A North Yorkshire charity is hoping to raise funds to expand its facilities in a unique way - by selling a rocking horse that it has been restoring for the last several months.

Ripon Men’s Shed, who are dedicated to fostering friendship and reducing isolation among men in North Yorkshire, is raising funds to expand its offering with the help of a handcrafted rocking horse named Rocky II.

The rocking horse began its journey as an unfinished project started by a gentleman in Wales and later passed to Knighton Men’s Shed, another branch of the Men’s Sheds network.

Simon Gill and Ken Lunn from Knighton Men's Shed handing over to Dave Purvis of Ripon Men's ShedSimon Gill and Ken Lunn from Knighton Men's Shed handing over to Dave Purvis of Ripon Men's Shed (Image: Ripon Men's Shed) From there, it made its way to Ripon Men’s Shed, where three members dedicated months to completing the horse, building the rocker base, and painting it to perfection.

Now, Rocky II is ready to help Ripon Men’s Shed achieve an ambitious goal: to raise funds for the refurbishment of a neighbouring church building.

This new space will allow the group to significantly expand its membership, which is currently limited by the constraints of its small workshop.

Bob Cooper, Dave Purvis, John Lacey of Ripon Men's Shed with a completed Rocky IIBob Cooper, Dave Purvis, John Lacey of Ripon Men's Shed with a completed Rocky II (Image: Ripon Men's Shed) The rocking horse will be sold to the highest bidder in an online auction, with all proceeds going directly toward the refurbishment project.

Bidding is open until midnight on December 15, and the winner will be notified within 24 hours—just in time for Christmas.

There’s also a “buy-it-now” option for £400 for anyone eager to secure Rocky II right away.

The buyer must arrange for collection, but the horse can be easily removed from its base for transport.

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Ripon Men’s Shed is part of the UK-wide Men’s Sheds network, which aims to combat loneliness by providing a space for men to work on community projects, make friends, and share experiences.

The group’s motto, “connect, converse, create,” embodies its mission of building bonds through shared activity and purpose.

Anyone wishing to bid on Rocky II or support Ripon Men’s Shed in their fundraising efforts can email shedmanager@ripon-mens-shed.org.