THE historic water pumping station at Davy Down has been loaned out to the Aveley branch of the Essex Shed network.  

The local branch has been searching for four years for a venue to host their carpentry sessions, designed to help people meet, learn a new skill, and ease social isolation by making new friends.  

Recently they approached Essex & Suffolk Water who offered the building, which they own.

Alan Marks, Aveley Men's Shed chairman, said: "We came close a few times to finding a venue, but it never quite happened and then I had a lightbulb moment while in the supermarket, about Davy Down.

"After making all the arrangements with Helen on behalf of Essex & Suffolk Water, we're thrilled to be so close to having a new home and having our first official meeting, which we hope will take place by the end of February, beginning of March." 

The Aveley group is part of the Essex Shed network, which involves groups across the county who meet, learn a skill or complete a project, while making new friends.

The Aveley group are focusing on carpentry and joinery and have said they will help out conservation volunteers and the Davy Down warden by making repairs to wooden posts, signage, bird boxes and so on, as a way of saying thank you. 

Dan Thompson, Project Director for Essex Men's Shed, said: "The meetings help tackle a variety of mental health issues including loneliness, in a non-pressurised way. While practicing new skills the group members learn about mindfulness, and in turn it gives them the opportunity to make new friendships and open up in a safe and trusted environment.  

"There are many fantastic groups for women in and around Aveley, so to have a session for men is so important. I'm looking forward to supporting the Aveley Shed and watching it grow and develop." 

The historic pump house ran on diesel engines until the 1970s, pumping water up from a natural chalk aquifer underneath Davy Down that supplies water to Thurrock. But the building was no longer needed once pumps were placed far beneath the ground, directly in the well, pushing the water straight on to the water treatment works.   

Helen Jacobs, Conservation Team Leader for Essex & Suffolk Water, said: "We were told about the Aveley Shed and immediately wanted to know if we could help.

"The pump house is a beautiful building that isn't used, apart from the occasional educational visit. I am so pleased to see it become the home to a charity group that needs it, as much as it needs them.

"The group will be a welcome addition to our partnership with TCV and the Land Trust who already help us make Davy Down the special place it is for local people." 

The group plans to meet every Thursday. Times to be confirmed.  

If you want to know more about the Aveley Shed you can visit their Facebook page or email; [email protected]  

If you have any tools you no longer need or use, and would like to donate them to the group get in touch via those links.