WHETHER the Rev John Davies, who was the first vicar of Worcester’s new St Clement’s church way back in 1823, was as good an artisan as he was an orator, we will never know. But in the afterlife, he has no excuses.

Because his family vault lies within easy earshot of some of the most worthy DIY-ers in the city and listening closely he might pick up a few tips.

Men’s Shed Worcester has now taken up residence in the crypt of St Clement’s and if the old clergyman pays attention he will hear how to renovate furniture, mend electrical and mechanical things and generally all about what’s happening in the world 150 years after he left it.

Men’s Shed, a movement which began in Australia in the 1990s, has often been described as a youth club for old blokes and there’s some truth in that, because it provides a place for men of a certain age to mix and mingle at a time in life when social contact can start to wain.

It’s good to get out occasionally and have a natter, it keeps the brain ticking over and after all there are only so many times you can watch Homes Under the Hammer on daytime TV.

But Men’s Shed Worcester is going the extra mile, because it is also putting to good use some of the skills its members have accumulated over a wide range of careers. Actually “members” is the wrong word, because you are not a member of Men’s Shed like you might be of the local golf club. You just turn up, and say “Hello”.

Neither do you need to be a master carpenter, plumber or diplomate to take part in Men’s Shed Worcester’s laudable new initiative, a project to restore unwanted furniture and find a needy home for it. They are in the process of arranging a collect and delivery service too.

This is why the spacious crypt of St Clement’s has come in so handy. After months of hard work, the Shedders have turned it into a well equipped workshop -with thanks to local businesses who have donated the kit – plus a social area, kitchen and storage.

Of course you don’t have to forget the crypt’s original function and you need only open a door to see the coffins of parishioners who were laid to rest there a long time ago.

But they’re a pretty quiet bunch on the whole and even if they do have a bit of fun after dark they always put the tools back exactly where they found them.

David Clark, a former mayor of Worcester who was the founding force of Men’s Shed Worcester, explained: “There was a realisation that as men are not as adept as women at sharing their worries and fears, there was very little support for those who suffered loneliness due to loss of a partner, health problems, retirement or sudden unemployment. These can all too easily lead to depression or worse, into mental health issues.

“Men’s Sheds came about to provide a place where men could meet others in similar circumstance, make new friends while getting involved in projects for the community. It’s in this atmosphere that men are far more likely to share their issues to their mutual benefit.”

At present Worcester Men’s Shed opens from 10am until 1.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday, but chairman Colin Bunce said this was possibly going to be extended to Saturdays too.

“We have about 25 men drop in regularly, but we are hoping to expand our hours and our membership,” he added. “You can just come along for a chat or you can get more involved. Either way, it will get you out of the house.”

• For more information about Men’s Shed Worcester call and leave a message on 07965 242785, email - info@mensshedworcester.co.uk or follow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089402569378