STEPHEN NORRIS
Castle Douglas Men’s Shed is going from strength to strength – but members are not resting on their laurels.
They are to host an open day in their workshop at 1-2 Carlingwark Street on November 19 to spread the word on the benefits the shed brings – both to the men who use it and the wider community.
All are welcome to attend the informal get together to enjoy a chat, meet new friends, learn more about what the shed can offer and its plans for the future.
In his own inimitable style, chairman James Robertson invited everyone to come along.
He told the News: “The rules are simple.
“One, be friendly and get on with others.
“Two, bring your own tea mug – we do not want any cross contanimation.
“Three, you are responsible for your own fingers,
“We do not come under any health and safety rules as we do not employ anyone.
“Above all, we are a happy friendly bunch who look out for our members’ welfare.
He added; “We require security to go forward – we will have to raise a large sum of money to purchase the property.
“Every donation no matter how small will help us to secure a future for the people of Castle Douglas who benefit from this service.
“In time we hope to open up the building to welcome ladies who wish to use their skills in woodwork and other handcrafts.
“On our November 19 open day the public will be welcome to visit, see our progress over the last few years and hear about our ambious plans for our future.
“Any donation no matter how small will make a difference in securing the future for Castle Douglas Men’s Shed.”
According to secretary Malcolm Williams, the shed is now up to 50 members with 15 or 20 coming regularly on Wednesday afternoons.
He said: “Our average is is 67 – we have a great mixture, all of whom at present are men.
“Some are married whose wives have kickem them out for a few hours to come down here.
“Others are widowers, while some have been single all or most of their lives – it’s a real cross section.”
Malcolm added: “We have 300 followers on our Facebook page and a website cdshed.org.
“The men’s shed is growing in popularity and we have a big presence in the town.”
Shed members use or learn a range of skills such as woodworking and metalwork.
And there are always projects on the go – with the latest involving a wheeled import from Europe.
Malcolm said: “We have been donated a dilapidated three-wheeled dog trailer, built in Germany, which we are recycling and refurbishing.
“When it’s finished it will go for sale.
“We are also making a new Santa’s sleigh for the town.
“But there will be no photographs until it’s ready!”
The shed is a registered charity and run entirely by volunteers.
It was launched just before Covid and while the pandemic raged it closed down then as restrictions relaxed a core of six rekindled the flame.
James said: “New members are arriving regularily and are made welcome.
“While many projects are undertaken by the skilled members, others who are less skilled always find something to do, making their presence worthwhile.
“It is not a requirement that people have to be good at making things.
“The purpose of men’s sheds is to give men a place for company and feel part of the friendly group.
“We have ambitious plans for the future.
“We want to ensure that Castle Douglas Men’s Shed thrives and continues to give our men a meeting place where they can enjoy company while giving them a purpose in later life.”