South Scotland MSP Emma Harper officially opened the new premises – the Dumfries Men’s Shed – at Cresswell Gardens on Monday, following a successful Community Asset Transfer, of the former council offices in Cresswell Gardens.
Ms Harper, a keen proponent of Men’s Sheds who has spoken in support of Men’s Sheds in debates in the Scottish Parliament, officially unveiled the plaque of the new building. In her remarks, the South Scotland MSP highlighted that Men’s Sheds provide men with a place to gather, to chat, to make and repair items, to have a laugh and make plans for their shed. She continued that all of this is good for healthy body and promotes wellbeing. Ms Harper also highlighted how Men’s Sheds are a growing phenomenon, with six across Dumfries & Galloway, 136 in Scotland and a further 55 currently in development.
At the opening, which was attended by the Executive Officer of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, Jason Schroeder, Dumfries Men’s Shed Chair, Ken Shires, Secretary Brian Kerr, as well as members of the Shed and local community and Ms Harper cut the cake and spent time meeting, listening and engaging with the members to hear directly from them on their plans for the building and other issues. These included the pandemic and the negative impact it has had on their plans.
Ms Harper was given a tour of the new facility and saw the library, workshop, games room, kitchens and meeting rooms. She has offered to continue to support the Dumfries Men’s Shed, and others across her South Scotland Region, in the weeks and months to come.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“It was great to be invited along to officially open the new premises, the Dumfries Men’s Shed, this morning. I met the fantastic ‘Shedders’ who have done brilliant work in being the first Men’s Shed in Scotland to successfully obtain their premises through a Community Asset Transfer. I have been a supporter of Men’s Sheds since my election in 2016, and I have spoken in debates and visited our other Men’s Sheds across our region.
“Men’s Sheds respond to men’s need for camaraderie and provide opportunities for men of all ages to work together in a way that contributes to positive health and well-being. Men’s Sheds are great as they give men a place to gather, to make items, to chat and to enjoy a laugh and make plans for their shed, all of which is good for physical and mental well-being. I was told previously that the wife or partner might be glad of a wee bit of a break from their men too!
“During the visit, I saw how the Shedders in Dumfries really make a positive impact to the local community. They are working on projects for a local nursery, provide chat space away from the home for local men and organise social events. Their work really is invaluable and I look forward to continuing to do all I can to support the Cresswell Men’s Shed in the weeks and months to come, and I’ll definitely be popping back in for a cuppa soon!”
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