CAMARADERIE, good chat and some DIY – there is one Clacks group that is certainly proving "priceless" to dozens of males in the community.

The Wee County Men's Shed in Devonside is always welcoming new members is a place where the guys can come together and meet, use the tools and machinery for various projects, and to learn and share.

But most importantly, the lads spare some time to have a cuppa and a blether in the howf – the social heart of the premises.

Not just a social outlet, the meetings also lead to some serious carpentry and the group will showcase their works at an open sale for locals next month.

The shed, a charitable organisation, can be found at Devon Park Mills on Alexandra Street just across from the Juniper Inn, with men getting together up to three times a week.

For most people attending, it's about getting out of the house and seeing faces old and new in a friendly environment where the banter never stops.

Member Eric Smith explained how the shed movement started in Australia with a doctor conscious about mental health issues – often regarding what has been termed “underfoot syndrome” or “retired husband syndrome”.

It relates to scenarios where the retired man interferes in his wife's household routines to the point where she feels smothered.

This can lead to stress-induced symptoms and a variety of issues for older people in the community.

Eric said: “And there is also the loneliness aspect, [for] people who are widowed.

“Although it's a practical thing, we make things and all the rest of it – it's about being here for each other and sharing.

“On a personal level I've had some family difficulties in the last two-and-a-half years and it's the Men's Shed that's kept me going through that.

“I just had to come here, take the weight off my shoulders, chat to people who are understanding what you are going through.

“It's just priceless, the benefits of something like that.”

And the “shedders” like giving back to the community too.

They have been responsible for the planters at Alloa Train Station, commissioned by the Rotary group in the town; created the reindeer for the Sauchie Christmas Tablo at the Resource Centre; and also the gloriously-shiny Famous Tilly Peacock to name a few.

There are a range of tools and machinery available in the sizeable workshop, mostly for woodwork, but also some for metal.

What is available is driven by the needs and wants of members and there are even PCs available in the office for computing projects.

Many of the tools and machinery have been donated to the shed and much of the materials used for projects, and to improve the workshop itself, are recycled.

The Open Day & Sale will take place on Saturday, April 28, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

It will be a chance to see the shed first hand and to hear about becoming a member.

And it will also be an opportunity to buy some of the surplus hand and garden tools, up-cycled and recycled bicycles, furniture, lawn mowers and bric-a-brac to support the charitable organisation.

Alternatively, find the Wee County Men's Shed on Facebook for more information or call Scott Cameron on 07561 052 596.