Forres and District Men’s Shed donate garden bench and a bird tables they made to Meadowlark Care Home
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A SOCIAL group that meets regularly in a workshop has donated items members made themselves to a local care home.
Forres and District Men’s Shed, based at Greenbank, Mundole Equestrian Farm, gifted a garden bench and a bird tables to Meadowlark Care Home, having done the same for Cathay Care Home last year.
Men’s Shed treasurer Jack McAllister made the bench from new timber purchased, locally while trustee John Oldfield and members George Wilson and Kenny Adams made the bird tables from recycled wood.
John said: “They were accepted on behalf of the home by Miss Derra Kew. As a charity, we support the local community wherever possible.”
Meadowlark manager, Casey Whittaker, confirmed both the residents and staff are grateful for the “beautiful” donations.
She said: “You can see how much work has gone into their construction and they will survive many a Scottish winter. It was very kind of the Men’s shed to consider Meadowlark and the residents have commented on how sturdy the bench and tables look.
“We haven’t been able to get out and fully appreciate the bench yet because of the weather. The bird feeders will placed outside bedrooms of folk who are unable to get out of bed so they can enjoy the wildlife.
“The bench will be in the garden for residents to rest on while they do their daily exercises.”
Forres Men’s Shed provides recreational facilities and advances the social needs, health and wellbeing of local men.
The facility often helps other groups and community projects.
John said: “The majority of our projects are made from donated recycled wood. We appreciate any donations of recyclable, reasonable quality timber.
“We currently are making a mud kitchen for a local primary school as well as bird nesting boxes.”
Forres Men’s Shed is always open to new members. It currently numbers 40 with a core group of 14 who attend on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Former RAF serviceman and civil servant John joined six months ago.
He said: “It’s the best thing I ever did! We make various items in between drinking tea, eating cake and telling stories.”
For more information visit the Forres and District Men’s Shed Facebook page.
“Or just pay us a visit,” added John, “opposite the riding centre at Mundole!”
