Provost Kenneth Duffy joined members of Wishaw Men's Shed at their annual open day, where guests enjoyed teas, coffees and snacks while learning about the group and its activities. The event took place at Pather Community Centre on Saturday, August 15.
Men's Shed launched in 2025
Wishaw Men's Shed was launched by a small group of men in 2025, offering a welcoming place where people can sit down for a chat and take part in a range of activities. The group is normally based at Gowkthrapple Community Centre.
Local groups offering support and information on subjects including mental health and debt advice set up stalls in the main hall.
Community support and future plans
Robert McGinty, from Wishaw Men's Shed, said: “We’re delighted to welcome people into our shed and show them what we’re all about. It’s a place to come along, have a chat, meet new people and get involved in activities in a friendly and relaxed environment.”
Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “It was fantastic to see the warm welcome at Wishaw Men’s Shed and to meet the members and local people who support it. Groups like this play an important role in bringing communities together, and I wish the Men’s Shed every success as it works towards securing a permanent home.”
Asset transfer approved
Last week, it was confirmed that councillors approved a community asset transfer which will see Wishaw Men’s Shed take ownership of Gowkthrapple Community Centre. The charity will pay £10,000 for the building, a price far below its estimated value but representing a significant discount justified by potential social benefit from the sale.
A programme of support will also be put in place by the council to help with issues such as maintenance, the group’s dependency on volunteers, fundraising and to improve plans for the building’s future. The council’s communities committee unanimously supported officers’ recommendations to approve the transfer.
Councillor Fiona Fotheringham (SNP, Wishaw) said that the Men’s Shed team were “like coiled springs”, desperate to get going with the takeover and having already achieved great success with events and other projects. This sentiment was echoed by Councillor Kaye Harmon (Labour, Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig) who praised the group’s open days which offered people a chance to see what it was like and enjoy tea and cakes.
Councillor Bob Burgess (Conservative, Wishaw) said the group had worked hard to get where they are now and emphasised the importance of their efforts to reduce loneliness, saying that the previous Men’s Huts were always full across the area.
