Shed-na-mara operates from a former forestry building in the village of Achnamara on the shores of the scenic Loch Sween in North Knapdale, Argyll. Graham Walker shares their journey so far…
Graham said: “With easy access to the water, Achnamara was the perfect place to build a community coastal rowing skiff.
“With the help of grants from Foundation Scotland and the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All, the skiff project started in 2018 and—after an 18-month delay due to COVID—carried on until 2022.
“The community needed a suitable place to build the boat and was able to purchase an unused, unserviced forestry shed located behind the village hall that was perfect for the purpose. The skiff project brought together people from across the community for twice-weekly build sessions, and saw a great deal of skill development and transfer. When the boat was completed, it was clear that those involved wanted to continue getting together to work on local projects: and so the idea of Shed-na-Mara was born.
“Achnamara is a deeply rural spot and Shed-na-mara provides an opportunity for people from a wide area to get together a couple of times a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am—1pm).
“The Saturday session is run in parallel with a coffee morning held next door in the village hall which brings people in from across our dispersed community. One of the earliest Shed projects has been helping with the refurbishment of the village hall, which now provides a much-improved community space.
“Current members have a range of backgrounds and experience including forestry, metal working, construction, electrical, mechanical, engineering, wood-working and science. This provides a broad range of capabilities to draw on for projects.
“One of our Shed members has a saw mill on his farm and was able to supply local timber for use in the skiff build and for the large work bench installed in the Shed.
“The Shed was recently awarded a grant from the Rural and Island Communities – Ideas into Action fund for the installation of a permanent, independent electrical power and lighting supply which will significantly improve the quality of the work space. The Shed has also had some very welcome donations of tools and equipment which have expanded its capacity.
“Shed-na-mara is now a workspace where men and women, young and old, can get together to work on creative projects or to repair/repurpose used items. It’s run by local members for the benefit of the community and volunteers give their time for free. The Shed fully supports reuse and repurposing to reduce environmental impact. It can take on commissions where people pay for the cost of materials and make a donation to the Shed to help cover running costs and to improve the Shed and its equipment.”
“Recent projects have included gates, a picnic table, a notice board, boat repairs and chair repairs; we’re currently working on building wooden planters that have been commissioned.
“It’s a great way to come together to use and share our collective skills and to help support our rural community.”
For more information, please visit the Shed-na-mara website and support them by following their progress on Facebook.
The SMSA interviews British Army Royal Signals veteran and Aberchirder Shedder David Jarvis (41) on why he chose to join his local Men’s Shed following medical discharge and how his resilience led to him representing the UK in this year’s Invictus Games.
David said: “When I left Mintlaw Academy at 17, I became an apprentice in oil and gas. It was a good opportunity but just wasn’t for me so I joined the Territorial Army and enjoyed it so much that I joined the Royal Signals – the British Army’s combat support arm providing communication systems. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled around the world during my 21-year career and loved every minute of it.
“After suffering a knee injury in the army in 2014, I took up cycling as a lower impact form of exercise and quickly became passionate about the sport. Over the years, I began competing in many races including for the Royal Signals Cycling Team (2019 Champion) and for charities. I was then involved in a near-fatal accident in 2019, knocked off my bike breaking my wrist and shoulder and had severe trauma to my ribs and back.
“This unfortunately led to me being medically discharged in January 2022 and adapt to a new way of life and suddenly needed to find a new purpose. But the accident never stopped me getting back on my bike.
“Throughout my career, we had moved on average every 18 months so following my discharge we really wanted to settle into our new home and build up a strong community around us. My wife, two daughters and I moved to Aberchirder last July and on our first day, I went to the shop to get some essentials—still with the house keys in my hand—and also wanted to introduce myself to my new neighbours.
“One of the first people I met was Jim Paterson, Chairman of Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed. We got chatting all about Men’s Sheds and putting the world to rights. I had heard of the Men’s Shed in Banff and read about Sheds on social media so said I would pop along to the Shed to take a look. And, I did just that.
“I have been a member there now for about ten months. I was surprised that there were so many activities on offer including woodworking, welding, crafting, IT and gardening and potential for new groups including photography, modelling, singing and much more. I am keen on exploring the welding and, given my experience, I can offer IT support to bridge the digital skills gap, but at present I am just enjoying the social side.
“It is hard to adjust to civilian life when you leave those barracks. Now I am working from home, full-time in a 9-5 project management job that I love, and we have a busy family so it is great for me to have that place to go to relax, have a brew and be a part of my community.
“Following my move to Aberchirder, I was urged to participate in the Invictus Games. I learned that I was eligible as all of the participants are wounded, injured and/or sick serving personnel and veterans and it is an inspiring initiative to raise awareness and aid in personal recovery.
“I am truly honoured to be the only Scottish man out of the 59 competitors in Team UK and privileged to be a part of bringing 500 fantastic competitors together from 22 nations for these adaptive sports.
“I will be competing in four different sports – powerlifting, indoor rowing, swimming and cycling. Cycling being my primary event and that will take place on the last day of the games.
“Training is tough but also thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. I like to raise awareness for good causes and fundraise where I can.
“In April this year, I cycled the Loch Ness Etape to raise funds for the veterans’ charity, Erskine. I can really feel my fitness ramping up – as the frequency and intensity of my sessions increase the closer we get.
“Recently however, I started losing weight rapidly and didn’t know why. I went from 85kg to 71kg and have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
“I now have to manage a whole new transition and way of life to manage my blood sugars whilst training for such a big event but I always have been a sucker for punishment and…I know I’ve got this.”
The Invictus Games will take place from the 9th to 16th September 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The SMSA is delighted to present Edition 33 (July 2023) of The Scottish Shedder magazine.
The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).
Inside this edition:
SMSA NEWS: SMSA Shed Health and Safety Video Shed safety is of paramount importance and the SMSA has co-created a new film in collaboration with Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed, premium spirits producer Edrington and film producers and the largest specialist social media agency in Scotland We Are Hydrogen to help your members know the basics of good governance and health and safety protocols in the Shed.
SMSA AWARDS: Launch of ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2023 The SMSA awards which recognise and reward the contribution that Men’s Sheds make and raise awareness of the huge impact that they are having in our Scottish communities are now open for 2023 applications. Scottish Sheds—that are SMSA Shed Members—must apply by midnight on Sunday 24th September 2023.
SMSA News: Safeguarding Adults Policy Template and Poster for SMSA Shed Members Implementing a safeguarding adults policy and procedures not only promotes the importance of the protection of all of the people that come into contact with the Shed – and the prevention from any harm, abuse or neglect – but also ensures that there is a best practice framework in place should any safeguarding concerns arise.
Circular Communities Scotland’s Share and Repair Network and Scottish Men’s Sheds With many Scottish Men’s Shed’s contributing towards a circular economy through reusing, repairing, repurposing and recycling materials in their communities, the SMSA—as a member of Circular Communities Scotland—caught up with their Share and Repair Network Coordinator to find out more about the Network and how Sheds can get involved.
SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Shed-na-mara Shed-na-mara operates from a former forestry building in the village of Achnamara on the shores of the scenic Loch Sween in North Knapdale, Argyll. Graham Walker shares their journey so far.
A PERSONAL STORY: David Jarvis from Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed The SMSA interviews British Army Royal Signals veteran and Aberchirder Shedder David Jarvis (41) on why he chose to join his local Men’s Shed following medical discharge and how his resilience led to him representing the UK in this year’s Invictus Games.
SHED-TO-SHED VISITS: Connections, Camaraderie and Learning Read all about Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed visiting Biggar and Moffat Sheds; Rosyth Men’s Shed meeting Bayview and the Milngavie & Bearsden Shedders recent trip to Forth Valley.
SHED LIFE: Forth Valley Men’s Shed celebrates double award success The members of Forth Valley Men’s Shed are reaping the rewards of all their hard work after scooping two prestigious awards at the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface’s Volunteers’ Week 2023 Awards Ceremony.
SHED LIFE: Barrhead Men’s Shed – A Decade on Barrhead Men’s Shed Secretary Robert Humphrey reflects on their journey—through good times and bad—as they approach their ten-year anniversary.
EVENTS: The ‘Man Shed’ show returns! Right Lines Productions announces that it will return to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and will also be going on the road to venues across Scotland with ‘Man Shed’, the solo theatre show starring Ron Emslie!
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 anonline survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.
Contribute to a future issue of The Scottish Shedder
We urge you to maximise the potential of this resource by sending us your updates to showcase your Shed and raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland.
NEXT DEADLINE (September 2023 Issue): Friday 15th September 2023
The awards, now in their fifth year and delivered by the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), recognise and reward the contribution that Men’s Sheds make and raise awareness of the huge impact that they are having in our Scottish communities.
With over 200 Sheds now open or developing across all 32 local authority areas, this prestigious award aims to celebrate and showcase the life-changing friendships, connections and camaraderie taking place to benefit men’s health and wellbeing.
The awards also afford the opportunity to hear all about the great things happening in Sheds – from the intergenerational projects to partnership working and doing our bit for the environment – in addition to highlighting the challenges and barriers that Sheds are experiencing and what support they require to enable them to grow and thrive.
With trophies and an enviable array of prizes up for grabs for the top three shortlisted Sheds—you gotta be in it to win it.
Last year’s winner was Men’s Shed Govan. Commenting on the award, Men’s Shed Govan Chairman Martin Haddow, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. We have purposefully offered a wide and varied range of activities to meet our members’ needs – after all, not everyone likes woodwork and that is not the be all and end of Men’s Sheds.
“There is such a strong sense of camaraderie and the Shed has improved the quality of lives of its members by giving them a purpose, people to talk to and things to try and do. We are extremely proud to have turned a previously derelict nursery and undeveloped outdoor space that was being used as a dumping ground into a vital resource for our community that is hugely benefitting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of 70+ members.”
Former Kinross Shed Chairman joins Scottish Men’s Sheds Association board
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), the national support hub for Men’s Sheds across Scotland, has today (3rd July 2023) announced the appointment of the former Chairman of Kinross & District Men’s Shed David Conner to its board.
David, who has run several businesses including an electrical contracting company and returned to learning in his mid-40s to achieve a BA in Design and Technology and become a teacher, was Chairman of Kinross & District Men’s Shed for four years until recently stepping down to enjoy retirement and travel with his wife.
David joins seven SMSA Trustees to further extend the hub’s reach of regional support to over 200 Scottish Men’s Shed groups and represent as the voice of the Men’s Sheds Movement. David (69) said: “I am delighted to be a part of this very important membership body. Whilst our Shed was developing, the SMSA was a great support to us and a first port of call to go to for information and advice to save us reinventing the wheel. Without the SMSA, it is safe to say, we and some of our local Sheds would not exist without their team steering us in the right direction and through the obstacles and bureaucracy that is thrown at you especially when starting something new.
“This support is vital to save these Shed volunteers duplicating effort and enable them to concentrate on what matters – improving the health and wellbeing of men. I look forward to representing the SMSA as an ambassador for my region to support developing and existing Men’s Shed groups using my learned knowledge and experience.”
SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder added: “Our Trustees are all Scottish Shedders that give their valuable time to run Men’s Sheds in their own communities and know the Men’s Shed model inside and out. I have known and worked with David and his Shed for many years and I am grateful that he is volunteering his time to bring his strong expertise to our Board and the Movement we support and represent.
“We also appeal for additional enthusiastic and visionary Shedders to strengthen our board even further. We are keen to hear from individuals from Sheds in the West Highlands and Angus. The time commitment is quarterly Board meetings and an informal catch-up with Trustees. Expenses are reimbursed for visits to Sheds and representation at events. Contact ceo@scottishmsa.org.uk to find out more.”
Community Asset Transfer Event – Rural Scottish Communities Rural Community Asset Ownership and Acquisition in Scotland Tuesday 6th June 2023 | 10am | Online
An event for Scottish rural communities interested in community ownership and acquisition
Our partner, Dr Danielle Hutcheon, Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health at Glasgow Caledonian University, is currently leading a project looking specifically at community asset transfer policy and practice across the devolved nations of the UK. The project specifically focuses on experiences of rural communities and they specific inequalities they may face.
As part of the project, they are running an online knowledge exchange event for Scottish rural communities who have been through an asset transfer process, are currently going through one or are thinking about it in the future.
The focus of the events will be on any facilitators or barriers they may face, and also focusing on Scottish legislation.
The event is for community members only and will not be attended by policymakers or practitioners, to allow rural community members to share their experiences in a safe and neutral space.
We urge Sheds to attend!
As many Scottish Sheds have been a part of this process and it is one of the most favourable and effective ways of securing a Shed building in their community – your input for the future of the movement is greatly appreciated!
72-years-young veteran Ray Elliott shares his journey from Royal Engineer Commando withmountain and artic warfare training to Shotts Shedder and mentor and everything in between.
Born in 1950 into the family haulage and scrapyard business, Ray did not need toys – he was the envy of many kids as he got to play and help cut up real tanks! At age nine, after being badly attacked by a local for being a Romany Gypsy, he was then trained by a WW2 Commando to defend himself. Leaving school at 14, he began an apprenticeship as a Heavy Diesel Plant Fitter with McAlpine’s in Hayes, Middlesex and for five years got to work with bulldozers and cranes on building sites.
Ray said: “Following my apprenticeship after school, I moved to a concrete factory making prefabricated building sections as a Plant Fitter. My family then wanted to train me to take over the family business, something I really did not want to do, so I rebelled and joined the Royal Engineers at Cove, six weeks of drill and using the self-loading rifle (SLR) followed by trade training driving a Land Rover and a 4-tonne lorry.
“After 18 weeks, I was posted to Osnabruck in Germany (BAOR – British Army of the Rhine). We lived in confined accommodation with zero privacy. I applied to join the Royal Engineer 9 Parachute Squadron with a two-year wait and got my head down and trained hard but unfortunately, trouble and jealousy seem to follow me around and a fight resulted in me being kicked out of Germany, luckily avoiding prison.
“I had to go to Chatham for trade training and was put on an Engine Fitters’ course, usually six-months long. I was given 12 weeks to pass, I tried to drag it out, but very quickly got bored. After six weeks, I entered the training room and told the trainer to sit down and watch. Within a few hours, I had stripped the engine, re-built it and put it on the engine test bed. To say the trainer was amazed is an understatement.
“After undertaking more commando training – I was the only one out of 24 Engineer hopefuls to pass. I then joined the new Condor Troop and moved to Arbroath to support 45 Royal Marine Commando Group serving NATO at the end of the Cold War with Russia, this was a Mountain and Arctic Warfare Group.
“We climbed up 700ft mountains, abseiled down headfirst at high speed and learned to casevac (casualty evacuation) a wounded soldier up and down mountains. Arctic warfare took your breath away, temperatures around minus 24C, skiing down a mountain would go to minus 60C.
“Our first trip was purely survival skills, sleeping in 10-man tents at minus 28C, skiing with 60lb packs into a hole cut in a frozen lake. Get the pack off, get the skis off, say your name, rank and number then use the ski poles to get out and start running. Just four minutes in that water could kill you, so running was required to warm the body up – at least five miles of running.
“Then, Northern Ireland in 1971 was brutal – our job was to attend to bombings, get the people out first, then the walking wounded, then the dead, or just pieces of bodies. We had to check the building structure and make it safe or pull it down whilst being shot at, petrol bombed or stoned. This experience teaches one to stay focused on the mission ahead.
“Build the camaraderie you miss and help set up a Men’s Shed using military know how.”
Ray Elliott, Shotts Shedder
“In my personal time over the years, and much more since my retirement at 69, I have enjoyed making small models from matchsticks in my own shed and also doll houses which I donate to local toddler groups. After recovering from Covid, I was asked by a charity in Shotts – the next village to me – to call in for a chat. They had seen photos of one of the dolls houses that I had made and asked if I could make their currently closed Men’s Shed work. My initial thoughts were that it was just a place for older men to drink coffee and chat, how wrong I was.
“I had a peek in the Men’s Shed at Shotts, and it was sad to see it empty except for some birdhouses and a couple of pieces of machinery. I got to work, locating a nearby factory that had pallets left outside for people to take. Now we had some wood. A new building behind the Shed supplied additional timber and I fitted two under-bench vices, put up shelving and brought the large table saw and Mitre saw into use.
“I then received permission to strip the old fence slats around the community hall and used the wood to start producing garden planters. In no time at all, previous members started returning, including a group of lads with learning disabilities and I started to teach them basic woodwork and they helped make the planters.
“When the previous woodworker Simon visited, his face was an absolute picture as he stood at the door amazed at what had been achieved. Six months on, this man is now full of confidence and we make an amazing team. We have produced many items to generate Shed funds and even encouraged an 86-year-old ex-Carpenter to join us. I am not the ‘boss’ but utilising my military skills and background, I tend to fall into a leader/mentor role that I thoroughly enjoy.
“My perception of Men’s Sheds has really changed – they are vital and effective tool in our communities. We are now a fully operational Shed offering activities and skills experience including general woodwork, painting, basic carpentry, plumbing and soon we will cover electrics like how to wire a plug and change a socket.
“The Shed is a platform to make friends, relax in each other’s company, just sit and chat or get involved, there is no pressure. They can make a project of their choice, or we can give them a project to do with full support, in a helpful manner, not in an authority manner. The charity hall next door also offers yoga, circuit training and much more. Jointly, we are encouraging members of our community to get out of the house and come do some exercise within good company.
“As a veteran, I fully support the Men’s Sheds model as a worthwhile adventure. Sheds are reaching out to and supporting all men from all backgrounds. With the SMSA always there in the background to offer support, help or advice, anyone with a pro-active nature can help set up a Shed in their locality and encourage others to get involved.
“For all the veterans out there, I urge you to get involved in the Men’s Sheds Movement. Build the camaraderie you miss and help set up a Men’s Shed using military know how. Pull up some sandbags and tell your stories to people, they will hang on your every word. YOU can make a BIG difference in people’s lives and it can help with yours too.”
Nairn Men’s Shed Chairman John Rushforth tells the story of their Shed’s full steam-ahead journey to date at their 19th-century railway station hub.
John said: “Seven years ago, a local public meeting was arranged to discuss the concept of Men’s Sheds and if there was demand and a need for one in Nairn. After this meeting, six of us began meeting regularly at Dunbar Golf Club to drink coffee and dream about Sheds.
“We explored several leads for potential premises including a disused garden centre and old stables, but they just didn’t fit the bill or would cost a scary amount to get up and running – something that would not phase us today.
“We kept meeting every week, enjoying each other’s company and chat, and then a moment of pure serendipity happened at a local football match when a Trustee was walking to the game with a friend and happened to point out a disused building on the south platform stating ‘That would make a grand Shed!”.
“The person he was talking to worked for Scotrail, the leaseholder of the building (the old Stephen Seedhouse florist building) which had previously been an old waiting room at the train station. Scotrail had been unable to lease the building out to anyone else so it was just sitting empty and getting in a bit of a mess. It was a fantastic building though and had huge potential to meet our needs.
“So, in 2017, we applied for a lease and within two weeks had received a long-term lease at £1 per annum. We got the building, but then had nothing to put in it and part of our lease agreement was to do up the outside of the building which would both cost a pretty penny.
“We reached out to the Railway Heritage Trust which offers grants for the reinstatement, maintenance, repair and restoration of railway historic buildings, structures, and fittings and the Davidson (Nairn) Charitable Trust, which benefits the community in the Nairn area or district, and they both offered to stump up half of the total costs each.
“We were off and running – kitting out the Shed, making the building fit-for-purpose and transforming the exterior of the building back to its former glory – and just like the famous quote from the 1989 movie, Field of Dreams – ‘If you build it, they will come’ – they certainly did.
“Thanks to funding from the Co-op Local Community Fund and a visit from Axminster Tools, we have an incredible workshop with every tool and piece of machinery that our members could dream of. I, as a self-confessed non-DIYer, am happy to be banned from the workshop, it just isn’t my thing. After a career in social work since the age of 19, give me the chatting and form-filling any day!
“Some of the members on the other hand, like to get their teeth into projects especially the ones linked to helping our community like making a craft table for the Nairn Alzheimer’s Group and storage boxes for the football club to name but a few.
“Projects close to our heart are also the ones linked to the heritage of the railway station like the restoration of the railway clock and owning the original ‘Nairn’ railway sign that was purchased and gifted to us by Sheena Baker, in recognition of her husband and our founding Chairman, Jeff Baker. The sign is now proudly on display in the Shed social area in his honour.
“Things were going swimmingly and our activities evolved to include walking, crafting, painting, playing games, computing and woodworking but we still especially enjoyed our Tuesday and Thursday morning social gatherings where we put the world to right and just share a cuppa – the most important part of the Shed as far as we are concerned.
“Our oldest member, who is 94, sits and shares his stories which is great for him, and us. We used to have a member, sadly now passed, who saw his place at the Shed to make everybody a cuppa and dare you to try to make your own he would be annoyed – that was his contribution and ‘purpose’ and one of our veteran members enjoys coming along as ‘there is no commitment for me to do anything at the Shed’.
“As numbers increased, we started to notice we were outgrowing our social space. Our ‘glue’ is that we sit and chat. No topic is off the menu so making this space larger to accommodate everyone was incredibly important to us – you can never have too many friends.
“Across on the north platform, was another old waiting room previously used by the florist for storage and it had two big rooms and a toilet but was quite derelict. We contacted Scotrail and to our delight, our lease was extended to include the additional building. The Railway Heritage Trust once again helped us as long as we refurbished the old toilet/storage shed on the South platform. They gave us the grant to improve the interior and the work on the Shed. A really nice bonus is that we are paid hourly to maintain the exterior of our own buildings! We now had the big social space required to accommodate our growing membership and also space for computers and a craft area. And just then, as things were looking bright, COVID hit us.
“Throughout lockdown, our members were incredibly active on Zoom. At each meeting, we had around 20+ members online and staying connected. It was so popular that we also extended an invitation for anyone to join which was great. We had people from Sheds all over the world joining from Australia to Hawaii. It’s funny as now that we have returned to the Shed, I can’t get them to go anywhere near Zoom.
“Today, we have 70+ members, all very much active, and this Shed is making a phenomenal difference in their lives. Only the other day, we had 25 members turn up just for a coffee and you could feel the buzz in the room. Such a lively bunch, happy chatting away and working on a range of different community projects.
“We also have a Saturday activity where some of the younger Shedders join us for an intense and extremely competitive game of Dungeons and Dragons (pictured above left).
“We are currently in such a good place and also have some exciting plans for the future including visiting other Sheds which we will apply to the Scottish Community Alliance Community Learning Exchange programme for our travel expenses through our SMSA membership.
“Some weeks we are open five days, there is always something on, but we still have the potential to do even more. To pursue these plans however, like all Sheds, we need more leaders to deliver this. We are in discussions with Scotrail regarding two old signal boxes (one pictured above right) with a vision of turning one into a Shed allotment/community garden and the other into a model railway club. We already have interest in both from the current membership and think it would bring in additional members also. To be honest, I think we will be beating them off with a stick!
“We have a brilliant set of Directors, everyone has a specific purpose and role to do. It is an absolute hoot. Nairn Men’s Shed is a place where two men, who have work and life experiences that are poles apart – who would probably have never crossed paths before – meet and bond. This is what it is all about.
“Our Shed journey sounds so care-free that we sometimes feel guilty when hearing about other Sheds struggling but then I remember, that this is the way it should be and Sheds should be recognised for this and supported to do what they do.”
Follow Nairn Men’s Shed on Facebook to keep up-to-date with their progress.
The SMSA is delighted to present its 32nd edition (May 2023) of The Scottish Shedder magazine.
The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).
Inside this edition:
SMSA NEWS: Funding update SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder updates members and stakeholders on the SMSA’s present funding situation after welcoming funding from the Scottish Government for the 2023-2024 financial year staving off fears of the Association’s impending closure last month.
SMSA NEWS: New SMSA Trustee on first official Shed outing New SMSA Trustee Francis Edwards brings three decades worth of health experience from working in the NHS and will represent Sheds in island communities. Read all about his first Shed visit, representing the national Association, as he attends the official opening of Orkney Men’s Shed in Stromness.
SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nairn Men’s Shed Nairn Men’s Shed Chairman John Rushforth tells the story of their Shed’s full steam-ahead journey to date at their 19th-century railway station hub.
A PERSONAL STORY: Ray Elliott from Schotts Men’s Shed 72-years-young veteran Ray Elliott shares his journey from Royal Engineer Commando with mountain and artic warfare training to Shotts Shedder and mentor and everything in between.
10th ANNIVERSARY: Macmerry Men’s Shed celebrates Members of Macmerry Men’s Shed gathered to celebrate their 10th anniversary back where it all began in Macmerry Village Hall. The SMSA talks to Honorary President David Dickson (74) who was presented with a shield at the event in recognition of his pivotal role in the Shed’s success as founder and long-standing Chairman.
10th ANNIVERSARY: Macmerry Men’s Shed celebrates Members of Macmerry Men’s Shed gathered to celebrate their 10th anniversary back where it all began in Macmerry Village Hall. The SMSA talks to Honorary President David Dickson (74) who was presented with a shield at the event in recognition of his pivotal role in the Shed’s success as founder and long-standing Chairman.
SHED LIFE: Inverclyde Shed begins a new chapter Inverclyde Shed is revelling in success following the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility at East Blackhall Street—a four-year journey to preserve a heritage asset in Greenock’s harbour area whilst fully maximising its potential to benefit the community for many years to come.
SHED LIFE: Govan Shedders reel in new activity A great day out was had by all as a group of members from Men’s Shed Govan, SMSA’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2022, relaxed and bonded over a day’s fishing. Some lovely big fish were caught when the Men Shed’s fishing club had an outing at scenic Waterfront fishery near Coylton earlier this month.
SHED LIFE: The true worth of Men’s Sheds When Pentlands Men’s Shed Member Scott Greenwood suffered some setbacks with his health, his fellow Shedders stepped up to remind him that they are, and always will be, his biggest supporters.
SHEDDER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Lanark Shedder completes Etape 2023 Lanark Men’s Shed Treasurer Joe Sheerin completes the charity bike ride Etape 2023 in five hours and 24 mins for a worthy cause.
SHED PROJECT: Dunbar Shed creates ‘Big John’ Dunbar Shed, along with local artist Gail Wallace, created a larger than life version of a local hero to celebrate Dunbar Civic Week’s annual parade.
SHED SHENANIGANS: Mind-boggling fundraiser has the Wee County community stumped Wee County Men’s Shed has come up with a clever fundraiser that is frustrating people so much—as they try to guess what the mystery object is—that they are putting their hands in their pockets to find out.
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 anonline survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.
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The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) – the national support hub for Men’s Shed groups across Scotland – has welcomed funding from the Scottish Government for the 2023-2024 financial year staving off fears of its impending closure this month.
Addressing the Association’s 3,300+ individual members and 146 Shed members across Scotland, SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder said: “First and foremost, we wish to express our sincere thanks to the 4,000+ supporters that signed our 38 Degrees petition and the 40+ cross-party Members of Scottish Parliament that co-signed our letter to appeal to the former First Minister and Deputy First Minister to reverse the decision to cut our funding.
“We did not get the level of funding that we require however we are delighted to have overturned this decision and overwhelmed by the backing received from our members, politicians and members of the public far and wide in addition to the local and national media for helping us raise awareness of our vital work and the need for the Association to exist to continue to support and grow this invaluable men’s health movement even further and reach more men across Scotland to combat social isolation, loneliness and boredom.
“The core funding received from the Scottish Government and several smaller funders has taken the pressure off, for now, enabling us to remain open for another financial year allowing us to continue supporting the movement and explore alternative funding sources – within and outwith the Scottish Government – to support our development plans. We not only need to keep the Association’s doors open but wish to expand the national hub to meet the needs of this rapidly growing movement – now with 202 Shed groups and a reach to 10,000+ men/volunteers in all 32 local authority areas across the nation – whilst striving to ensure preventative men’s health initiatives, like Men’s Sheds, are a top health priority.
“The future is looking bright with exciting plans and projects in the pipeline working with lots of new partners. We still have a long way to go but are moving in the right direction. Keep up the support – we can’t do this without you for the future of men’s health in our country.”
