Men don’t talk – that is the perception anyway. Some men struggle to open up about their feelings, experiences, struggles and health matters but the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is quashing this theory by launching the first in a series of animations to promote that men do open up and talk in Scottish Men’s Sheds.
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “We are producing these animations to educate and inform on the range of benefits that Men’s Sheds can bring to men’s health and wellbeing. The first animation promotes men coming together in a safe space and opening up to talk ‘shoulder to shoulder’ including sharing health matters that may be concerning them.”
Theshort animation, based on a true story from a Scottish Shed member, features ‘Guitar Mike’ chatting with his Shedder pal over a cuppa when he mentions that he saw him limping. Mike tells him about a painful lump he had found above his knee and Charlie advises him not to wait around and get to the doctors sharpish. Mike did just that and it was only a matter of days before Mike was having a cancerous growth removed.
The real ‘Guitar Mike’, Mike Mowat from Glenrothes Men’s Shed, said: “Many men do not open up about their feelings and end up keeping everything to themselves. Men’s Sheds offer a friendly, safe and welcoming environment to make friends and socialise. I felt comfortable to share my health problems and talk to Charlie and I am now so glad that I did. I am delighted that my story is being shared – if my experience encourages just one person to seek help before it’s too late then it will not be in vain.”
Scottish actor Billy Mack, who does the voiceover for Charlie in the film, said: “I never really knew much about Men’s Sheds until doing a rehearsed reading of a play by Clare Prenton entitled ‘Men Don’t Talk’. We, as a cast, were taken to a local Shed and introduced to the members and talked with them. As soon as I got home, I looked for my local branch but unfortunately there isn’t one in Stirling as yet. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we have one – they are a great way of building friendships and learning different skills but, above all, a place for people to talk about life and issues that may affect them. All villages, towns and cities should have one!”
The SMSA was formed in 2014 to provide support, information, advice and resources to its Shed Members and 3,000+ Individual Members. Today, there are over 200 open and developing Men’s Sheds groups across Scotland reaching 10,000+ men (aged 18 or over) through the Movement.
Many Men’s Sheds offer a repair/fix-it service to members of the community to generate Shed funds however does the Shed’s insurance policy cover these items in the event of a problem (e.g. a faulty or defected item)?
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “One SMSA Shed member, that offers such a service, got in touch with us to highlight their recent dialogue with their insurance company. The provider was, rightly so, asking for more information on the Shed members that carry out the electrical repair work, their background and training and if they were aware of relevant changes in legislation and regulation in regards to this.
“We got in touch with our partner Greenwood Moreland who offers our Shed members discounted Shed insurance but also specialist guidance for all stages of the Shed journey and they advised us on their insurance on repaired second-hand goods (products liability) and on the term ‘competent person’. They highlight that in the case of Sheds, if a member has been repairing electrical goods for many years compared to an eighteen year old or younger then the latter would not be deemed as ‘competent’.”
Please see below for Greenwood Moreland insurers’ terms of liability:
SECOND-HAND GOODS (PRODUCTS LIABILITY)
We will pay all amounts which you become legally liable to pay as damages for liability arising from second-hand products.
Liability arising from the following second-hand products: a) gas appliances of any description b) any appliance containing or using flammable liquidsLiability arising from an agreement unless liability would have existed without the agreement.Liability arising from any electrical appliance, other than a battery-operated appliance, which has not been inspected or tested by a suitably competent person prior to leaving your custody.
If your Shed carries out any repair work (electrical and/or non-electrical), please take the time to check your policy and call your insurance provider for a chat to ensure these items, and you, are covered.
If you are interested in receiving an insurance quote from Greenwood Moreland, please contact Elaine McGhee on 07954 700278 or email sheds@greenwoodmoreland.co.uk
Alan said: “It has been all go on the Shed site with this first major project to get our three new container workshops completed. We set ourselves an ambitious but achievable goal to get it all done by June with a view to holding our open day at the end of July/early August.
“The Shed’s inaugural meeting took place only in September 2021 with five members and since then, so much has been done in such a short space of time.
“We are perfectly situated on Langloch Farm at Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) Scotland with neighbours including the sawmill, Clydesdale Women’s Shed and Lanark in Bloom. We have had a brilliant relationship with our landlord, CCI, from the beginning. They provided us with the start-up costs and we have an agreement in place that we will pay no rent or electricity for two years, which we hope may continue in future years.
“Step one of this first project was the insulation and interior batten frame on container 2 then the fitting of the walls and lastly building and installation of the workbenches and large cutting machinery.
“Our new fully fitted smaller container (number 3) arrived in style and craned into location on the 1st June—this will be used as a finishing and small projects Shed. Work benches and hand tools will be purchased and installed to allow members to get started in the new Shed almost immediately.
“Electrical work will then be carried out over all three containers along with the Clydesdale Women’s Shed and Lanark in Bloom’s containers. We are in the process of re-roofing over all of our containers and ‘machinery shop’ with Perspex sheeting, which will provide additional all-weather outdoor work area.
“Next, we will build a wood store to the left of container 2 and added shelving. The store will have wood cladding added to the exterior to make it more aesthetically pleasing from the roadside. This space will be used to dry wood all year round.
“The final stage will be to refurbish container 1 for use as a social recreational area suitable for all Shed members to relax and chat over a brew, as well as open up the area to existing and future on-site community groups. The area will also be utilised as a welcoming area for visitors and where we will hear from future guest speakers. There will be an area set aside for a small tea coffee station which will house a coffee machine, small fridge and hopefully soon a microwave for those that may want to heat drinks and/or meals.
“We plan to have some small seating areas which can be used by surrounding clubs and groups whilst still leaving ample room for our requirements. All of our furnishings are light and moveable to allow this multi-purpose space to be set up in a range of different ways.
“Additionally, the current small separate office area will have a desk for the new computer for future training, learning basic computer skills and for general Shed administration and business. We have installed a new laser printer for creating our own merchandise and there will also be a table and chairs to accommodate ‘one on one’ learning, allow small meetings and team calls as well as our monthly zoom conferencing.
“We are extremely fortunate that we will have the ability to open over seven days a week if we require and so have the opportunity to add more groups or open up space for hire to other community groups and bring in some income.
“Plans for the near future include working with Lanark Community Development Trust within the Fairy Dell at Castlebank Park, which has some wildlife woodcarvings which have unfortunately been vandalised. We will be working to replace parts and restore the items to their original beauty for the community to enjoy. In addition, we plan to create some new wooden signage for the park.
“Future plans include incorporating an outdoor seating area for members and visitors to chat and our next major project is to create a Community Tool Library for locals to hire out items for their DIY jobs. We also hope to install solar panels down the line to be more energy efficient and aim to look at an electric vehicle for the Shed’s use. This really is just the beginning for our Shed –there is so much potential for growth and we are extremely excited.”
Lanark Men’s Shed has set up several groups for it’s members since its inception—including it’s guitar club, woodworking group, a WhatsApp group (for updates and chat) and a writers’ club. One of the writing club members, Brian Laidlaw (94), is a renowned published author and the group has recently been asked by the Lanark Community Development Trust to write an article on Lanark history and heritage.Men’s Shed Walking Group
With the Shed’s growing membership currently sitting at 35, its list of activities continues to evolve to meet the needs of its members. The Shed’s latest addition is a popular walking group. Tom Docherty from Lanark Men’s Shed said: “In less than a week of a walking group being discussed, it was up and running and had its first outing.
“There are now plans to have a weekly daytime walk in the Clydesdale countryside around the Shed’s Lanark homebase. The group anticipates future outings further afield into the Highlands and Lowlands.
“A walking group epitomises the Men’s Shed’s definition of ‘providing a supportive environment for people to gather, volunteer, work, teach, learn and seek fellowship with other like-minded people’. Regular hillwalking, or indeed any kind of walking, can improve your heart rate, burn calories as well as activating the hamstrings, glutes and calves. It also boosts stamina and endurance – all health-giving benefits.
“Walking has also been shown to reduce mental stress as well as reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of course, the most important aspect of walking is that it is fun. There are also excellent photographic opportunities to be had as well as many historical and cultural aspects.
“Any type of walking can be done—from short flat rambles to hill walks, and everything in between. Walks can be tailored to suit an individual group’s needs and abilities.
“Lanark Men’s Shed Walking Group chose a nice, easy walk for its first outing. They set off from just outside Roberton village and headed up a gentle slope, passing an abandoned quarry, to arrive at the bottom of Roberton Law, which was skirted around. An easy downhill section led to a ruined stone sheep fank which provided a convenient seat for a lunch stop.
“The peace and tranquillity throughout the walk was only broken by the interesting discussions about the landscape and scenery. After crossing a small burn, a short stroll led back to the vehicles. All in all, a nice 3½ mile, 1½ hour walk. So, there really are no excuses, why not get your Shed organised with a walking group? It’s good for you and it’s fun.”
Currently, Lanark Men’s Shed is open every Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.00pm. The Shed is just about to launch its new Facebook page, so keep and eye out for it to follow their journey from here.
“Being busy with Shed life is currently my coping mechanism —I really do not know where I would be without it.”
Mike Rowlinson, Secretary of Dunfermline Men’s Shed
Secretary of the new Dunfermline Men’s Shed Mike Rowlinson (70 years young) shares how focussing on getting the Shed up and running and making new friends has got him through the darkest of times following the recent death of his beloved wife, Helen.
Mike said: “My wife and I moved from Scotland to Nottinghamshire in the early 80’s. Initially meant as a ‘temporary’ move, we eventually returned to Scotland when we retired after 33 years there. Whilst in Nottinghamshire, that’s where I initially heard about the Men’s Sheds Movement. There was a Shed some 15 or so miles away from us and with retirement looming, my interest in DIY, my background in homeopathy and complementary health as well as the need to keep myself occupied and meet like-minded people—I really liked the concept.
“On our return to Scotland, I wanted to do something productive with my time. I searched the SMSA ‘Find a Shed’ mapand was gobsmacked to learn that there was not yet a Shed local to me in Dunfermline. Unfortunately, the pandemic then hit and we went into lockdown so I put the idea on hold.
“In July 2021, I was on Facebook one day and came across a post about a group of local guys setting up a Men’s Shed in Dunfermline. Our founder, local award-winning bee keeper Neil Lyndon, came up with the idea to set up the Shed. He had originally wanted a special kind of hive for his bees but it was an extremely expensive piece of kit. He considered utilising the workshop facilities and members’ skills at a Men’s Shed however found that the nearest Shed (Glenrothes Men’s Shed) was quite a distance away and so his dream to set up a new Shed was born.
“I went along to the first meeting and quickly volunteered to become Secretary to get all our ducks in a row. I wasn’t sure, at this stage, what the Shed could do for me personally but it certainly was fun being involved in setting up a new Men’s Shed for our community.
“I call our eight-strong committee ‘The Dream Team’ as we have a great range of invaluable skills across the board including our digital guru Ron Skirving (our Chairman) working on the website and Mailchimp communications. Treasurer Jim Myles applied for and secured our first real funds—£1,500 from the Arnold Clark Community Fund. Neil Lyndon deals with the press and promotional side, Richard Lawrence has valuable experience applying for funding, Ally Craig is our design and protocol guru, Robin Sharp has loads of experience in the charity sector and last but not least Alastair Wood with his business background is producing our business plan. My role is producing the weekly updates and keeping everyone—members, supporters, funders and the community—informed of our progress and plans. I thoroughly enjoy it.
“Then, just before Christmas, my wife of 48 years unexpectedly died and it is all still extremely raw. We met at Edinburgh University whilst I was doing my Degree in Microbiology. Helen was a friend of a friend and I begged my pal to take her along to my 21st Birthday party. She came along, and I gave my best chat up line ‘Grab your coat, you’ve pulled!’ Two weeks on, I proposed and we were married the year after.
“One evening, we were chatting about how great our lives have been, how happy we were and that we had zero regrets. Helen also told me how proud she was of my work with the Men’s Shed. Not long after that conversation, my Helen passed away in her sleep from an aortic aneurysm. Even with my medical background, I did not see any warning signs.
“It has been an extremely difficult time. I just had a big milestone birthday—my 70th—without Helen and we had even booked a cruise for 2023. My life changed overnight. I had to learn to fend for myself, my diet now is…interesting, my choice of TV programmes has completely changed and waking up in the morning and remembering and evenings on my own are just so hard.
“The Shed really has been my salvation. The support from the guys has been superb and right now, I need to be kept busy. Putting something back into the community to help local men, like me, who may be suffering from loneliness, isolation, bereavement or just want to make some friends and have a laugh—it means the world to me.
“I am not a great cook, Helen did most of the cooking, and there are a number of our members in the exact same position. We are currently in talks with Fife Council and Tesco to get ‘Cooking for Yourself’ and healthy eating demonstrations for our members who are struggling with cooking for one.
“Through talking to the membership, we have also identified that at least 30% have shared that they are experiencing or have experienced anxiety and/or stress. Being an anxious person myself, it is a privilege to befriend and support these men and see the improvements already just from our weekly get togethers.
“We recently had a brilliant boys’ road trip to Aboyne & District Men’s Shed, endorsed by the SMSA and fully funded by the Scottish Community Alliance Community Learning Exchange. This trip was not only thoroughly enjoyable for us all but also invaluable to hear all about another Shed and how they got up and running. We learned so much and would highly recommend Shed to Shed visits.
“As part of my therapeutic process, I have made a bucket list. I have had taster sessions to fly a plane and a helicopter now. I also had a day at the Scottish Gliding Centre and flew the glider there. It was a free as a bird experience, I absolutely loved it and would encourage anyone considering it, to go for it! It was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done.
“I have also recently become a volunteer driver for the Community Transport Scheme for the Royal Voluntary Service for people with health conditions and/or restricted mobility to get them out and about to appointments and activities. It feels good to give back and help people.
“Discussions continue with the Carnegie Trust and Fife Council to bring us closer to creating a permanent Shed in the Pittencrieff Park Steadings. The Trust and local authority have been totally behind us the whole way.
“Pittencrieff Park, known locally as ’The Glen’, has 76-acres and is famed for its peacocks that have roamed freely for over a century. We are forging links with our fellow organisations at the park including the peacock sanctuary, Friends of Pittencrieff Park, Sustrans, Cycling Without Age, TURN (men’s group) and Dunfermline Cycling Club. We will continue to maintain good relationships with them to keep ‘our neighbours’ happy and fully updated with our plans.
“The park is extremely popular with the locals and visitors and it is affectionately known as the ‘Jewel of Dunfermline’. With limited resources, Fife Council is doing an excellent job maintaining the park however the old animal steadings are under used and starting to deteriorate. We now have full permission to carry out some maintenance work/improvements on the premises and we hope to take on other tasks around the park as we develop a presence. The area is so beautiful and has so much potential to be great again.
“The windows in the Steadings meeting room were painted shut so recently, we managed to prise them open again and are freshening up the paintwork. We have been granted use of this recently refurbished ‘Activity Hub’ within the Steadings (with meeting room and kitchen) and we meet there every Wednesday.
“We have also cleaned up the toilets, steam cleaned the carpets and cleared the guttering and downpipes. Our next project is to reconfigure the Medished for peacocks that need to be kept in isolation for a time. Having some practical jobs to do, and seeing the difference it is making, has been so great to see and beneficial for the guys too.
“The west wing of the Steadings, if/when we finally manage to officially make it our permanent home, will offer ample extra space for practical activities (about 230 square metres)—the Old Keeper’s House, three workshops and an office. Our ultimate dream is that we want to be the biggest and the best Men’s Shed in Scotland!
“Without the Shed, and the passion I have for it, I would have way too much time on my hands right now and know I would currently be in a downward spiral. The Shed keeps me occupied.
“Being busy with Shed life is currently my coping mechanism—I really do not know where I would be without it.”
Christine Grahame MSP brought another Men’s Shed debate to the Scottish Parliament chamber today (16th June 2022) to discuss and recognise the work that has gone into the production of the one-act play, ‘Men Don’t Talk’ and Men’s Sheds in general as a vital support for many in Scotland’s communities.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer said: “The SMSA would like to thank Christine Grahame MSP and all the MSP’s who supported the motion and their ongoing support to us and the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement.
“A very important, at times frank, discussion around the issues of the lack of central government funding support and the ongoing community asset transfer challenges. Again, due to the amount of MSP support the session was extended another 30 minutes so all speakers had a chance to speak. This shows that there is real belief and support for this unique men’s health movement but so far not the monetary investment it requires to really thrive and be supported like in Ireland and Australia.
“I feel we have made a step, albeit a small one, in the right direction to support the Movement at this critical junction in the development of the Sheds.”
On the 12th May 2022, 13 members of the St Andrews Men’s Shed hit the road to visit the Aboyne & District Men’s Shed on a learning visit fully funded (£700 expenses) by the Scottish Community Alliance’s Community Learning Exchange and endorsed by the SMSA. John Meek, St Andrews Men’s Shed Treasurer, said: “The purpose of the visit was to help us better understand what we need to do to establish new premises. Topics for discussion, amongst other things, were how Aboyne & District Men’s Shed achieved the funding for their new premises; how they designed and constructed the building; and how they manage it as a community asset.”
Adrian Snowball, St Andrews Men’s Shed Committee member, said: “The visit started with a tour of the workshop facilities; there was much discussion and comparison about the equipment in our respective Sheds. As with St Andrews Men’s Shed, much of the equipment has been donated either from local schools, businesses and individuals.
“The day-to-day operations of the Aboyne Shed were outlined. All members using workshop machinery have to be competent and assessed and trained by the Shed supervisors. St Andrews found this to be very interesting and will be updating their own procedures in light of this.
“The Aboyne Shed has 85 members. There is a strong focus on not undertaking work unless that person has been through an induction course in any equipment operation conducted by one of the Shed trainers. The Shed has several workshop supervisors and they keep visibly displayed, an information board showing a matrix of member’s competencies.
“The second floor of the building provides rental income. The Aboyne Shed’s success in creating a community hub, owned by the Shed as the legal entity, with a wide variety of community groups using it significantly helps to fund running costs.
“We learned so much during this visit. We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel and all came away with ideas as to how we might change and improve our operations. We would highly recommend that our fellow Scottish Men’s Sheds apply to the Scottish Community Alliance for funding for Shed to Shed visits.”
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with Scotmid to offer Scottish Men’s Sheds a promotional opportunity during Men’s Health Week (13th-19th June 2022) in 35 Scotmid stores.
To kick off Men’s Health Week, these 35 Scotmid stores are offering a full-day exhibition space – to accommodate a 6ft table, banner and up to two Shed representatives – to a local Men’s Shed on Monday 13th June 2022 (9.30am-6.30pm) to raise awareness of the Shed and attract new members. As Scotmid has a ‘Charity of the Year’ partnership in place, Sheds will not have the opportunity to fundraise, however each Shed can display and take orders for their Sheds products on the day.
Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Community Manager (North region), said: “We are delighted to team up with the SMSA to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds and the wealth of benefits these can bring to men’s health and wellbeing. This is the perfect way to mark and celebrate Men’s Health Week in our Scottish stores.”
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The SMSA is working in partnership with Scotmid to offer this excellent promotional opportunity for Sheds to showcase the services and facilities that they have to offer local men aged 18+. We would encourage the Men’s Sheds local to these participating stores to register their interest fast as spaces will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.”
Participating Scotmid stores are as follows:
Armadale (EH48 3QA)
Coupar Angus (PH13 9DJ)
New Mains (ML2 9BD)
Balloan (IV2 4PW)
Drumnadrochit (IV63 6AG)
New Stevenston (ML1 4JL)
Balloch (IV2 7HQ)
Fauldhouse (EH47 9JA)
Pilrig (EH7 4PE)
Barlanark (G33 4RJ)
Gorgie Road (EH11 2PL)
Portobello (EH15 1EY)
Bishopbriggs (G64 1NQ)
Harthill (ML7 5PU)
Prestonpans (EH32 9AZ)
Blackburn (EH47 7LQ)
Hunterfield (EH23 4TX)
South Queensferry (EH30 9SD)
Bonnybridge (FK4 1BZ)
Laurencekirk (AB30 1BJ)
Stockbridge (EH4 1HX)
Broxburn (EH52 5EE)
Law (ML8 5LN)
Thornhill (IV30 6GR)
Burnhead (G71 5AL)
Lesmahagow (ML11 0AF)
Torphins (AB31 4HE)
Carluke (ML8 4AJ)
Leven Street (EH3 9LH)
Uddingston (G71 6PL)
Castle Douglas (DG7 1LZ)
Mayfield (EH22 5JG)
West Calder (EH55 8DR)
Coatbridge (ML5 1ET)
Munlochy (IV8 8NL)
PLEASE NOTE: Some participating stores may have several Men’s Sheds in the vicinity. Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
How does a man find his purpose when he grows old and major life events come thick and fast? Should he retire to the solitude of The Shed as usual and escape from the world, or get out and try something new? When the familiar rules no longer apply, is it too late to change the habits of a lifetime?
Man Shed is a bitter-sweet one-man theatre piece which explores the joy of sheds, the pain of loss and the comfort of friendship. The play has been inspired by Men’s Sheds around the world, but more specifically by the work of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association.
Man Shed is written by Euan Martin, directed by Dave Smith, and produced by Right Lines Productions. Writer Euan Martin from Right Lines said: “After an extended period of inactivity due to the pandemic, it is fantastic to be presenting live theatre once again. Man Shed was due to premiere in May 2020, but because of the national lockdown, the tour had to be cancelled. We were fortunate to be selected for the Pleasance Edinburgh National Partnerships programme, supported by Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. This will allow us to present Man Shed in one of the most prominent and prestigious venues at the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Susannah Armitage, Senior Producer at Eden Court Theatre, said: “Eden Court is delighted to be supporting Man Shed by Right Lines as part of our inaugural involvement in the Pleasance Edinburgh National Partnership project. Man Shed is a very touching and pertinent tale about loneliness, friendship and where you find community. It is also warm and funny and will speak to lots of different audiences and we are sure that it will do well at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Right Lines have long been established as a theatre company making and touring work across the Highlands and we are really pleased to be collaborating with them in this context.”
The Edinburgh Fringe run at The Pleasance marks the world premiere of the show. The show previews on the 3rd and 4th August and continues until Monday 29th August (with the exception of Wed 10th, Mon 15th and Mon 22nd August).
On Saturday 7th May 2022, SMSA’s CEO Jason Schroeder and Development Officer Tim Green attended the reading of ‘Men Don’t Talk’ co-written by Clare Prenton and Peebles and District Men’s Shed.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “I had the privilege of attending this professional reading of Men Don’t Talk at the Duns Play Fest. The play is an important and vital thread in the much needed understanding and reweaving of a new cultural story. If we are going to continue succeeding in creating a healthy and thriving world for everyone we need to have these types of opportunities to witness, experience and discuss what needs to change and how we can create the changes together. Clare Prenton and Peebles & District Men’s Shed have triumphed on behalf of us all.”
Tim Green, SMSA Development Officer, said: “The actors (including award-wining Billy Mack, Dougal Lee and Greg Powrie) did brilliantly capturing the characters we meet in the Sheds.
“The script managed to encapsulate the magic that goes on in Sheds in a warm, humorous and authentic way. Many of the lines echoed conversations and moments I’ve experienced over the last three months visiting Sheds all over Scotland. I felt very at home during the performance and I know many men, and Shedders in particular, will feel the same.
“Clare is now seeking funding and interested producers, programmers and venues to tour the play across Scotland and beyond. Let’s hope plenty more folk get to see the play!”
Towards the end of 2021, Biggar and District Men’s Shed moved to its new permanent location, at the former Walston Primary School, in Elsrickle. A few months into its new home, the Shed reflects on its journey so far and announces big plans for the future.
Richard Crosse from the Shed said: “Peter Brotherstone was the man responsible for getting the Men’s Shed in Biggar started whilst in his role as Beadle of Biggar Parish Church in the early months of 2018.
“He had seen many situations where men, whose wives had passed on, were at a loss as to what to do with themselves. He felt that most women, in a similar situation, handled the situation better than men as they found companionship with other women. Unfortunately, not all men open up to other men as easily.
“Initially, the meetings were mainly held in the Gillespie Centre in Biggar but some more suitable accommodation was found in Symington, sharing a corner of an industrial unit used by the Albion Foundation, leased from the Hometown Trust.
“Upon starting in Symington, it was amazing how much tools and equipment we acquired from donations. Initially, the members brought in tools that were surplus to their needs but once word spread about the Shed, the general public began making donations, including 16 surplus office chairs and surplus office desks.
“During the later part of 2018 and the early months of 2019, the search for more suitable premises continued. However, it became more focused, when the Hometown Foundation gave the Albion Foundation notice to quit the premises in Symington by the middle of May 2019. This meant that the Men’s Shed would also be required to vacate.
“The search for new premises went into top gear. Various locations were identified including the old Police Station in Biggar, and Loaningdale (a former outward bound centre). Thankfully James Cameron, who owned Loaningdale, was open to helping us and offered us the possibility of using two vacant adjoining semi-detached properties, which had previously been used as staff accommodation, to which we readily agreed.
“We moved to Loaningdale in Autumn 2019 and it took a bit of getting used to as it was completely different from the industrial unit we had just left. It did not have the large spaces that we had before and a lot of thought had to go into making best use of the space available. However, we all adapted and were eternally grateful to Loaningdale for allowing us to set up our Shed in these premises.
“We got involved in local events including The Biggar Agricultural Show and The Biggar Vintage Vehicle Show to promote the Shed and its activities and seek to increase our membership. We started 2020 with great ambition and ideas. Membership had grown to 30 and there were a number of interesting projects in the pipeline. These included working with the local Beavers to create a garden at the rear of the Legion Hall in Biggar and working with the nursery at Symington Primary School.
“Then, the pandemic hit and everything drew to a halt. The Shed was unable to meet due to lockdown but we continued the search for a better and more permanent home. After some long negotiations with South Lanarkshire Council and much hard work, we managed to secure a 10-year lease of the former Primary School at Walston.
“We have now been in our new premises for just over six months. So far, the woodwork shop is up and running and a ramp for disabled access is in place. We have also made a start on improving insulation and preliminary work has started on the garden area. Membership is back up to 35 and the future looks bright.
“Before our takeover, the school building was unused for a considerable period of time and had deteriorated somewhat, becoming rather cold and damp. We have big plans to update and improve matters but this will take time.
“Heating the building with its current system is proving very challenging. However, we are getting through winter and our enthusiastic membership is working hard.
“Some of the projects in the pipeline include: installing new double glazing; upgrading to ECO heating; creating an allotment area, with polytunnel, for our green-fingered Shedders; finalising the woodworking area; and clearing the middle hall to create an arts and craft area.
“We are grateful to the many enterprises and individuals for their generous donations of tools, materials etc. and for the excellent support we are receiving from the community and are confident that we will be able to create a first-class facility that will benefit all in our surrounding communities.”
The Shed meets every Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am – 4pm—all visitors are very welcome. For more information, please contact info@biggarmensshed.ukor call 07471 491099. You can also visit their websiteand follow them on Facebook.
