Men’s Shed sets the benchmark for kindness.

Group makes new bench for garden-loving 88-year-old

His garden bench was in a terrible state – every time someone sat on it, it seemed like another bit fell off. KAY SCOTT

A retiree received the birthday surprise of a new garden bench thanks to the generosity of Arbroath Men’s Shed after a neighbour noticed his old one was falling apart.

George Wilson, a retired cleaner and dairy worker, will be relaxing in style outside his home as he celebrates his 88th birthday today, after his neighbour, Kay Scott contacted the community group and asked for help.

Kay, who owns Kay’s Cleaning Services said: “George has lived here for nearly 12 years, and he won the council garden competition for 11 years on the trot.

“He really enjoys his garden but illhealth means he can’t do much gardening himself any more.

“His garden bench was in a terrible state – every time someone sat on it, it seemed like another bit fell off.

“When the Men’s Shed people inspected it, they said it was so rotten and had woodworm, that they couldn’t even burn it.

“George is a great neighbour, and I pop in to check on him two or three times a day, and he always gives my dog toast for breakfast that is buttered and the crusts cut off.

“Making the bench for George is a really fantastic gesture by Men’s Shed, and the presentation was overwhelming.”

Mr Wilson said: “I just popped out for my messages, and when I came home there was a reception committee waiting for me out of the blue with the bench.

“I’m very grateful, and it moved me to tears.”

Group members have since returned to adjust the bench, and will also be tidying up and removing rubbish from the garden.

Arbroath Men’s Shed treasurer Steve Charlton said: “A Men’s Shed group is a place where men can feel at home and pursue practical interests.

“Members share tools, resources and skills, and work on their own projects in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment.

Mr Charlton invited people interested in joining the group to get in touch: “We are always happy to welcome new members, and we are also keen to look at new projects to get involved in.

“We are currently in discussion with the council to secure bigger premises, and I hope that we will be in a position to move soon, which will enable us to take on larger projects and help more members of the community.

The group can be contacted via the Arbroath Men’s Shed Facebook page.

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. Mr Wilson, seated on his new bench with Kay Sturrock. Back row: Bench-maker John Pearson, Arbroath Men’s Shed treasurer Steve Charlton and chairman Jim Christie.