Dumfries and Galloway Men’s Shed Network, supported by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, will hold its first celebration of all things Sheds at SHEDFEST D&G 2018 on Wednesday 9 May 2018 in Craignair Church Hall, Dalbeattie, from 10am to 3pm.
The Men’s Shed movement in Dumfries and Galloway has grown steadily since initial interest in 2014. There are now 6 Men’s Sheds in the region, with several more in development.
Dalbeattie Men’s Shed was named the best in the UK at the UK Men’s Sheds Association Shed of the Year 2017 awards.
SHEDFEST D&G 2018 is able to go ahead thanks to funding from Foundation Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Local councillors and other interested parties will attend the event, where organisers will be celebrating the achievements and activities that each of the Sheds is involved in. There will be presentations from UK Men’s Shed Association, Age Scotland, and Legion Scotland. Local sheds will tell their stories and take part in inter-shed competitions.
Rob Davidson, Civic Head of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “The Men’s Shed movement across Dumfries and Galloway is growing and flourishing and Men’s Sheds make a great contribution to their communities. Dalbeattie Men’s Shed has done particularly well in being named the best in the UK . They have taken on projects which not only enthuse their own members but have also really benefitted their wider community too. I’m really looking forward to opening SHEDFEST D&G 2018 and to hearing more about the benefits of the Men’s Sheds movement.”
Christine Clarke, from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, which supports the network, said: “No two sheds are the same; their activities are different, their facilities are different; but they all have one thread in common: they operate for and on behalf of their members and their interests. I’m proud to be able to support the Sheds and to have seen the interest and growth in them over the past 4 years.”
For more information about the Men’s Shed Network contact Christine Clarke at Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, 16 Queensberry Street, Dumfries DG1 1EX, t: 0300 303 8558
