Peebles and District Round Table have announced a new chairman for 2019.

Sean Byrne has taken over from former Chair Chris Hilton and is planning to work with members to introduce a range of new social activities and continue to work on different ways to support our local community.

Sean said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of Round Table as it is an organisation which is growing and giving more men in our area the chance to embrace life to the full.”

The group offers a place for men between the ages of 18 to 45 from all walks of life to support their local community, have a laugh, and discover a world of new activities whilst meeting like-minded people.

The new chairman said: “I have lived in Peebles for 9 years. Having been quite isolated for the first few years, I joined the Round Table. It really has helped be to form a range of lifelong friendships and has opened up a range of opportunities to become actively involved in a community I feel very privileged to be part of.

“I am looking forward to bringing something new to the Round Table, which will give existing and new members the chance to simply have fun and build long-lasting friendships.”

The Round Table’s main events throughout the year include running the bar at the annual Peebles agricultural show, the annual Peebles fireworks display, and going around the streets of Peeblesshire with Santa’s sleigh.

They have recently reinstated a Round Table Ceilidh around Burns’ night, which they’re hoping to upscale this year.

Regular family activities are scheduled throughout the year, including barbecues, film nights, swimming, walks, cycles and an annual family weekend trip in September.

The money raised by the Round Table is distributed locally, supporting local groups and organisations.

Over the last year, they have donated a total of £7400, including a donation of £1300 to the Rosetta playgroup to develop improved toilet and baby change facilities, £1000 to Cycle without Age towards a new trishaw bike and £1000 to the St Ronan’s Future Band.

This year, they are bolstering their efforts with a theme of improving mental wellbeing.

In a recent study by NHS Scotland into social isolation in Scotland, 73% of men said that they did not feel involved with their local community.

The benefits of social connectivity and engagement in communities upon mental and physical wellbeing are well evidenced.

The Peebles group want their members to know that ‘It’s Ok, not to be OK,’ and they are committed to help break the stigma of mental illness.

In line with its growing ethos, the Round Table is making real efforts to become much more physically active and inclusive as a group.

They have an open invitation to members to take part in any activities on an adhoc basis, such as running, biking or hill walking.

They also have a monthly organised sports activity, which is locally based. A few members regularly benefit from attending the Peebles Parkrun and the group recently provided all of the required volunteers for a ‘Parkrun takeover’.

They were the first local group to do so and they’ll be replicating the event throughout the year.

Sean added: “The Round Table in Peebles and District is in a good place. We have 15 members and 9 honorary members. However, we are always keen to welcome new people, especially those who are trying to cement a life in our area, whilst juggling other aspects of life.”

Round Table was founded in the UK in 1927 and is the world’s largest male-only member organisation, with associations in more than 50 countries.

Peebles and District Round Table was established in December 1964 and has been supporting the community ever since.

If you are between 18-45 and interested in finding out more, you can contact the group via Facebook at Peebles & District Round Table or email PeeblesandDistrictRoundTable@gmail.com.