Maybole Men's Health Forum

New website for the Men's Health Forum! See www.maybolehealthforum.org

Working out: Maybole men are improving their fitness levels at forum sessions like this one in the Carrick Academy gym

Fitness cheque:Councillor Andy Hill (right), Leader of South Ayrshire Council, hands over a National Lottery cheque for £4,433 to members of Maybole Men's Forum.

Maybole Men’s Health Forum is moving forward, helped by a lottery grant of £4,433 under the Awards for All scheme. The cheque presentation came on the same night as free health checks — to ensure prospective members were fit to exercise. Qualified fitness instructors did the tests on blood pressure and mobility in the gym at Carrick Academy. The checks will continue, along with a varied programme including swimming, golf and ten-pin bowling sessions. The forum is forming partnerships with South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire and Arran Health Board and other agencies. Councillor Alan Murray commented: “I congratulate all the men involved in this initiative, and I’m very pleased that this group has grown so much since I first visited it around six months ago. “The health of all sections of the community is important, and men must take greater care to promote good health rather than waiting till illness strikes, then treating it.” Councillor Murray added: “Maybole, once again, has taken action to be positive, with a ‘can-do’ approach. “This initiative is aimed at promoting health, not dealing with illness, and should be an example to other sections of the community and other communities.” [From the Ayrshire Post. November 29th 2002]

The Men’s Health Forum also plans an aqua aerobics session at Maybole Baths on Sunday from 11am till 12 noon. And there will be another one in December. Events planned for the new year include games nights at Carrick Sports Club, golf lessons at Brunston Castle, ten-pin bowling, and a visit to Ayr’s Citadel gym. Mr Mason also revealed: “We have signed a deal for members to use the facilities of ‘The Ranch’ near Maybole, on production of one of our forum ID cards, which will be issued soon.” [From the Ayrshire Post. November 22nd 2002]

Maybole Men’s Forum received high praise last when the manager of Men’s Health and Wellbeing Network, Scotland visited them. Alastair Low met the members at their weekly session at Carrick Academy and complimented them on how well the group was doing. "It’s amazing what you have achieved in such a short time," he told them, adding "there are very few examples of men getting together as you have done". Peter Mason told him that the group had started with only four members and now had twenty-nine. "We are continually looking at how we can learn from others and take the Forum forward," he said.

Alastair Low (top) meets members of Maybole Men's Forum.

Dave Whiteman (bottom) certainly seems to enjoy keeping fit.