In a world where so much of what we buy is mass-produced, there is a small woodworking shed on York Street in Tewkesbury where people learn the ancient craft of woodwork whilst their sharing stories. Here at Priors Park Social Woodworking Group part of the Caring for Communities and People (CCP), handmade isn't just a marketing buzzword it is a literal action that is contributing to positive mental health for people in Tewkesbury whilst making beautiful gifts linked to the Town’s heritage.
As a result of working with our Community Development Team, there is a new collaboration being forged between the Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre and the Priors Park Social Woodworking Group. Now available at the TIC is a beautifully handcrafted edition of Nine Men’s Morris, a strategy basefd board game rootedy in our town's medieval heritage.
More Than Just a Game
Nine Men’s Morris has been played for centuries, but these particular boards have a unique story. They are the result of a strategic yet simple game being brought to life by a group of talented locals led by Manny who is teaching people the ancient craft of woodworking whilst making space for conversation and helping people find a creative outlet.
Using a mix of traditional handcrafting and modern machinery, the group has transformed recycled timber and specialist offcuts—like oak and maple—into professional-grade gaming sets. Each board feels very Tewkesbury, bridging the gap between our medieval past and our community’s present.
Crafting Confidence
The Priors Park Social Woodworking Group is a fully inclusive space that supports people navigating mental health challenges such as grief loneliness, depression and anxiety. As Manny puts it, the process of "creating something from nothing” is a powerful tool for building confidence.
Whether they are building shareboxes for a Parish Council or jewellery boxes from recycled timber, the group provides a tactile, therapeutic environment where people can connect. By purchasing a Nine Men’s Morris set, you aren't just taking home a piece of Tewkesbury history; you are directly supporting the materials and consumables—from new bandsaw blades and woodturning gouges to varnishes oils and wood glue—that keep this vital community hub running.
Next time you’re at the TIC, pick up a board, feel the grain of the wood, and take home a product that truly means something.
