THE process of establishing Saltcoats Men’s Shed took a step forward this week with the formation of a steering committee with the appropriate office bearers being appointed.

Although it may be some time before premises are secured, plans are afoot to hold ‘getting to know you’ events, where men can meet and enjoy each other’s company, listen to talks and demonstrations and generally establish contacts and make friends, so that the full shed can get underway as soon as possible.

A number of enquiries are currently underway, and a temporary storage facility is being looked for to store equipment and tools which are already being donated.

Something like a lockfast garage or similar would be an enormous help.

Any reader who can help with any of this should contact the secretary, Donald McLarty on 01294 478697 or donan@talktalk.net.

The overall strategy is to benefit the whole community and to give men an opportunity to learn or pass skills which can give a fresh purpose to living in the Three Towns.

Activities will be tailored to meet the interests of those who come along.

Each shed, of which there are over 100 in Scotland, is independent and decides its own activities which has been evident over the last few weeks among those who have heard of our plans has been absolutely huge.