New home for Buckie Men's Shed as chance conversation pays off in style
A CHANCE meeting has helped the fledgling Buckie Men's Shed find a permanent home.
The group, which launched in February, had been hosted by the Fishermen's Hall and while this provided a welcome place for the group it meet, it could not provide facilities such as workshops for members to use.
Fortune, though, has smiled on the men's shed as group chairman Les Forman explained: "Some of the guys had been down to a Men's Shed Association meeting in Macduff and met a member of the Inverurie Men's Shed, who said that the group had got premises from JG Ross the baker.
"I thought it was worth giving it a try and gave them a phone and they kindly gave us the use of a building behind the old bakery off High Street on a 20 year lease for a peppercorn rent.
"It needs a lot of work done to it so we're looking at sources of funding. We'd love to hear from anyone who could give us a hand with funding applications.
"However, the place has a lot of potential. It's been a few things in the past, including a bookie's and a snooker hall and hasn't been occupied since 2001.
"It's a long term project and our first priority is a new roof and a new floor, which is rotten. We're looking to create a hobby room – hopefully up and running by the end of the year – workshops, a place where we can have a cuppa and a chat and a kitchen.
"The big hurdle was getting the premises, though. We've done things back to front compared to how most Men's Sheds have done it. Usually they've raised money but have no premises while we've got the premises but no money.
"We've got 21 members at the moment but I feel that'll grow more now that we've got our own premises and can actually do things not just have a cup of tea and a chat."
Mr Forman added that the group still have the option to return to the Fishermen's Hall if required as they still have 10 weeks booked there.
Buckie Men's Shed's new home is at 19A High Street, up a lane beside Zen Ink. A sign is usually placed on the pavement when the group is meeting to point new members in the right direction.
At the moment Buckie Men's Shed meet every Thursday from 1pm to 4pm, with membership open to men aged 18 and over.
Anyone who thinks they can help the group with funding applications, or for more information about the group and its meetings, phone Mr Forman on 07801 855058, email buckimensshed@outlook.com or message via the group's Facebook page.
