Waterlooville Men's Shed Group Gets Boost From McCarthy Stone

17 May 2019 

Waterlooville Men’s Shed – a charitable organisation that provides an environment for local men to socialise, learn new skills and hone existing skills – has received a £500 donation from McCarthy Stone, the housebuilder behind the Shilling Place development on Stakes Road in Purbrook.

Formed in 2013, the Waterlooville Men's Shed is based at the old sports pavilion on Padnell recreation ground, opposite Padnell Junior School. The derelict building where the group meets has been completely renovated – including a new roof – by the members themselves.  

Having gone strength to strength, Waterlooville Men's Shed gained charitable status in 2017 and it now boasts more than 50 members who undertake a variety of community projects for individuals, organisations and institutions in the local area.  The group relies on donations to run its support services for the local community, and to continue to provide a friendly setting for its members.

Samantha Davidge, Sales Executive for McCarthy Stone presented the cheque to Shed Secretary John Boden, at the shed.

John Boden comments: “On behalf of all the members of the Waterlooville Men’s Shed, I would like to thank McCarthy Stone for the kind and generous donation.  Our group is growing, and this donation will enable us to build-up our resources and provide additional facilities to our members, so we can continue our work both undertaking individual projects, and supporting the local community.” 

Ciara Hilley, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone, added: “As a company, we appreciate our responsibilities go further than building quality retirement apartments, and we also seek to create a positive legacy in the communities in which we build.  

“When we were looking for a charity in and around Purbrook to support, Waterlooville Men’s Shed stood out for the health and wellbeing benefits it provides to its members, helping to combat loneliness and isolation among men in the community. 

“As a developer which strives to enrich the lives of local people through the opportunity to enjoy an independent retirement surrounded by like-minded individuals, it was our absolute pleasure to present this donation to such a deserving charity.  We wish them every success with their ongoing contribution to the community.”

Currently under construction in Purbrook, Shilling Place will provide an ideal downsizing option for retirees seeking the privacy and independence that comes with owning your own home, but with additional help and support on-hand if required in the form of a dedicated House Manager, who will oversee the day-to-day running of the development. 

There will be ample communal space including a spacious club lounge, perfect for socialising with new neighbours, landscaped gardens maintained by McCarthy Stone’s expert team, and a hotel-style guest suite for when family and friends come to stay. Built with security in mind, there will be a camera entry system to the development, and all apartments will be equipped with 24-hour emergency call points. Apartments are now available off-plan at Shilling Place.

More than 90 percent of customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the maximum Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation for 14 years’ running. It is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this accolade for 14 years, which is every year since the awards have been running.

To find out more about Retirement Living at Shilling Place, please call 0800 201 4739.