Men in Sheds Cheltenham and Gloucester has won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The volunteer-run charity is one of 250 groups named in the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2026, published on Saturday 14 November.

The awards are given each year to groups “in recognition of their outstanding voluntary work in the community”, and every winner has a one-line citation in a supplement to the London Gazette.

It is one of only two Gloucestershire groups to win this year, alongside the Cirencester and Stroud Branch of Parkinson’s UK.

Why the sheds won

The Gazette citation praises the group for “reducing social isolation”.

On its own website the charity calls the award “equivalent to receiving an MBE for local volunteer groups in the UK”.

“By coming together to build, mend and make, members find purpose, friendship and a place to talk, while giving something back to the community around them,” it says.

Stuart Mackay, chairman of the trustees, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to have been chosen for this award.”

“It recognises the dedication of every member, and the simple idea at the heart of what we do: that working together on something worthwhile is good for our physical and mental health and good for our community,” he said.

The award will be presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire at a ceremony yet to be arranged.

What the sheds make

Founded in 2014 with two members, the charity now has more than 70 and says it has completed over thirty projects for community groups, schools and charities this year.

Past jobs include a Wendy house for Hatherley Park, mud kitchens, giant planters for Churchdown Community Centre and a sleigh for Santa.

Members reuse pallets and offcuts donated by local businesses, Gloucestershire County Council says, which gave the group £7,500 towards its Cheltenham workshop.

The group was one of the Mayor of Cheltenham’s chosen charities for 2025 to 2026, and one member has even written it a song, “Free Biscuits for Everyone”.

Where the sheds are

The charity runs three workshops, and new members are told to “pop in when we are open”.

Unit 2 at Cheltenham Trade Park, Central Way, GL51 8JW, is open from 9am to 1pm Monday to Thursday and from 10am to 1pm on Fridays.

The Butterfly Garden shed at Bamfurlong Lane, Staverton, GL51 6SL, opens from 10am to 1pm on Mondays and Fridays.

The Gloucester shed at Gordon League Rugby Club, Hempsted Lane, is open from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Women are welcome as members, and the charity says it has adapted its sheds for members with disabilities.

Has the Men in Sheds built something for your school or group? Tell us in the comments.