Summer celebrations at Lochgilphead gardens

FAMILIES were invited up to Blarbuie community garden in Lochgilphead last weekend for some green-fingered fun and games.

A coconut shy, hoopla and Celtic sword making were just some of the activities on offer to keep youngsters entertained, while plant sales and a tombola kept the adults happy. The fun day also gave visitors the opportunity to see the woodland company’s latest projects including the new ‘men’s shed’.

A representative from the Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise, explained: ‘This shed is part of a worldwide movement to build creative spaces where men can hang out and make things, repair things and spend time in like-minded company. This has been shown to improve health, give purpose to people who are retired and help people back to work.

‘Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise has helped by building a small shed for community use in their ground on the old bowling green above the Argyll and Bute Hospital and now the newly formed men’s group would like to make that shed safe, waterproof and functional.’

The team are looking for donations towards woodworking tools, stirling board, padlocks, planes, chisels, wood preservatives and other wood fixings.

If you want to know more about how to help with the men’s shed, please contact Lynda Syed at lynda@argylltsi.org.uk or phone 01546 606808.

Councillor Donnie MacMillan relaxes in the new men’s shed, a project which he helped support.

Salad plants from Blarbuie were on sale at the fun day, but can also be found in shops in Lochgilphead.

Children crafted their own Celtic swords at the open day.