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The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020 is now available from the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association.
The publication features reports from the SMSA Chairman and Executive Officer; key highlights from the reporting period; future plans; and the financial statements.
Scottish Men’s Sheds remain closed during the Phase 3 lock down. Read a full update here >
Continue reading*VOTING CLOSED AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2020*
It is time for the public to have their say on who will be crowned this year’s Scottish ‘Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today announced the top three Men’s Sheds shortlisted for this prestigious award that recognises and rewards the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society.
The three Scottish Men’s Sheds shortlisted by SMSA’s Board of Trustees from all the applications received were announced as Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, Inverclyde Shed and Kinross & District Men’s Shed.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “The applications were of an incredibly high standard and it was certainly a difficult decision for our judging panel. The awards not only showcase the Sheds for the fantastic work that they do but also promotes good practice and inspires other men to set up new Men’s Sheds across Scotland where there is a need.
“It has been great to read about all the life-changing activities taking place in the Sheds but this year’s applications have also highlighted the Covid-19 support that Shedders have provided in their communities and also how they stayed connected to each other during these unprecedented times. The public has a week to vote to crown their winner and truly recognise and reward the impact Sheds have in their localities.”
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the awards event will take place virtually on Zoom this year and will coincide with the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16th September 2019.
The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the day. The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy – designed and collectively created by SMSA and several Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year – on top of a cash prize.
Other prizes include a free machine competency and woodwork training day from David Young Training (plus runner up discounts with a collective value of over £1,000); accounts packages from Thyme Accountancy (worth over £500) and a gift voucher from Axminster Tools & Machinery.
**THIS EVENT HAS NOW PASSED AND WAS FULLY SUBSCRIBED**
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), in conjunction with Age Scotland, held its first National Shed Network meeting online (through Zoom) to share all our findings from regional Shed meetings; the latest Shed guidance from the Scottish Government; what’s happening in other countries with Sheds; the future reopening of Scottish Men’s Sheds and hear your thoughts on it all.
SMSA’s Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder, and Age Scotland’s Community Development Officer (Men’s Sheds), Tim Green, facilitated this online meeting on the day.
SMSA is delighted to present Edition 15 (July 2020) of The Scottish Shedder to our members and supporters – in downloadable pdf and flipbook versions.
The publication is sent out to our 127 Member Sheds and over 2,300 subscribers. It features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Sheds in Scotland.
Click here to access Edition 15 (July 2020)
In this edition:
AWARDS LAUNCH: SMSA ‘Shed of the Year’ Awards 2020
This prestigious award, in its second year, recognises and rewards the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society and tells the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole.
SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Alford & District Men’s Shed
The Shedder shines the spotlight on Alford & District Men’s Shed who has been working hard to provide an ecologically-friendly facility for its local community.
A PERSONAL JOURNEY: Eric Box
St Andrews Men’s Shed member, Eric Box, shares his own Men’s Shed (lockdown) experience.
LOCKDOWN PROJECTS
Check out what Shedders across Scotland have been making at home.
AND MUCH MORE…
What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?
SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today opened its prestigious ‘Shed of the Year’ Awards to applications from Men’s Sheds across Scotland.
***THE 2020 AWARDS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS***
The awards recognise and reward the contribution and impact Men’s Sheds make to society – telling the story to raise awareness of the benefits of Sheds to men, their family and friends and the community as a whole. The awards event will take place virtually on Zoom this year, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and has been timed to coincide with the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 16th September 2020. If you want to attend the virtual event, through Zoom, click here to register.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to launch this year’s awards to celebrate and showcase the life-changing work being carried out in Men’s Sheds across Scotland. The Men’s Sheds Movement began in Scotland in 2009 – and the first Shed opened in 2013 – and we now have an impressive 188 Sheds across the nation – all dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of men over the age of 18 through friendship, support and camaraderie.
“We want to hear from Sheds across Scotland – their background, their journey and the impact they have had within their localities. We also want to know about the challenges they have faced and how they overcame them so that other Sheds can learn from their experience. Although, the event is being carried out online this year, it certainly will not stop the Shedders ‘meeting’ digitally to network and learn from each other.”
Shortlisted Sheds will be selected from all of the applications by SMSA’s Trustees before going to a public vote in the run-up to the event – the winner and two runners-up will then be announced on the day.
The winner will receive the esteemed targe trophy – designed and collectively created by SMSA and several Sheds – to display at their Shed for a year on top of a cash prize, a free machine competency and woodwork training day from David Young Training and a £100 gift voucher from Axminster Tools & Machinery.
Last year saw Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed (pictured above), scoop the title of the first Scottish ‘Shed of the Year’ in September 2019. The Shed was recognised for the incredible work carried out since its inception in 2016 and the team of seven men who carried out 30,000 man-hours over the 104-week construction process on its Shed build before its official opening in May 2019.
Mike O’Brien, Chairman of the Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed, said: “Since winning the title in 2019, we have had a busy and successful time – our reputation just seemed to escalate. We will not be applying for the award this year—proud in the knowledge that we were the winners of the inaugural competition—and wish our fellow Scottish Sheds the best of luck and urge them to apply. We hope that this year’s winner receives as much attention that we have had as a result of winning the targe.”
Scottish Sheds – that are SMSA members – can apply by midnight on Sunday 30th August 2020.
| Opens for applications: | Tuesday 28th July 2020 |
| Closed for applications: | Midnight on Sunday 30th August 2020 |
| Shortlist announced: | Monday 7th September 2020 |
| Open to public vote: | Monday 7th September 2020 |
| Closed to public vote: | Midnight on Sunday 13th September 2020 |
| Winner announced: | Wednesday 16th September 2020 |
The Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA) is today announcing a number of changes to its Board of Trustees.
Chairman Derek Keiller has stepped down after four years on the Board – two as Chairman – and has handed over the reins to David Gardner, Vice-Chairman of the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed.
Derek, a member and former-Chairman of Carse of Gowrie & District Men’s Shed, said: “I am stepping down from my role as Chairman to concentrate on my advertising business and have more time with family and friends and my local Shed. I have enjoyed my time on the Board immensely, learnt so much and made friends for life. I am delighted that David is taking over the role and am confident that he will make a huge impact. I wish the staff and Board continued success with the SMSA, a charity that is crucial for men’s health and wellbeing throughout Scotland.”
David Gardner joined the SMSA Board in July 2018 and took on the role of Secretary in July 2019. David becomes the new Chairman with immediate effect. David said: “I wish to personally thank Derek and recognise his valuable input and leadership over the years and more recently through the Covid-19 crisis to navigate unprecedented challenges and adapt to new ways to support Sheds.
“All of our Trustees are Shedders, first and foremost, and understand the importance and impact of Men’s Sheds. Post Covid-19, there is going to be an upturn in the demand for our services and I am honoured to take on this active role, regionally and nationally, to continue to support the SMSA team to grow the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement.”
Further changes to the Board include Charlie Miller (Secretary of Glasgow Area Men’s Sheds) stepping down as Treasurer – after six years in the role – with Jon Searle (Chairman of Wee County Men’s Shed) taking over the position.
The role of the Board is to develop strategies that ensure the charity is effective, robust and financially capable of supporting its members and growing the Movement. The recent changes and appointments offer a significant refresh of the Board and to further strengthen the team, the Association is on the lookout for a new Trustee to represent the Highlands and Islands region to ensure Scotland-wide representation and contribute to ambitious growth and development plans. If you are in this region and are passionate about Men’s Sheds, the SMSA would love to hear from you and what you could bring to this key role.
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The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is today (16th June 2020) announcing a change to its annual Shed Membership scheme structure.
SMSA Shed Members currently renew their membership on the anniversary of the date that they joined however, SMSA has made the decision to shift its membership year to align with the financial year in order to better streamline the administration of the charity. With immediate effect, the subscription year will now run from the 1st April to 31st March.
How will this affect Shed membership?
SMSA Shed Member benefits – what does your Shed get?
Scottish Men’s Sheds can join the SMSA and receive an array of exclusive membership benefits including:
Volunteers’ Week 2020 (1st-7th June) is a time to recognise our volunteers and celebrate their achievements.
Our Scottish Shedders devote their time – thousands of hours each year – to the Sheds voluntarily and their contribution must be recognised and commended.
Please take some time this week to share your photos, stories, poems and videos about your volunteers or one in particular – we would love to hear them! Tag us in and Volunteers Scotland with the hashtag #volunteersweekscot and we will also share it far and wide.
Let’s give our volunteers a great big THANK YOU this Volunteers’ Week!
The video below features some words from our Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder.
Volunteers Week is a time to recognise our volunteers and celebrate their achievements! Our Scottish Shedders devote their time voluntarily and their contribution must be recognised and commended. Please SHARE your photos, stories and videos with the hashtag #volunteersweekscot pic.twitter.com/DP86rRwCip
— Scottish Men’s Sheds (@ScottishMSA) June 2, 2020