anyone would like to make a donation, however small, it will be gratefully received.

CAN I HELP?
Yes please! Speak to Judy, Lyndsey or Jenny G at St Thomas’ Church about sharing your skills, donating materials, or being on the committee. Or just turn up for a cuppa and a chat.