Janner Men’s Shed recently organised an open day at Leigham Community Hall and unveiled the new defibrillator for the community.
Editorial Update – September 2025
Since publishing our original story on the unveiling of the new Leigham Community Hall defibrillator, we’ve received additional details from Plymouth Community Homes and community members that we’re pleased to share.
The defibrillator is dedicated to the memory of Janet Thorning, a much-loved member of the local bingo group. Funding was a true community effort, with contributions from Janner Men’s Shed, Lee’s News (the local family-run newsagents), the local pub, the Leigham Bingo Group, and individual residents.
AEDdonate supported the fundraising campaign, donating £200 and helping to organise the installation. In a touching development, an anonymous donor covered the remaining costs and funded an eight-year maintenance plan, ensuring the device will be available long-term.
The defibrillator was officially installed on 24 June 2025 and unveiled during the open day by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kathy Watkin.
Community members spoke passionately about the project:
- Barbara Jarvis, bingo host and custodian of the defibrillator, said the project was “totally worth it” after experiencing several medical incidents last winter.
- Andy, Chairman of Janner Men’s Shed, described the community spirit as “what it’s all about.”
- David Loynes, Treasurer of Forder Valley Mission Community, said the project shows how important the hall is to local life.
- Karina, owner of Lee’s News, said it was “fantastic” to watch the Lord Mayor’s unveiling.
The Janner Men’s Shed group is a community group that aims to promote the well-being of men by providing a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment where they can come together to work on projects, share skills, and socialise.
The open day event was organised in part to open its doors to the public and allow them to see first-hand what the group does and achieves for members and the wider community.
The main event of the day was the grand opening of the new defibrillator that is attached to the community hall.
In November 2024, the idea of having a defibrillator available for the local community was first raised by members of Janner Men’s Shed. From that moment on, funds were raised through various means.
The group was fortunate to have the overwhelming cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the defibrillator donated by a local anonymous donor. For that show of generosity, Janner Men’s Shed and the wider community are most grateful.
The Leigham Community Hall defibrillator was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kathy Watkin.
What is Men’s Shed?
Janner Men’s Shed was set up in 2016 as a place for men and women to make social connections and share knowledge, skills, and laughter.
It was formed as part of the UK social inclusion and community engagement movement that realises the value of people working together on practical woodworking tasks on a regular basis.
Members attend weekly sessions that take place at Leigham Community Hall, and during a typical session, they will have lunch together, socialise, and practice woodwork and other practical skills.
The Janner Men’s Shed are always looking for new people to join them.
The group is inclusive to both women and men.
For More information Email: Rheinallt.Huws@plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk
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