The Biggin Hill Sheds movement started in Australia over 20 years ago. It was in response to a need for a place where men could meet and interact with each other. Sharing skills, gained during their working lives and undertaking projects for the benefit of the community. ‘The Shed’, as it’s known, incorporates a vast expanse of talent which includes carpentry, mechanics and electronics.

Biggin Hill Sheds was started in 2016 and was supported by Age UK. We flourished, and due to the end of support funding, we were given a stark choice; go-it alone or close down. We became independent in 2019!!

We have been asked to participate in various projects and to make a variety of items. A sample of these can be seen on our gallery page. Early in 2019 in response to many requests, we extended our membership to include ladies. Thus ‘She-Shed’ was born. They have their own exclusive day, Friday, and they also share our facility with our men on Thursdays. Not only do they occupy themselves with traditional ‘gender-specific’ crafts, but they have also proved their expertise in woodwork and other ‘male-oriented’ skills.

We run a repair café on the last Saturday of each month. This is designed to reduce landfill and to convince people that replacement of an item is not always necessary. Items for repair can be brought along and we’ll see what we can do to repair and make good. The Café is open from 11am to 2pm. We do not charge for this. Should spare parts be required clients will be told what to order and to return when the bits are to hand.

During the first lockdown we were permitted to open the workshop, subject to some conditions, and we made quantities of PPE. This included nearly 800 high quality visors, many sets of scrubs, fabric masks & hats.

We were able to fund a 3D printer and a precision laser cutter/engraver from our resources and with help from our two local Biggin Hill Independent Councillors; both of whom have been highly supportive from our inception to date.

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 10am until 2pm.

We are not a ‘day-care’ centre and we do have some restrictions on membership as our workshop can be a hazardous place. All potential members will be invited in for a mutual appraisal to see if we fit in with each other!