Alex Cockburn, organiser of the Stanley Men’s Shed group, proudly stands outside their new premises. Picture: Dougie Nicolson.

New home for men’s hobby and social group will mean more room for new members of all ages

A Perthshire village men’s shed group finally has its own premises after two years. Stanley and District Men’s Shed has been operating from the village bowling club since it was formed but quickly outgrew the borrowed space as more members joined. Next week, the dedicated premises in a former office will be officially opened. The men have been working hard at East Lodge, installing work stations and moving tools into the former Historic Environment Scotland (HES) premises. Group founder Alex Cockburn, said: “The building has been empty for about three years so after a lot of talks we managed to get it from HES. “We’ve still got quite a bit to do but we’re working on it so we hope to be finished in about three or four weeks. It’ll be nice to get in and have a proper space of our own.” There will be facilities for all of the men’s hobbies, from metalwork and joinery to computer work. The event will be marked with an open day on Saturday, October 6, when the shed will be officially opened by Perthshire North MSP John Swinney. All are welcome between 10am and 2pm. It is expected more people will get involved with the club, now that it has its own premises. Alex said: “I think it’s really important for men to have a place in the world that’s just their own. It has been popular; anyone over 18 can come but it’s mostly retired men in their late 50s and upwards who come from Stanley, Bankfoot, Luncarty and Murthly. “We have even had women asking to get involved. “The man we deal with from the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association said we will be bombarded with interest once we have our own premises so we’re preparing for that. “It’s good to have new people showing an interest, that’s why we’re having the open day.” The men’s shed initiative started almost 10 years ago with the aim of helping older men, who can often become isolated, connect with each other. There are now more than 100 shed groups across Scotland, including seven in Perth and Kinross – Auchterarder, Breadalbane, Comrie, Kinross, Perth, Stanley and Strathmore.

I think it’s really important for men to have a place in the world that’s just their own

Alex Cockburn, left, organiser of the Stanley Men’s Shed, with other members, in the group’s new premises at the East Lodge, Stanley Mills which will be officially opened on Saturday, October 6.