A NEW Community Shed has opened in Whitland with an official ceremony led by Mayor Len Shipton.

The Shed is located on in Parc Dr Owen, Market Street, at the former Whitland AFC changing rooms, and unlike Men Sheds, this Community Shed welcomes ladies too.

Andy Smith is the driving force behind the Shed, and a Crowdfunder was organised, raising over £1,000 thanks to a generous community.

The ‘grand opening’ took place on Saturday, August 23, attended by around 50 supporters. Mayor Len Shipton carried out the official opening, including cutting of the ribbon.

The Mayor said that a brilliant job had been done at the Whitland Community Shed. He paid tribute to the volunteers and led a round of applause for them.

“You know sometimes (there’s a saying) you can’t see the woods for the trees,” he said. “Andy was looking for a place and I passed here one day and thought, well there’s an empty place… why don’t we give it a go?”

“It was like it was meant to happen,” added Cllr Shipton. He went on to thank all the businesses in Whitland and elsewhere that had donated towards the Community Shed.

The opening was an opportunity to discover membership opportunities, learn how funds had been spent and explore future plans. Tea/coffee was provided, along with a donation of six bottles of Asti from the London House Butchery.

The Late Gerwyn Williams’ collection of Whitland Ties through History were unveiled along with some very informative folders containing historical milestones of the town’s past.

“These are certainly a treasure to our community in memory of Gerwyn and now available to the public,” said Debs Rutter who received the ties and folders from Mr Williams’ daughter, Sian Pugh.

In his opening speech, the Mayor relayed a message from Sian explaining that her father “was a Whitland man who was proud to be from Whitland and support the Whitland people” and that she was glad that the collection had been displayed in the shed in memory of him.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and see for themselves in a relaxed environment that provides bottomless refreshments for a small donation of £2 each visit,” said Debs, who also thanked everyone who came along to support a “wonderful Grand Opening” and expressed gratitude to the volunteers who made this possible.

The first day of opening was Tuesday, August 26. The shed was open between 10am and midday; this will be the opening time for the foreseeable future, with everyone welcome each Tuesday morning.

The Whitland Community Shed project has been made possible with help from ‘wonderful’ local volunteers and generous sponsors, including Andy Seeley, Jonathan Seeley, Davies Builders Merchants, Mobad Solutions Ltd, Trustees of Parc Dr Owen, Jabajak Vineyard Restaurant with Rooms, Chairman/Mayor Len Shipton, Whitland Town Council, Whitland Rugby Football Club, Allsortz Plus Whitland, Matthew James Rossiter and B&Q Carmarthen.

For updates online, join the Whitland Community Shed Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/556989343847193 .