RINGWOOD’S Men’s Shed is looking to get back on track after meetings were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The group was started at the end of January by former town mayor Tim Ward, who is hoping to encourage more members to join the group.

Tim says the group was “just getting going” and had got “a lot of interest” when Covid-19 hit and its first social meeting had to be called off as it coincided with the first week of lockdown.

A meeting is being held on August 6 in the Conservative Club in Ringwood between 3pm and 5pm for those interested in finding out more or signing up.

"Up until now we have been thwarted by this virus in officially getting members to join up. I’ve got the membership forms and code of conduct for them to fill in and sign so we can get going," said Tim.

On July 10, members came out in force to spruce up the town by carrying out a weed pick.

Tim said: “The main essence of it was with lockdown and a lot of places being closed the place was looking a mess, especially in the town centre and the approach roads so we decided to get a group together from the Men’s Shed and do a weed pick.

“People were very appreciative of it. It was very rewarding," added Tim. “We will get some more weed pulling done in the near future hopefully.”

Jacqueline’s supplied the group with bottles of water.

Tim added: “The Men’s Shed is to give them purpose and involve them in hobbies and socialising, and also doing things for the community - that is a big part of what I want it to evolve into, a community enterprise.”

Tim hopes the group can help those experiencing loneliness or isolation during lockdown to help improve their health and wellbeing, as well as to help the community and get involved with events and projects in the town.

“It hopefully will get people socialising again and give people a reason to come out and meet with like minded people who want to socialise more and pursue a hobby or take up a new one,” he added.

“Anything to help the community and to get involved with what’s going on in Ringwood and to offer individuals another opening, another interest.

“We are here to help if we can."