A Word from our Chairman - Scottish Men's Sheds Association

“Following a couple of very difficult years, we can now start to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
David Gardner, SMSA Chairman

REPORTING ON THE 1ST APRIL 2021 TO 31ST MARCH 2022 PERIOD

Following a couple of very difficult years, we can now start to see light at the end of the tunnel with COVID-19 hopefully now under control. I honestly believe that we all owe the NHS a big vote of thanks for their non-stop efforts throughout the course of the pandemic.

Throughout this period, Sheds made every effort to maintain contact with members by using online conferencing facilities, phone and email but this does not replace personal contact or create the same camaraderie that is found in the Shed.

You may recall from last year’s report that we appointed a new Administrator, Sue Salter, and I am delighted to report that Sue has settled in very well as a valued member of the team and been busy getting everything up to date and no doubt many of you have spoken with her already.

Talking about our team, we have also expanded by appointing Tim Green as our first Development Officer. Tim joined us in February 2022 and is no stranger to Shedders as he had been Shed Development Officer for Age Scotland for the past few years and certainly understands the ethos of Sheds. Jason, our Chief Executive Officer, and Michelle our Communications & PR Officer also continue to do exceptional work on behalf of the Association.

As a health and wellbeing movement, the SMSA Trustees unanimously agreed in October 2021 to introduce a four-day working week for all staff. These ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’ are vital for our team to maintain a healthy work-life balance and this has proved to be beneficial to both staff and the Association as a whole.

Many things have happened during the past year:

The SMSA published its first-ever Manifesto, which was circulated to all politicians and relevant stakeholders in Scotland, outlining our hopes and plans for the future. This was very well received.
We partnered up with the charity 12 Guitars to run a competition which resulted in one young lady from Inverclyde winning an acoustic guitar.
The well-loved Scottish Shedder magazine was complemented by the launch of a new bulletin entitled ‘Shedloads of Opportunities’ and made available to Shed members as an additional membership benefit.
The SMSA and Scottish Men’s Sheds were highlighted and commended during Westminster debates.
We were delighted to have two Scottish Sheds recognised and win the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Huge congratulations to Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed and Westhill and District Men’s Shed.
We also managed to deliver the SMSA ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021 first and second place trophies to mark International Men’s Day in November. It is worth noting that the winner – Westhill and District Men’s Shed was the very first Shed opened in Scotland so my sincerest congratulations go to all their Shedders.
Our last Annual General Meeting had great key speakers with our Parton Sir Harry Burns, Professor Barry Goulding, Author of ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ and Patron of the Australia Men’s Sheds Association and Charlie Wallace, Scottish Veterans Commissioner and I am delighted to report that Charlie followed up his AGM contribution with a very successful visit to my own Shed, Garnock Valley Men’s Shed.
Jason and I were delighted to be invited to the inaugural meeting of the Global Men’s Sheds forum which included the Chairs and CEOs of Shed Associations from around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Sweden, Ireland, Wales, England and of course Scotland. This proved to be a very beneficial exchange of experiences and ideas and a platform that we are keen to remain a part of.

Having started my report by referring to “light at the end of the tunnel”, I am delighted to say that most Sheds have now reopened albeit some are experiencing a slow return of members but I feel positive that this will steadily increase as confidence is restored.

May I in closing, express my thanks for the fantastic welcome that I have received when visiting Sheds be it to present awards or just to pop along and say hello—your kindness is appreciated.