Peebles & DisTrict Men's Shed
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A community space for men, and women to connect, converse and create. Our activities are often similar to those you might undertake in your garden shed, but rather than being on your own, we prefer that you enjoy your chosen activity in the company of others. We have only two stated aims, which are to improve health and well being by providing a space for meaningful physical activity, and reducing social isolation. Most importantly though, there has to be a laugh and a cup of tea involved along the way. The photos scrolling here show just some of what we have been up to in our journey towards our new permanent home in School Brae. Walls have been scraped and painted, floors repaired, a new power supply for our machinery installed, work benches built, model railways created and much, much more. Come down and see for yourself. What have you got to lose?
Facilites for
The Peebles & District Men's Shed Community
We now occupy three rooms on the ground floor of the Community Hub, School Brae Peebles. What was previously the indoor bowls room has now been totally refurbished and fitted with work benches and a new power and lighting supply and will shortly be equipped with £11,000 worth of brand new machinery including lathes, a band saw, a planer thicknesser, pillar drills and much more. Two of our benches have been built at a height suitable for use by wheelchair users. The old lounge bar is currently being transformed into a new social and crafting/modelling space complete with a new tea and coffee ‘bar’, and comfortable seating. There is access from here to our outside space in what was the beer garden.[/caption]
- Work benches, some with adaptations for wheelchair use
- Craft work and artists space, indoor and outdoor.
- Tools for woodworking, metal working, bike repair and light engineering projects
- Modelling space including model railway building
We are still working through the processes connected to our application for Community Asset Transfer of Hay Lodge Depot. We already know that some fairly substantial repairs to the building will need done. @There are approximately 15 ceiling joists that need replaced and both kitchen and toilet facilities need to be installed. We have been told by SBC that we have to obtain quotations for this work before our application can proceed. We will be liable for the cost of these repairs if we are successful. We would like to hear from local builders and joiners who may be interested in providing quotes for us. The likely value of the contract will be in the region of £30,000. The photo below shows some of the existing joists which have either been historically shortened or are compromised by wet rot or beetle infestation. Look forward to an avalanche of offers of help! … See MoreSee Less
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We repair rocking horses now! This beauty was picked up in a charity shop for the owners grandchildren but was a bit wobbly. A few new heavy duty screws and it is as good as new. … See MoreSee Less
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As our application for Community Asset Transfer of Hay Lodge Depot progresses through the inevitable bureaucracy, I thought it would be helpful to share some facts about Men’s Sheds in Scotland. There are currently 198 Sheds across 32 local authority areas. 8 of those Sheds are in the Scottish Borders. Many of them have made their homes in buildings supplied free by their local authority. We are not so lucky in Peebles as surplus buildings are as rare as hen’s teeth, hence our current application. Our current premises within School Brae hub have cost us £6,000 a year in rent since 2019, all funded by members and supporters so indirectly, we have invested nearly £40,000 in the Community we serve. We are not complaining, but a change would be good. The Scottish Men’s Shed Association, our parent body, is a finalist this year in the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland, reflecting the work they do and we replicate on a local level. We are first and foremost a place where men, and women if they wish can come and find a space where nothing matters except where the next packet of biscuits is coming from. We also find time to help out other local groups who may not be as handy on the tools as we are. What we do has been debated in the Scottish Parliament on several occasions. Politicians of all parties consistently give us their unequivocal support. We are hoping the Community of Peebles and District do the same when the question of long term occupation of Hay Lodge Depot is finally asked. As you can see in the photo we have been at this for over two years now and unfortunately for many of us time is not exactly on our side! … See MoreSee Less
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