Almost ten years ago, William (Billy) Christie – the newly-elected Chairperson of Barrhead Men’s Shed – was diagnosed with testicular and prostate cancer and health complications that forced him to give up a much-loved career. Feeling lost, Billy reveals why connecting with his local Men’s Shed and peers in his community was a godsend for him.
Billy (62) said: “I am a third-generation market trader and when the markets declined, I began opening up my own shops. I made a good living with a £1million business turnover and had ambitious plans to double that. Then in 2014 came the devastating news that I had testicular and prostate cancer and my life changed drastically.
“Following my surgery, there were many complications including an MRSA infection and septicemia. I was in and out of hospital, my marriage broke down, I had to leave my home due to no longer feeling safe and my doctor advised that my body was too weak to ever return to work. I suffered from mental health issues that eventually saw me get sectioned.
“After my divorce my youngest brother also passed away and I found myself in a very dark place and contemplated suicide. I knew I had to do something so I rejoined my church.
“A founding member of Barrhead Men’s Shed is also involved with the Salvation Army and had been raising awareness of the Shed at the church and a lady came over to talk to me about it. I was in a very bad place, there’s no doubt about it, and can honestly say that this exchange was my saving grace.
“I decided to go along to the Shed and a friend came along with me. Having this place to go was an absolute godsend and gave me a purpose to get out again and kickstart my life.
“As a market trader I was never shy but over the years, I had lost my confidence. The more I went along to the Shed, the more I started to come out of my shell and met some great guys, including Alex Locke. Alex was so kind and knowledgeable and he guided me. I had never so much as picked up a screwdriver before and he really took the time to introduce me to all the tools and machinery. When we lost Alex earlier this year, to a heart attack, it was a huge loss to all of us at Barrhead Men’s Shed. Alex achieved so much and the Shed would not be what it is today without his input.
“Huge thanks must also go to Bill Core and former Chairman, Alex Storrie—two of our founding members for everything they have done. I cannot take credit for any of what has happened in the past and can only do my best as I take it forward.
“I started to get more and more involved. Some people think you need a trade behind you to help out or attend a Men’s Shed but you really don’t. I now had a place that I could utilise my management and organisational skills and in July 2023, was elected as Chairman.
“There are a lot of talented men in our Shed with no prima donnas – everyone is equal, no one is more important than anyone else and we all muck in to clean the toilets and wash the dishes. We have a local celebrity that attends our Shed – former Radio Clyde DJ Dave Marshall – and he has zero interest in any special treatment or recognition – he just wants to be a Shedder.
“We have around 80 members – young and old, the oldest being 82. There is the happy guy, the grumpy guy, the sleepy guy and the mix just works! We provide a wide range of social activities including a ukulele group, laser printing, sewing group, woodwork and model railway club. We are always open to trying new activities requested by the members. Last year, we trialled an afternoon social opening with board games but unfortunately there was not much take up however, we may offer this again though the winter months.
“On our committee we have Robert Humphrey, our Secretary, who really is the glue that keeps it all together and our Treasurer Ross runs the accounts exceptionally well. Once a month, we hold an informal meeting and any member is free to join us and we hear an update from all the different sections.
We are currently implementing more forms like job sheets to be a bit more professional. There have been a few teething problems but it is working to improve our processes.
“We have had to put a cap on our membership of late. Our facilities are fantastic and a fair size, we are extremely lucky to have secured a peppercorn rent through East Renfrewshire Council and have four units knocked into one, and we have no plans to expand or move. We all want to stay where we are. Potential new members are however, more than welcome to come along and check out the facilities and be put on a waiting list. We cannot guarantee a membership straight away but would also never turn anyone away.
“It’s a double-edged sword as the Shed is a much bigger success than we ever dreamed of. I always say though that we are not running Barrhead Men’s Shed PLC here, we have to be realistic – the bigger we get, the bigger the bills.
“Yes, we have to carry out projects to raise funds however our primary function, the reason we are all here and volunteer our time, is to meet the needs of our members, improve men’s health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness.
“I am a perfect example of how a Men’s Shed can improve the lives of men. Cancer changed everything for me and it felt like a death walking away from my company and ambitions. I didn’t want to just stay home and do nothing. I have gone from feeling lost and suicidal to now having an extremely positive outlook for the future. I feel valued here and have a purpose.”