Group looking for support for new Men's Shed

The group of Fifers has been working hard over the past few months to set up the new Men’s Shed group, and is hoping to replicate the success of similar groups in cities like Edinburgh and Dundee.

The Men’s Shed movement began in Australia and the first British ‘shed’ was created in 2009. Since then, over 300 have been set up across the UK.

The sheds offer a place for men – although the Glenrothes group will be open to women too – to get together and meet new people and share their skills on projects such as wood turning and metal work.

John Milne, currently interim chairman ahead of this Friday’s meeting, is urging anyone interested in finding out more about the group to come along.

“The group is primarily for people aged 50+, and although it’s called Men’s Shed, we are open to women too,” said John.

“We are looking for premises right now, something we are struggling a bit with, but eventually we hope to set up a woodworking section and maybe even engineering too.

“At this Friday’s meeting we’ll be electing our committee, but we really need the support of the public.”

The group will welcome a number of speakers to its meeting, including a representative from Age Concern, and the managing director of Glenrothes firm Haldanes.

“We have plans for the group,” said John, “but if people have their own ideas we really want to hear them.”

John is a time served engineering tool maker and a registered professional wood turner. “I already teach wood turning and I want to give back,” he said. “With the people involved, we already cover a wide range of skills, and this will be a place where we can learn from each other.

“I’m really passionate about this and can’t wait to get it off the ground – hopefully we’ll get the support. We’re open to everyone.”

If you would like to find out more, the AGM takes place at the Lomond Centre, Woodside Way, Glenrothes, this Friday between 10am and 12pm.