A MUCH-loved community group in South East Cornwall is in danger of shutting down unless it finds a new home before next Easter.

Members of the Looe Shedders CIO have issued an urgent appeal after hopes of moving to a new site fell through, leaving the volunteer-run organisation racing against time to secure its future.

The group – which has more than 60 members – must leave its borrowed workshop by next Easter and is appealing to landowners, farmers, businesses and residents to help prevent its work from disappearing.

Chairman Chris Roy said: “We don’t just need a workshop. We need a home from which we can continue helping our community.

“We are now running out of time. Unless we can find somewhere suitable before we have to leave our present workshop, everything our volunteers have built up – the friendships, shared skills and the community projects – all are at risk.”

Founded in February 2021, Looe Shedders was inspired by the Men’s Sheds movement, which began in Australia around 25 years ago and has spread globally, creating a vital place for friendship, practical skills and support.

Looe Shedders became a registered charity in June 2024 and supports projects for local schools, care homes, charities and other community organisations.

Recent projects include maintenance work at St Martin’s Community Hall, a playground tractor for Trenode Primary School and playhouse for Looe Primary School. The group has also built campfire benches for Looe Sea Scouts, made a Buddy Bench for Duloe Primary School and produced a totaliser to help support fundraising for Looe Skate Park.

Volunteers make and repair items, reuse materials and recycle wherever possible, helping reduce waste while putting their skills to good use. Members also benefit from companionship, increased confidence, a sense of purpose and improved wellbeing.

The Parish Church Council offered the organisation the chance to build premises on the Donkey Field beside St Martin's Community Hall at a peppercorn rent.

However, the proposal requires approval from the Cornwall Diocese, a process that could take many years. Donated tools and equipment have also created storage challenges, forcing the group to purchase two storage units.

Now, with its current workshop arrangement ending, finding an alternative has become urgent. The group needs either land on which to build or an existing building that could be converted into a workshop.

A garage, barn, agricultural building or unused workshop could provide the answer, provided it offers at least 50 square metres, is accessible by vehicle and lies within five miles of Looe.

Ideally, the premises would continue to be available at a peppercorn rent.

Mr Roy said even an introduction to somebody with suitable property could prove decisive.

“Somebody in or around Looe may have a piece of land, an unused barn, workshop, garage or other building that could give Looe Shedders a future and even if they don't have somewhere themselves, they may know someone who does. That introduction could make all the difference.”

Anyone able to help is urged to email [email protected]