THE members of the Three Towns Men’s Shed have moved into new premises in the heart of Ardrossan’s Glasgow Street.

And they hope being based on the busy Glasgow Street means they can find committee members to help support the group.

Chairman of the group, Donald McLarty, is happy to move into their new base but believes it is temporary.

“We have the lease for 18 months as we understand there are plans for this area of the town,” explained Donald.

“Our goal is to apply for funding to allow us to have a new base for Men’s Shed, we need somewhere that has a lot of space for our machinery and some meeting rooms for our members.”

Positioned next to a bookies and across from a pub in Glasgow Street could prove to have pulling power for the group.

Donald went on: “If men are not into sporting activities or they don’t have hobbies, it can be hard for them, they either go to the pub or the bookies or just sit in the house watching daytime telly.

“If they walk past our shop front here in Glasgow Street, it may encourage them to stop in and find out a bit about our group.”

The Men’s Shed was set up to offer men a safe space to meet and chat and there are currently 592 groups in the UK.

And although they specialise in woodcraft and technical skills, a lot of members just go along for a brew and a blether.

At a meeting in a church hall Donald attended in 2018 he was amazed at the number of groups for women and young people but the fact there were none for men.

“I was sitting there thinking there must be something for men in the area and then I suggested the Men’s Shed as I head read an article about it,” said Donald.

“So we set one up at the Focus Centre.”

The group needs members who thinks they could help be part of the committee of the Three Towns Men’s Shed.

“We are all getting a bit older now,” explained Donald. “And while I enjoy being involved in the committee side, it would be great to have new people who could offer their knowledge and expertise.”

The Three Town’s Men Shed at 11 Glasgow Street is open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am until 3pm. Pop in for a cuppa and a chat.