New committee in place to steer Elgin and District Men’s Shed search for suitable home

ELGIN and District Men’s Shed has a new committee in place after a meeting yesterday to steer its future as it looks for a new base.

Jason Schroeder, executive officer and founder of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, addressed current and would-be members during the well-attended meeting at Bishopmill Hall.

A representative from Moray Council's community support unit was there to back the group in their search for new premises in Elgin.

Pre-pandemic the group ran from a workshop on Perimeter Road but made a decision to give that up to save costs while they couldn't meet regularly.

Their equipment has been placed in storage while they look to restart in a suitable premises which can provide them with both spaces for socialising as well as a workshop.

Former Navy serviceman Peter Harris (73), who has been elected branch chairperson, said: "We've got a solid core of guys and need a bit of guidance on how to go forward.

"Everything is looking positive and we have the council on board. We hope they can now assist us in getting a vacant premises."

He added: "Jason talked on the importance of the Men's Shed, what we can do for the community, and how much money we can actually save local councils.

"It's a great organisation. It gets guys out of the house rather than sitting there with the remote control. It's somewhere they can speak to people and have a laugh."

The Elgin group currently has 68 members and is open to men aged over 18.

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