All - Scottish Men's Sheds Association

A Personal Story – Krzysztof Malkowski

The SMSA interviews Krzysztof Malkowski (33) from Lanark Men’s Shed (LMS) who is mentoring his fellow members on the creative world of 3D printing.

Krzysztof moved with his family to Scotland from Poland eight years ago and of late has been heading to the Shed every fortnight to deliver training to a group of his fellow members (age 50+) to share his skills and knowledge on how to unlock the true creative potential of 3D printing by making robust and visually interactive articulated prints and creations to sell to raise funds for the Shed.

Krzysztof said: “I always felt like all the people around me had fantastic hobbies and here I was, still looking for an interest to really grab my attention.

“Then, two years ago, I started to learn about 3D printing and I have been hooked ever since. I bought my first 3D printer in December 2022 and get to explore computer programming and the design side and creating something that I am passionate about.

“It took around three months to teach myself what I needed to know to get started and I did a lot of research and watched a lot of YouTube videos. It was exciting to learn a new skill and do something just for me in my spare time. It doesn’t always go to plan mind you but I also love the tinkering side and perfecting the design to get it just right.

“After six months, I felt fully confident and purchased the necessary licenses to sell some of my items commercially. In November 2023, I started selling at the Chatelherault Market which showcases some of the best hand-made products across Scotland.

“Then I met Alan Ross (pictured above)—the extremely passionate Chairman of Lanark Men’s Shed. I didn’t know about Sheds prior to meeting Alan. Now I can see the impact they make, I so wish the concept was as advanced in Poland as it is here in Scotland for the retired and lonely to go to benefit their health and wellbeing.

“Alan told me that the Shed members would be interested in learning how to use a 3D printer. The Shed had secured funding to purchase one and asked for my recommendation on which one to buy. They bought the top-notch model that I suggested and I went along to set it all up and show it in action.

“I was totally blown away the first time I met the members and ended up coming out of the Shed with more energy than I went in with. I was so impressed that I signed up as a member and offered to share my passion by mentoring my peers on my day off work—every second Friday.

“There is just so much enthusiasm from the members—they are just amazing to be around. Now, when I am at the Sunday markets, I am telling everybody and anybody that will listen about the Men’s Shed and how great it is.

“I am hoping to share what I know with as many of the Shedders as possible. Life at the moment is PRINT, SLEEP & REPEAT but I am just loving it and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Shed Chairman Alan Ross added: “Krzysztof is bringing great energy to the Shed. The Shed members are now producing magnificent 3D items including astronauts, dinosaurs, teddy bears, frogs, HMS Vanguard Class Nuclear Submarines and PS5 wall lamps that can be personalised with individuals’ names.

“Our printer is the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer and the quality is astounding. It is running like a dream. The items are not plastic, they are printed using polylactic acid (PLA) which is made from the sugar in corn starch. Not only is it easier to work with, it is also biodegradable and does not emit as many particles as other materials.

“These superb items make fantastic quirky gifts are available for sale at the Shed or to pre-order. The members are learning a new skill whilst raising funds for the Shed, but most importantly they are thoroughly enjoying it. The possibilities for items on sale from the Shed are endless with multi-material and multi-colour options to bring creative ideas to life.”

Krzysztof concluded: “I am just buzzing when I walk out of that Shed. The impact it is having is mind-blowing and I get butterflies of excitement on my way there every time. Long may it continue.”

Check out more of Krzysztof’s creations on Facebook and TikTok.

Shed in the Spotlight – Livingston Community Shed

The SMSA takes a peek inside the doors of Livingston Community Shed in West Lothian which has flourished over the last year and just recently signed a ten-year community lease for the South Barn Garden at Carmondean Community Centre. Shed Chairman David Piper shares their blooming success so far.

David said: “Livingston Community Shed (LCS) is situated in Livingston in West Lothian with a base at Carmondean Community Centre and a workshop at Mosswood Community Centre in Knightsridge.

“LCS is run under the guidance of five trustees, but run on a democratic basis, with all major decisions being put to all members.

“We began our journey back in 2022 when local church café manager Norma Brown noticed four rather lonely men sitting in her cafe and suggested a Men’s Shed might be just what the doctor ordered.

“The Shed officially launched in October 2022 and its membership since then has tripled. Now standing at 27 members and counting—with an age dynamic of between 40 and 86 years young— there are 12 members who are active on a regular basis.

“LCS is open on Mondays and Fridays at Carmondean Community Cafe, where the focus, apart from the excellent bacon rolls and home bakes, is on the banter and having a laugh.

“On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Shed is open at our Mosswood workshop from 10am-2pm, with extended hours during the summer months, where we undertake woodwork, photography and garden maintenance.

“During our first year, the projects were restricted as the Shed did not have a workshop. So, we concentrated on garden projects for both local community members and some local care homes and community centre gardens which had been left to overgrow.

“These were soon cleared and brought back to life with new plants and LCS now has a maintenance role in keeping these spaces tidy for the local communities to enjoy.

“In June 2023, LCS acquired the use of a 20ft x 8ft container at Mosswood, Knightsridge area of Livingston which we have transformed into a woodwork workshop. Since acquiring this unit, it has been possible to add woodwork projects to the list of projects we undertake.

“We have refurbished several garden benches and remodelled a covered BBQ space at Mosswood. We have taken on some upcycling and refurbishment of furniture for community members and have recently been asked to construct scenery for a local panto performance and are assisting one of the local special needs schools to erect a poly tunnel and some raised beds so that the children can grow plants.

“Last year, our Shed entered the 2023 ‘Helping Your Community Grow’ competition through Dobbies Garden Centre and were delighted to win £1,000 of garden equipment. We also applied for and were awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund which will assist with the complete refurbishment of Carmondean South Barn Garden.

“Various local authority grants have allowed us to expand our workshop and construct three garden sheds. We do not charge our members a joining fee, it is completely free to attend and several local residents support our efforts through the donation of tools and items of furniture to refurbish and sell for funds to keep us running.

“Our Shed has also recently been awarded a grant of £10,000 from West Lothian Council to help deliver mental health support to younger people in conjunction with Youth and community project, Vennie Knightsridge.

“LCS has its own WhatsApp group for informal chats and the exchange of ideas amongst our members. We also have weekly meetings to which all Shedders are invited, and this keeps everyone updated with what is happening and of any projects or grants we have ongoing.

“The Shed has had a huge impact on the lives of its members. In conversations, many of our Shedders tell us that the social inclusion and camaraderie they gain from participating in Shed activities is a major part of their daily life now.

“Strong bonds have developed, and members do look out for one another and provide help and assistance to any member who has a problem. The participation in projects provides a strong link that encourages and promotes members to be involved in community related projects that provide further aspects of social inclusion for our older members.

“Long-term, our Shed has a bright future ahead as we have become well known and respected by other organisations and council bodies who see us as a good example of what can be achieved when a group of people come together to do things that support the local community.

“Earlier this year, LCS formally signed a 10-year community lease for the South Barn Garden at Carmondean Community Centre. The garden area has not been tended for over 28 years and it provides the Shed with the challenge of restoring it to a functioning space for the local community.

“This is a long-term project as the large space currently resembles a very overgrown jungle which we intend to convert into a community garden with growing poly-tunnels and raised beds for the production of trees and plants to help the environment.”

Follow Livingston Community Shed’s activities through their website and Facebook page.

Shed in the Spotlight – Inverurie Men’s Shed

As Inverurie & District Men’s Shed (IDMS) marks their tenth year with a gathering of faces old and new to celebrate a decade of community, connections and camaraderie, their Chairman Alex Smith reflects on the highs and the lows of what has been achieved in that time and also shares their exciting plans for expansion to meet the needs and further grow their already 150-strong membership.

IDMS Chairman Alex Smith said: “Back in 2014, two Inverurie residents—Archie Peebles (now an SMSA Trustee) and Graeme Shepherd—visited the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland in Westhill, Aberdeenshire and this started us on our journey.

“The Shed visit was soon followed by a meeting with Aberdeenshire Council where a committee was formed and IDMS was born. Initially, the group met at Inverurie Community Centre (pictured above) and with help from the SMSA and the council, a permanent home was found at an industrial unit in Harlaw Way, along with an area for a polytunnel.

“During our first year and through grants and donations, we raised £51,000 which was used to purchase machinery and equipment for the workshop as well as two portable cabins to make into a social area. A grant from Grampian Health Board (now NHS Grampian) also allowed us to purchase a polytunnel and whilst the new Shed was being kitted out, we met in the polytunnel.

“Unfortunately, the polytunnel kept being extensively vandalised and had to be abandoned in 2017 and we were on the lookout for a new site for it. After searching throughout Inverurie, one of our Trustees, the late Alistair Smith was introduced to George Ross (J G Ross Bakers) who had a field available. At 3.5 acres this was big enough not only for a polytunnel but also for allotments. A 15-year lease was signed in 2019, and we were ready to go.

“In the midst of the pandemic, three Shedders—Graeme Shepherd, Henry Wilson and Murray Main—formed a bubble and set about creating allotment spaces on the site as well as 40 allotments, which are available not only for Shed members but also for the use of local residents.

“The team also planted fruit trees and bushes to create an orchard on site as well as an area of 1.5 acres, called The Howe Farm, as a co-operative to help local low-income families grow their own vegetables. Many of the ‘farmers’ at The Howe knew nothing about growing fruit and vegetables, but under the close guidance of the Shed, this has turned out to be a very successful venture.

“There doesn’t seem to be anything this fertile piece of land cannot produce and we are seeing an abundance of tatties, onions, carrots, cabbage, turnips, peas and beans and the more exotic fennel, okra, courgette, asparagus, sweetcorn and garlic. The fruit trees are already well established having managed to survive being ravaged by local deer and our clever bird-scarer, with dangling shiney CD’s, has also proven to be effective.

“Our new larger polytunnel boasts rows and rows of seedlings just waiting to be graduated to the great outdoors. Member and visitors alike, all agree there is a feeling of wellbeing whether they are actively gardening or just enjoying being out in the fresh air.

“Our excess produce from the land is sold at the entrance gate and at Inverurie Farmers’ Market to raise funds for the Shed and produce is also donated to our local food banks.

“Visitors to the allotments are welcomed by our dedication plaque at the main entrance which is engraved with the words ‘Alistair’s Dream’. It is thanks to Alistair Smith’s vision and determination that we now have this area to benefit our members and our wider community.

“Our Shed premises at Harlaw Way have certainly served us well over the last decade—offering a wide variety of activities over the years for our members including metalwork, woodwork, crafts and a cosy social area with wood burning stove to play chess, backgammon, draughts, shuv ha’penny and other board and card games.

“On reopening post-covid however, we quickly noticed that we were struggling to attract members back. So, to help us determine what we could do to attract a greater level of participation from members, we undertook a members’ survey. From the responses, many of our members stressed that the current premises were simply not big enough to meet everyone’s needs.

“The size of our Shed really does limit the number of Shedders we can safely accommodate at any one time, in both the workshop and the social area. It also limits the size and number of community and personal hobby projects that we can take on.

“Being a huge barrier to the growth of our Shed, we decided to actively seek an alternative site through Aberdeenshire Council and are currently pursuing a building adjoining to our current premises. We have just submitted a Community Asset Transfer request which we hope will be looked upon favourably.

“Until then, we are making the best of what we have. Last October, Storm Babet unfortunately took off the roof of our social area and the heavy rain caused severe damage. It has been a very long wait for better weather conditions and for the damaged areas to dry out to even attempt the extensive, not to mention expensive, repairs but we made do and many members met at the allotments for hot soup and chinwags to get them through.

“A very generous donation was made by Michael Howden, the owner of StationGym83 in Kemnay. The money was raised by Michael and his friends through The Sundown Cycle fully covered the cost of all of our repairs. It was a mammoth task and took a long time to get back to normal, but repairs were completed just in time for our 10th anniversary celebrations.

“We held an open day at the Shed to mark the milestone and it was a great day with an excellent turnout. Our visitors and guests were treated to a tour of the workshop and social area before a lovely buffet lunch provided by Graeme Shepherd, Henry and Gwen Wilson, Bill Stewart and Shantilal Fernando. We then informed our guests of our future expansion plans and great support was shown.

“We are now officially in the community asset transfer process and all of our many letters of support have been submitted. We would like to thank the many supporters of our application including the SMSA, Inverurie Events, Friends of Inverurie Hospital, Douglas Lumsden MSP, Harriet Cross MP, Evolving Inverurie as well as over 500 positive comments received through our social media.

“We are extremely grateful to the SMSA, Aberdeenshire Council, local businesses, organisations and residents for their continued support for our Shed over the last 10 years and long may it continue.”

Follow IDMS’s progress, through their website and Facebook page, as the enter this next stage of their journey.

MOT4Men

A Tried-and-Tested Preventative Health MOT Initiative for Men

Tips and advice from the SMSA to keep your body and mind in great shape

The MOT4Men programme – available FREE OF CHARGE to SMSA Shed Members – educates and informs on key men’s health matters including diabetes screening, heart disease, alcohol, smoking, blood pressure and cancer (testicular, bowel, breast, prostate and skin) – enabling men to increase their awareness and prioritise their health needs.

For more information, please visit our MOT4Men page.

A Personal Story: Billy Christie

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.”

Shed in the Spotlight – Dingwall Men’s Shed

The SMSA takes a peek at the almost-complete *Dingwall & District Men’s Shed, ‘built by the community, for the community’ on a former skate park and now one step closer to an official opening after 19 months of hard graft from its members and supporters.***

Brian Liddle, Dingwall Men’s Shed Chairman, said: “Back in 2017, our founder Dr Andrew (Andy) Foley mooted the idea of setting up a Men’s Shed in our area. A small group of us were very keen on the concept and for my sins, I put my hand up to volunteer to become the Chairman and we began to meet regularly to discuss our plans.

“To kickstart our get-togethers, we were offered the community centre at Ross County Football Club and that is where we spent hours talking, planning and dreaming.

“After a year, we were then given use of the local scout hut in exchange for doing up the place and maintaining it. For the first time, we had a space to make things but the downfall was that there was no heating in the hut and it was just not do-able in the winter months. We explored many alternative premises and gained none until one day, we queried the large expanse of land (1 acre) adjacent to Ross County FC which was formerly a skate park and had not been used for over a decade.

“We prepared a detailed business plan for Highland Council and were thrilled when we were offered a peppercorn rent on a 30-year lease. Initially, we thought about portable cabins being placed on the site but then our aspirations for what was needed in Dingwall and the surrounding area started to grow arms and legs. We wanted an intergenerational community facility incorporating a community craft village for local people to go to socialise, make connections and have fun and a purpose with the aim to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing; gain confidence, learn new skills and utilise and share existing ones, partake in their hobbies and interests and improve their awareness of health matters relevant to them.

“Our outcomes for the project evolved in line with national outcomes to live longer and happier and healthy lives, improve our environment and build a strong and resilient community that supports each other.

“The next step was to get an architect on board and our plans were passed by the planning department just as Covid reared its head and scuppered progress. We continued to fundraise and apply for grants during this time and also purchased some containers which are still on site now but mostly used as storage.

“In 2021, we started building once we had reached £46,000 – we connected to the sewer which was a massive job and one of the few times we have had to hire in professionals. Then, power was connected to the site from 400 yards away. In March 2021, the foundations went in and we started to attract locals and trades people with real skills and we all acted as their labourers.

“We had people from all walks of life including an airline pilot, medical professionals and photographers all rolling up their sleeves to help with anything that needed doing at the time from digging trenches and making kindling. The Department for Work and Pensions was also sending people down here to gain experience. It is amazing what people will do for a cause like this.

“We have spent just under £90,000 so far to transform the site and today, we have a high-quality and fully-accessible social unit, metal and wood workshops, a second workshop, polytunnel, log cabin, kitchen, the community craft facility and ample storage. Funding has been achieved through donations, grants and income generated through our project work.

“We don’t wish to highlight any specific individuals or funders for the success of this project, it really has been a fantastic team effort but we must recognise the legacy of our founder, Andy Foley, who sadly passed away. He recognised a need to create something very special here in Dingwall and it will now be here for many generations to come.

“The biggest highlight for me personally through all of this is when we made the building watertight. Right then and there, I knew success was guaranteed and we could finish this project. We are now delighted to have 36 officially members with around 16 regularly coming along two days a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. We have big ambitions for up to 100 members and to open additional days and attract all ages.

“Future short-term plans include obtaining our occupation certificate, installing our fire and smoke alarms and concentrating on our Christmas production line to raise funds then we can start planning for our official opening and raising awareness with our local media for a recruitment drive. To even say we are immensely proud of the joint achievement by everyone involved would be an understatement. Many hurdles have been put in our way and together we overcame them. Let’s see what the future brings.”

Follow the Shed’s journey on Facebook.

New animation: What is the SMSA and what do we do across Scotland?

Men’s Sheds are set up by and run by volunteers but who supports those volunteers in our Scottish communities?

This is where the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) and their latest awareness-raising animation comes in.

The SMSA’s latest animation, ‘What does the SMSA do across Scotland?’

Men’s Shed members and trustees are all volunteers and these volunteers require someone at the end of the phone or an email or to meet with them one-to-one to take the time to provide Shed-specific information, advice, resources and tools to support them and save them reinventing the wheel.

Over the last nine years, since the SMSA’s inception, the Association has been ‘In Scotland For Scotland’, and not affiliated with any other organisations, to support volunteers in their local towns and communities along this development pathway to grow the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement to what it is today—whether their Shed is fully open, just developing or a group of men wanting to chat about an embryonic idea for their community.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “This animation and raising awareness of what we do across Scotland to garner financial support is key to our strategies and brings us closer to achieving our vision to have a Men’s Shed in every single town and city in Scotland to reach all men over the age of 18 living in Scotland so that they are better informed of the support we can provide them and to maximise their use of it.

“The animation is a useful tool when reaching out to partner organisations and grant supporters/funders to fully explain the vital work we do to keep the Movement thriving. Across the globe, there are 3,000+ Men’s Shed groups across 16 countries all supported by a national body similar to the SMSA and the successful Scottish model is now being replicated by other countries—which we are humbled by and immensely proud of.

“The SMSA team is just a call, a click or a trip away from delivering tailored advice to save any duplication of effort at every stage of the Shed journey. We are just a small team but with a big job to do and strive to provide a wide range of services including Shed visits, online support, a comprehensive website filled with all the information from starting up a Men’s Shed to becoming a sustainable Shed, a members’ database, online members’ resource library, Shed Network meetings across ten regions and national events and gatherings.”

“In addition to this, our charity also provides Shed membership benefits with discounts from our partner organisations, mediation services, a ‘Find a Shed’ map for potential Shedders to find the Shed closest to them, and regular updates relevant to Scottish Men’s Sheds through The Scottish Shedder magazine, Shedloads of Opportunities Bulletin, email communications and our popular social media channels.

“As a focused men’s health and wellbeing charity, we support thousands of our members and hundreds of open and developing Men’s Shed groups. We are here to inspire and support volunteers and through our work, the chances are that we will have the solution to your problem or challenge. We will continue to focus on men’s health in Scotland and do our bit in creating a healthy and thriving country.”

Help change our Scottish communities for the better and improve men’s lives through Men’s Sheds by liking and sharing this new animation with your networks to help more volunteers succeed on their Shed development pathway.

Please share these awareness-raising animations widely with your networks.

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New Shed on the Block celebrates double triumph

They may have only officially opened in October of this year, but Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed is certainly making its mark as their members celebrated a double triumph in the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement world this week.

Representatives from the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – the national support hub for the 200+ Men’s Sheds across Scotland – travelled on Thursday 23rd November 2023 to hand-deliver the Shed’s esteemed targe trophy and prizes for winning ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2023 in addition to a very special donated guitar for winning the ‘Battle of the Shed Bands’.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “When we started these awards back in 2019, their purpose was to celebrate, recognise and reward Scottish Men’s Sheds for the work they are carrying out in their Sheds to improve men’s health and wellbeing and the impact that they are making in their local communities. Since then, the awards have grown tenfold.

“It is a level-playing field for all the Sheds that apply – some have been on the go for over ten years now and some are new and developing. Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed, as the new Shed on the block, is now the fifth Shed to receive this prestigious title and has proved through this win that these groups of volunteers are making just as big of an impact in a short space of time. Our previous Shed finalists and winners over the years report gaining immense status not just where they live, but also nationally with funders, supporters and the media which was unprecedented.”

The Association’s CEO Jason presented the Shed members with the unique SMSA targe trophy which was the brainchild of former SMSA Chairman Derek Keiller – engraved with the Shed name and displayed in a very fitting Shed-style stand designed and produced by inaugural winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed who was also present at the event. The Shed will hold the trophy until the 2024 award winner is announced.

Along with the title and trophy, the Shed receives £2,000 of prizes to support the running of their Shed including a £500 unrestricted cash prize from the SMSA (paid for through SMSA Shed Membership fees); a £150 voucher from Axminster Tools; a £250 voucher from Scotmid Co-operative to keep the guys going for a while in tea and biscuits; a free Machine Competency and Woodwork training day from David Young Training worth £638; and a year’s free accounts package from Thyme Accountants worth £360 to support their Treasurer.

SMSA CEO Jason then went on to present the ‘Battle of the Shed Bands’ prize to the Shed donated by partner organisation, 12 Guitars – the social enterprise uses the guitar as an enabler to provide the enjoyment and life-changing benefits that playing guitar can bring to people of all ages and backgrounds. The band was overwhelmed to receive the prize – a Michael Batio MAB Gold Relic guitar manufactured by Dean Guitars.

Shed Chairman Bob Copland who is in the band said: “We couldn’t believe it when we won the Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year title, and then were doubly gobsmacked when we went on to be announced as the winner of the inaugural Shed bands contest too. We thank the SMSA, 12 Guitars and everyone that voted for us for both – it has created such a buzz in the Shed. When we shared the news with our members that our band had also won, they were delighted thinking that they had won a photo print of the guitar, then found out that we had actually won the guitar itself! We are over the moon to say the least.”

At the presentation event, the Banff & Macduff Shedders band – vocalist Graham Souter, drummer Alex Sutherland, Bob Copland on bass, John Bloor on rhythm guitar and lead guitarist Bob Brown playing the new guitar – not only entertained guests to the Shed with their winning song ‘Don’t Rock the Jukebox’ but also performed live on air to Deveron FM listeners who were also treated to a live interview from the SMSA sharing the great news.

https://youtu.be/FzYp5plCOPQ?feature=shared

Chairman Bob Copland (now 62), who suffered his first stroke at the age of 29, said: “The Battle of the Shed Bands was a great opportunity to feature that there are more to Men’s Sheds than just woodwork. Some men are just not interested in DIY and have so many other hobbies and interests that can bring them together for better conversations. Our band members have all performed in other bands in the past and playing together at the Shed has been great.

“I returned to play the guitar as part of my recovery process following a stroke which affected my left side. My left hand used to seize up and I thought, if I can just keep working my hand it will come good, and through playing the guitar regularly, it did. Many of our members have a background story to tell, our vocalist Graham is a recovering alcoholic and our drummer Alex didn’t leave the house for years following a horrific attack and was left for dead. Our rhythm guitarist John Bloor is also recovering from prostate cancer which was only discovered when he decided to go to his GP to get checked after a conversation with another Shed member. It really is fair to say that joining the Men’s Shed and playing in the band is truly life-changing for all of us.”

Jason added: “We are trying to get the message out there to men living in Scotland that you don’t have to know how to make a bird box to join a Men’s Shed. The Shed is just the place that brings men together either with common interests or with skills and talents that they can share with others or just come along for the craic and a cuppa whilst improving your health and wellbeing. Both commonalities and diversity make for better conversations in the Shed.”

Head to the Shed – find the Shed closest to you on the SMSA website ‘Find a Shed’ map.

Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Each year since 2002, outstanding examples of volunteers making a difference in their communities have been celebrated through the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and now, in 2023, Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed has become the first Scottish Men’s Shed to be recognised through The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. The Shed is one of just 262 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Recipients are announced annually on the 14th November, The King’s Birthday, and the 2023 awardees are wonderfully diverse.

Chairman Bill Allan said: “The objective of the Men’s Shed is to enhance the mental and physical health of the men who have time to spare and wish to pass that time together constructively and enjoyably, learning new skills, or passing on their own and, in the process, contributing to the general wellbeing of the community.

“I am delighted that our members’ achievements have been recognised. It is a tremendous honour for our volunteers after all the hard work they have put in to acquire the property, renovate it by raising over £85,000 in funding, whilst also contributing over 4,000 hours of their own hard work to make it fit for purpose. In addition, since opening three years ago, the volunteers have worked on a wide range of projects for the benefit of the community and the wider world.

“This Shed is unique in Scotland, as it dismantles used prosthetic limbs for the Legs4Africa charity. These valuable parts, costing a minimum of £5,000 per limb, are shipped to Africa where they are reassembled to fit amputees in several countries.

“The Shed, like others in Scotland, also puts great emphasis on recycling bicycles, garden equipment and furniture and repurposing discarded wood and metal through their projects.

“All this has given the volunteers great satisfaction and pleasure whilst providing comradeship in meeting new colleagues in an environment where they and their families know they are safe, all contributing to the benefit of mental and physical health of older people in the community.

“It is also a great tribute to the Scottish Men’s Shed Movement which has now over 200 Sheds up and running or in development. We would like to express our appreciation to the Lord Lieutenancy for nominating us for this award, and also all local Council and our fellow volunteer groups in Stonehaven who have supported us over the past few years”.

Representatives of SDMS will receive the award crystal and certificate from Alastair C S Macphie, Lord-Lieutenant of Kincardineshire later this year. In addition, two volunteers from the Shed will be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Holyrood House in July 2024 with other recipients of this year’s award.

Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2023

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has revealed the winner, chosen by the general public, of the 2023 ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ title as Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed at their national gathering, AGM and awards event today.

The announcement was made following three weeks of public voting. The votes came down to the wire for three worthy finalists – Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed, Carluke Men’s Shed and Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed – as they rallied for their communities and supporters to get behind them.

Over 200+ open or developing Men’s Shed groups, across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, were invited to apply for the awards process before being shortlisted to three by the SMSA Board of Trustees. Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed was then unveiled as the winner – live by the SMSA at the awards ceremony on Friday 10^th November 2023 receiving a tremendous 46% of the votes with Carluke Men’s Shed coming a close second – with only 45 votes between them – and Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed in third place.

Commenting on the award, Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed Chairman Bob Copland, said: “We are absolutely gobsmacked, we really did not expect to be shortlisted let alone win. We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and recognise the outstanding work being carried out by our fellow finalists Carluke Men’s Shed and Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed and all the Sheds across Scotland.

“We are overwhelmed, and thankful to the SMSA, for the amount of publicity and interest that the awards have drummed up for us. Thanks go to each of our members for everything they do to make the Shed a success and to every single person that voted for us.”

Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed’s journey began back in 2017 when a group of eight men began meeting in a room above the Railway Inn Banff. In 2018, the Shed set their sights on the former Fife Street School in Macduff – a large empty granite building that was up for sale. After a few hiccups and a pandemic in the way, the Shed gained access in September 2022 and signed a 99-year lease in March of this year.

The Shed’s varied activities include woodwork, gardening, machinery maintenance, computing, music group/band, snooker, table tennis, cards and board games, group debates, presenting shows on their local radio station and photography to name but a few. The Shed has also dedicated two rooms solely to let to community groups including Deveron Camera Club, puppy training classes, a street dance group, the Macduff Crafters and the North Aberdeenshire Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service Health and Social Care Partnership which holds weekly acupuncture classes for people suffering from addiction.

The Macduff Market has full use of the premises once a month and there is also a regular presence from the Community Food Initiative North East’s mobile food service van to serve the community. The Shed recently hosted Macduff’s first-ever car boot sale which was a great success. Their list of projects is vast and they have had a huge impact with the younger and older generations in their community in such a short period of time. The Shed has mentored Macduff Primary pupils within the Nurture Hub, worked with Banff Academy and the local Brownies group to build bird boxes as well as refurbished a sun house, seating and built a greenhouse for the local sheltered housing complex.

Jason Schroeder, SMSA CEO, said: “Our three finalists are all excellent examples of best practice and the reason behind showcasing these Sheds through these awards. Our winner is not only improving the health, wellbeing and general quality of life of the members that attend but this group of volunteers has also saved this building from demolition and brought it back for immense community benefit. They are sharing this fantastic community resource with other local groups – as there was a lack of suitable and affordable meeting spaces in the area – resulting in bringing the community together through shared premises, assets and knowledge and to also generate income towards the running of the facility to ensure it is here for many years to come.”

Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed were presented with the esteemed SMSA targe trophy – created and designed by former SMSA Chairman Derek Keiller and several Men’s Shed members – engraved with the Shed name and displayed in a unique stand designed and produced by inaugural winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed. The two runners up received a replica trophy, created by David Young Training, to be displayed in their Sheds to recognise them as 2023 finalists.

The winner and runners-up also receive a range of prizes from the SMSA and their partners and sponsors. Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed receives £2,000 of prizes to support their Shed including a £500 cash prize from the SMSA (paid for through SMSA Shed Membership fees); a £150 voucher from Axminster Tools; a £250 voucher from Scotmid Co-operative; a free Machine Competency and Woodwork training day from David Young Training worth £638; and a year’s free Shed accounts package from Thyme Accountants worth £360 to support the Shed Treasurer.

This year’s event, the first gathering of Scottish Men’s Sheds since the pandemic, included a new fun entertainment element entitled ‘Battle of the Shed Bands’ with performances from three Shed bands – Simply Shed’ from Stonehouse Men’s Shed, ‘The Woodshedders’ from Culter & District Men’s Shed and the ‘Banff & Macduff Shedders’ – who competed for votes from the event delegates.

Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed celebrated a double win as they were selected by the audience to win a Michael Batio MAB Gold Relic guitar manufactured by Dean Guitars donated by the social enterprise 12 Guitars which uses the guitar as an enabler to provide the enjoyment and life-changing benefits that playing guitar can bring to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Banff & Macduff Shedders band formed almost six years ago to ‘get together to play some tunes for fun’. Commenting, Bob Copland, said: “All we want to do really is have a bit of fun and not let our instruments, or ourselves, collect dust.”

Jason added: “We are not just about woodwork in Men’s Sheds – far from it – as strongly evidenced by the Sheds celebrated at today’s event. Sheds are all unique and offer a diverse range of activities to meet their members’ needs and the volunteers all have talents and skills they wish to utilise and share with others. Music and bands were just one element that we wished to showcase at our national gathering.”

John Conroy from ‘The Woodshedders’ group from the Culter & District Men’s Shed said: “We use our group to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of singing as it can boost confidence, encourage expression and social bonding. Music and singing are really good for you, the known physical benefits include enhancing lung function, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, also improving memory.

“Current members Erik Stein, Peter Helms, Graham James, Paul Bothamley, and I never set out to be a performing group but were encouraged by former Shed Chairman Bill Jamieson to start performing at Shed events before venturing out to public engagements. Our ethos is that ‘music is the universal language of mankind’ and the recording played at the SMSA event was from our first-ever public performance at Deeside Golf Club, Aberdeen, so it is very close to our hearts.

“It is hard to describe the feel-good factor that our group gains from singing in a relaxed environment. We love to make our audience happy and hope to continue for as long as we can. We urge other Sheds to consider setting up their own music groups and encourage members of the public to consider joining or starting up a music group at their local Men’s Shed.” Head to the Shed – find the Shed closest to you on the SMSA website at www.scottishmsa.org.uk/find-a-shed