In October 2022 Livingston Community Shed was created from an observation by a lady at The United Parish Church in Carmondean who became concerned that many elderly gentlemen were sitting around in the church café with no social contact or involvement in the community. A meeting was called via a newsletter organised by two charity workers and from this a decision was made to register the group with the International Men’s Shed organisation. Early meetings were held in a small storeroom above the church where a committee of trustees was voted in, and the current Chairman was elected. Since those days 18 months ago when meetings were held in what became known as the little yellow room the Shed has grown into a fully fledged Scottish Charity with a strong membership base of over 20 people. In December of 2022 the shed opened talks with West Lothian Council on the possible community lease of a huge derelict area of garden located on the South side of Carmondean Community Centre where we planned to build a workshop and possibly renovate a derelict farmhouse in the grounds. The negotiations with the council lasted for over a year but eventually in February of 2024 (this year) a 10-year community lease on the land was signed and the shed are now building a workshop and developing a community garden with plans to construct greenhouses and raised beds for growing vegetables to be donated to the church café which provides a free weekly community meal to the residents of nearby Knightsridge. Whilst the negotiations were going on with the council the shed rented a small container located in the grounds of Knightsridge community garden which they have transformed into a fully fledged woodwork shop filled with tools and machinery donated by members of the public and associated Men’s Shed charities. As a result of this workshop the Community Shed has developed the following community services which are all provided free of charge, we only accept donations from those who can manage it. A major highlight of our short but busy life was our winning some tools and garden equipment in the Dobbies Garden centre competition in 2023.
Address: Carmondean Community Centre, Fells Rigg, Livingston, EH54 8AX
Web: www.livingstoncommunityshed.scot
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=livingstoncommunityshed
