Former Kinross Shed Chairman joins Scottish Men’s Sheds Association board
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), the national support hub for Men’s Sheds across Scotland, has today (3rd July 2023) announced the appointment of the former Chairman of Kinross & District Men’s Shed David Conner to its board.
David, who has run several businesses including an electrical contracting company and returned to learning in his mid-40s to achieve a BA in Design and Technology and become a teacher, was Chairman of Kinross & District Men’s Shed for four years until recently stepping down to enjoy retirement and travel with his wife.
David joins seven SMSA Trustees to further extend the hub’s reach of regional support to over 200 Scottish Men’s Shed groups and represent as the voice of the Men’s Sheds Movement. David (69) said: “I am delighted to be a part of this very important membership body. Whilst our Shed was developing, the SMSA was a great support to us and a first port of call to go to for information and advice to save us reinventing the wheel. Without the SMSA, it is safe to say, we and some of our local Sheds would not exist without their team steering us in the right direction and through the obstacles and bureaucracy that is thrown at you especially when starting something new.
“This support is vital to save these Shed volunteers duplicating effort and enable them to concentrate on what matters – improving the health and wellbeing of men. I look forward to representing the SMSA as an ambassador for my region to support developing and existing Men’s Shed groups using my learned knowledge and experience.”
SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder added: “Our Trustees are all Scottish Shedders that give their valuable time to run Men’s Sheds in their own communities and know the Men’s Shed model inside and out. I have known and worked with David and his Shed for many years and I am grateful that he is volunteering his time to bring his strong expertise to our Board and the Movement we support and represent.
“We also appeal for additional enthusiastic and visionary Shedders to strengthen our board even further. We are keen to hear from individuals from Sheds in the West Highlands and Angus. The time commitment is quarterly Board meetings and an informal catch-up with Trustees. Expenses are reimbursed for visits to Sheds and representation at events. Contact ceo@scottishmsa.org.uk to find out more.”