Wishaw Men’s Shed is set to take ownership of Gowkthrapple Community Centre after councillors approved a community asset transfer. The charity, which offers a space for men of all ages to socialise and pursue hobbies, sought to purchase the building that serves as its usual meeting venue.
Extended hours and wider community use
The transfer will allow the shed to extend its operating times and open provision to women, while also increasing general use of the facility by offering bookable space for other groups. This aims to reduce loneliness and isolation among local men while benefiting the wider community.
The charity will pay £10,000 for the building, a price far below its estimated value. The discount is justified by the potential social benefit of the sale. The council will also provide a programme of support covering maintenance, the group’s reliance on volunteers, fundraising, and improving plans for the building’s future.
Council support and praise
The communities committee unanimously backed officers’ recommendations to approve the transfer. Councillor Fiona Fotheringham (SNP, Wishaw) described the Men’s Shed team as “like coiled springs”, eager to proceed with the takeover and already successful with events and projects. Councillor Kaye Harmon (Labour, Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig) praised the group’s open days, which offered tea and cakes to visitors. Councillor Bob Burgess (Conservative, Wishaw) noted the group’s hard work and stressed the importance of their efforts to reduce loneliness, recalling that previous Men’s Huts were always full across the area.
Growth and achievements
Earlier this month, members reflected on the shed’s first year in the community. The group, open to males of all ages, started in July last year, launched by a small group of men. Meetings were originally held at Cambusnethan Old Parish Church, but the shed now has a permanent base at Gowkthrapple Community Centre.
The shed received a boost when four-time world snooker champion John Higgins agreed to be its patron. Robert McGinty, from the Men’s Shed, said: “Getting John to come on board was a really big boost to us. John and his wife Denise have been such a help to us.” He added: “We had hoped to get 50 members but we now have 76 and we are hoping to get even more.” The group also secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for a minibus, enabling day trips to the Royal Highland Show, Inveraray Highland Games, and a Beatles tribute night in Shotts.
