Last week, the Lochcarron and District Men’s Shed proudly celebrated its official opening with Dr David Murray MBE kindly cutting a ribbon to mark the occasion.
Principal sponsors of the shed, RJ McLeod Contractors Ltd and Ferguson Transport and Shipping, were represented by Steven Scott, Thomas Murray and Mike Bauermeister who expressed astonishment at how the shed had been transformed since their two companies donated and delivered it last year.
Dr Murray said how delighted the members are to finally open its doors and gave heartfelt thanks to all who have helped. He said it seemed a long time since the first meeting was held to test out the idea of having a local Men’s Shed but the amount of work and community support to get to this milestone could not be overstated.
An offer from The Lochcarron Centre to provide space for a shed to be sited could not have been a better start or location, being in the heart of a wonderful thriving community centre, and work began in earnest to develop suitable accommodation.
It was at this point that RJ McLeod, who coincidentally were the original builders of The Lochcarron Centre and are currently working with Kishorn Port Ltd to expand the dry dock, stepped in to generously offer a free portacabin for use. However, this had to be transported from Muir of Ord to Lochcarron and crane lifted into position and without the fantastic support and help from Ferguson Transport this couldn’t have been done.
There was some frantic digging of foundations before the cabin arrived and Murdo MacKenzie saved a few of the volunteers’ bad backs by helping with his digger. There was also some essential water divining done by the shedders so that no water pipes were burst in the process. Other key steps were obtaining the required planning approval and eventually an electrical connection.
With the cabin in-situ the Shedders were excited to start creating a welcoming and useful workshop and to blend the portacabin into the grounds of The Centre. Work began with timber cladding of the exterior, building an access ramp and fitting out the interior into a useful workshop space.
There have been so many donations along the way that helped make it all happen. Highland Council provided invaluable advice and guidance on planning requirements and Lochcarron Community Council approved financial grants for some unavoidable early costs. The Lochcarron Highland Games Committee has offered unwavering support through generous funding contributions and publicity with the Shedders having a stall at this year’s Games to sell handmade crafts and toys to raise funds. Local residents have donated tools and equipment for the workshop; with special thanks to Terry Hitchen for providing a lathe and turning tools, Sue Robb for donating a thicknesser/planer, Mary Henry for some very special woodworking tools, Willie and Ronnie MacKenzie for another lathe and some hardwood and many other generous donations.
With the Shedders starting to gain recognition in the local community by undertaking various special projects such as the refurbishment of planters and public benches, they hope that more men will take the opportunity to attend the Shed, learn some new skills or indeed pass on some old skills so that Men’s Shed activities continue to grow for the benefit of all.
After the ceremony The Lochcarron Centre generously welcomed everyone for some lunch and light refreshments.
Peter Holmes