A scheme designed to give men a place to go to socialise or develop their hobbies has been given a funding boost.
The Men’s Sheds has received funds from the Asda Foundation, as well as the Royal Voluntary Service charity which is looking to support groups currently being set up.
The Men’s Sheds movement gives local residents the opportunity to come together to take part in practical skills and activities.
There are groups across the north-east, including Westhill, Turriff, Ellon, Aboyne and Stonehaven.
Julie Ward, senior manager at the Asda Foundation, said: “We see the sheds programme as making a real difference at grassroots level and are proud to support this initiative.”
Colin Grieve, chairman of the Ellon and District Men’s Shed, said he was delighted they had received £553, which will be spent on a new metal turning lathe and tools of the workshop.
Mr Grieve said: “The metal turning lathe will last for years to come.
“Shed members are showing great interest in having lathe which will complement our engineering and hobby capability which has been biased towards wood working equipment.
“On behalf of the Ellon and District Men’s Shed I would like to thank Royal Voluntary Service and The Asda Foundation for this grant.”
The group in Turriff received £750, which will go towards paying the rent in their temporary accommodation and buying new tools.
Mike Jenn, chairman of UK Men’s Sheds Association said: “Most sheds are started by local groups coming together to meet a common need and this funding scheme will be a vital help particularly to those that have just formed.
“It is very encouraging for groups to be able to approach a funder that is sympathetic to your planned work when in its earliest stages.”
