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 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.

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.”

A Personal Story: Alfie Wood

The SMSA chats to RAF veteran and retired boat builder Alfie Wood (79) from Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed on what he gets out of his local Men’s Shed.

Alfie said: “I began working at the age of 11 on my paper round and left school at the age of 15 to build large wooden fishing boats.

“I then served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) for 12 years as a Corporal—protecting airfields and helicopters—and as a result had the experience of travelling all over the world. For a short time after that I became a joiner for a local firm before returning to boat building for 37 years.

“I was fortune to be part of the small team that constructed the 85ft masts for the RSS Discovery (pictured below—Alfie in the red top). I was the chargehand and we received the wood which was specially selected from ‘straight as they come’ trees back in 1988 and dried it out—ensuring the perfect air flow—before making the masts in 1991 following the original drawings. I am extremely proud to have been involved in that project.

“On top of all of that I was also part-time in the Fire Brigade for over 20 years, volunteered at the boat yard and have been known to pose as Santa Claus in my time!

“I would not say I am a workaholic, but boy did I have a great career until retiring at 65. Not many people can declare this but I am proud to say that I have lived an extremely full and fulfilling life and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Yes, it has had its ups and downs but I have loved it and have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“I am starting to feel my age now, the body and mind are not quite what they used to be but I still go for a walk every single day, watch what I eat, look after my house and make sure to attend my local Men’s Shed—Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed—most days.

“As a retired and divorced man, I go for the company but also after working my whole life, the Men’s Shed gives me purpose and a place to go to utilise my skills as a builder and joiner and also share this with other members.

“Five years ago, I heard about Men’s Sheds and just knew there and then that it was for me. I went along and joined straight away. I have been involved from the start and one of the best memories of my time at the Shed so far was having our 99-year lease approved for the former Fife Street school by Aberdeenshire Council.

“We had totally outgrown our North Castle Street home and were in desperate need of larger premises. Now, we have so much space that we can offer this to other community groups.

“The previous owners, Banff and Buchan College, had spent thousands previously renovating the building but it had lain empty for 12 years and still needed a bit of work and a big tidy up. With the Shed only being a 10-minute walk from my house, I was there almost every day helping out.

“Nowadays, however, I am not so able to do the heavier work. I have also never been into modern technology, in fact when I got a laptop, I wanted to throw it out the window and only have a mobile phone for emergencies when I am out on my walks at the request of my family who worry about me. I am totally there for the chat now—which is exactly what Men’s Sheds are about.

“Most of our members are over 60 but we also have some in their 30s and 40s and I am also happy to supervise and mentor the others if they ask for help and require my input.

“I am struggling a bit of late with my memory but can still remember the fondest memories including being six years old when a monkey puzzle tree was planted within the grounds of Banff Castle and a plaque unveiled by the Argentine Ambassador to commemorate the 100-year memorial of a national hero of Argentina, a gentleman called Jose de San Martin, for his leading role in achieving Argentine independence. That tree is now over 7m high now and our Shed were involved in cleaning up that very same plaque recently to return it to its former glory.

“My son and daughter and four grandchildren live close by and are extremely supportive of the Men’s Shed, my son has even been to the Shed a few times and they are delighted that I have this place to go and so many friends.

“As I near my 80th birthday, my plans are to just keep going along to the Shed and keep the brain and body active. Despite slowing down a bit, and taking a bit longer to get there with my walking stick, there’s no stopping me going to the place I love.”

Shed Secretary John Bloor said: “Alfie is a true inspiration to all of us at the Shed. Throughout the pandemic and the agonising process we had to endure to get our Community Asset Transfer, Alfie turned up to every weekly socially distanced and otherwise meeting, believing that we could achieve our objective and spurred us all on.”

A Personal Story: David Jarvis

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.

Follow David, aka ‘Scaley back cyclist’, on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

A Personal Story: Ray Elliott

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.

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.”

A Personal Story: Euan Martin

The SMSA chats to Euan Martin (61)—ironically, on the day he was building his very own man shed in his garden—about how his experience with Scottish Men’s Sheds and the SMSA inspired him to co-write the play ‘Man Shed’ which is currently showing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Right Lines Productions—a writer-led production company based in Moray run by Euan and his writing partner, Dave Smith—is debuting its brand-new production ‘Man Shed’ as part of the Pleasance Theatre Trust’s Edinburgh National Partnerships programme at the Edinburgh Fringe at Bunker One.

Starring Ron Emslie, the touching 60-minute long play follows one man’s journey to explore loneliness, the joy of Men’s Sheds and the comfort to be found in friendships and a sense of belonging in the community. 

Euan said: “Following a delay of over two years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to finally let audiences in to see our work. Our plans were scrubbed following the cancellation of our tour originally planned to start in May 2020 and we really didn’t know what was going to happen with the play. 

“One day, we heard the announcement that Eden Court was teaming up with the Pleasance Theatre Trust as part of their Edinburgh National Partnerships programme. In February of this year, an open call was put out for dynamic Scottish artists/companies to apply to take their work to Edinburgh Fringe 2022. We didn’t have anything to lose so applied, pitched the play and were delighted to be selected as a partner.

“I first experienced a Men’s Shed when I met members of Forres & District Men’s Shed through Moray Waste Busters. It was great to see them in action, have a good blether with the guys and hear the stories they had to share.

“I also visited the first Scottish Men’s Shed, Westhill & District Men’s Shed, which is such a fantastic place in addition to Inverurie & District Men’s Shed and meeting the Shedders in Keith and Fochabers. Each Shed is unique in what they offer their members and how they support them and that really inspired me.

“After a career of 35 years in social work, my interest in the ethos of Men’s Sheds has always been there. I met Jason Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, through Moray Council and found his enthusiasm and passion when speaking about the Men’s Sheds Movement, so motivational.

“The theatre piece that Dave and I have created is a warm story of one man’s highs and lows. Without giving the story away, in the beginning our character is adamant that the Shed life is just not for him—‘no way, I’m not going, it’s not for me’ he says. Then, he thinks about it—he can continue to stay at home feeling insecure and lonely or he can get out there and socialise. The show will make you think, laugh and maybe even cry at times.”

The Edinburgh Fringe run at The Pleasance marks the world premiere of the show. The play—recently commended at the Men’s Shed’s debate in Scottish Parliament on 16th June—is previewing until Monday 29th August (with the exception of Monday 22nd August).  Check out the trailer for the play here.

Right Lines Productions hopes to tour the play in Scotland in Spring 2023. www.rightlines.net

Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.pleasance.co.uk/event/man-shed/performances

New animation promotes that ‘men do talk’ in Men’s Sheds

Men don’t talk – that is the perception anyway. Some men struggle to open up about their feelings, experiences, struggles and health matters but the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is quashing this theory by launching the first in a series of animations to promote that men do open up and talk in Scottish Men’s Sheds.

SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder said: “We are producing these animations to educate and inform on the range of benefits that Men’s Sheds can bring to men’s health and wellbeing. The first animation promotes men coming together in a safe space and opening up to talk ‘shoulder to shoulder’ including sharing health matters that may be concerning them.”

The short animation, based on a true story from a Scottish Shed member, features ‘Guitar Mike’ chatting with his Shedder pal over a cuppa when he mentions that he saw him limping. Mike tells him about a painful lump he had found above his knee and Charlie advises him not to wait around and get to the doctors sharpish. Mike did just that and it was only a matter of days before Mike was having a cancerous growth removed. 

The real ‘Guitar Mike’, Mike Mowat from Glenrothes Men’s Shed, said: “Many men do not open up about their feelings and end up keeping everything to themselves. Men’s Sheds offer a friendly, safe and welcoming environment to make friends and socialise.  I felt comfortable to share my health problems and talk to Charlie and I am now so glad that I did. I am delighted that my story is being shared – if my experience encourages just one person to seek help before it’s too late then it will not be in vain.”

Scottish actor Billy Mack, who does the voiceover for Charlie in the film, said: “I never really knew much about Men’s Sheds until doing a rehearsed reading of a play by Clare Prenton entitled ‘Men Don’t Talk’. We, as a cast, were taken to a local Shed and introduced to the members and talked with them. As soon as I got home, I looked for my local branch but unfortunately there isn’t one in Stirling as yet. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we have one – they are a great way of building friendships and learning different skills but, above all, a place for people to talk about life and issues that may affect them. All villages, towns and cities should have one!”

The SMSA was formed in 2014 to provide support, information, advice and resources to its Shed Members and 3,000+ Individual Members. Today, there are over 200 open and developing Men’s Sheds groups across Scotland reaching 10,000+ men (aged 18 or over) through the Movement.

Check out the SMSA You Tube channel for more videos on the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland.

Head to the Shed today – find your local Shed at scottishmsa.org.uk/find-a-shed

A Personal Story: Mike Rowlinson

“Being busy with Shed life is currently my coping mechanism
—I really do not know where I would be without it.”

Mike Rowlinson, Secretary of Dunfermline Men’s Shed

Secretary of the new Dunfermline Men’s Shed Mike Rowlinson (70 years young) shares how focussing on getting the Shed up and running and making new friends has got him through the darkest of times following the recent death of his beloved wife, Helen.

Mike said: “My wife and I moved from Scotland to Nottinghamshire in the early 80’s. Initially meant as a ‘temporary’ move, we eventually returned to Scotland when we retired after 33 years there. Whilst in Nottinghamshire, that’s where I initially heard about the Men’s Sheds Movement. There was a Shed some 15 or so miles away from us and with retirement looming, my interest in DIY, my background in homeopathy and complementary health as well as the need to keep myself occupied and meet like-minded people—I really liked the concept.

“On our return to Scotland, I wanted to do something productive with my time. I searched the SMSA ‘Find a Shed’ map and was gobsmacked to learn that there was not yet a Shed local to me in Dunfermline. Unfortunately, the pandemic then hit and we went into lockdown so I put the idea on hold.

“In July 2021, I was on Facebook one day and came across a post about a group of local guys setting up a Men’s Shed in Dunfermline. Our founder, local award-winning bee keeper Neil Lyndon, came up with the idea to set up the Shed. He had originally wanted a special kind of hive for his bees but it was an extremely expensive piece of kit. He considered utilising the workshop facilities and members’ skills at a Men’s Shed however found that the nearest Shed (Glenrothes Men’s Shed) was quite a distance away and so his dream to set up a new Shed was born.

“I went along to the first meeting and quickly volunteered to become Secretary to get all our ducks in a row. I wasn’t sure, at this stage, what the Shed could do for me personally but it certainly was fun being involved in setting up a new Men’s Shed for our community.

“I call our eight-strong committee ‘The Dream Team’ as we have a great range of invaluable skills across the board including our digital guru Ron Skirving (our Chairman) working on the website and Mailchimp communications. Treasurer Jim Myles applied for and secured our first real funds—£1,500 from the Arnold Clark Community Fund. Neil Lyndon deals with the press and promotional side, Richard Lawrence has valuable experience applying for funding, Ally Craig is our design and protocol guru, Robin Sharp has loads of experience in the charity sector and last but not least Alastair Wood with his business background is producing our business plan.  My role is producing the weekly updates and keeping everyone—members, supporters, funders and the community—informed of our progress and plans. I thoroughly enjoy it.

“Then, just before Christmas, my wife of 48 years unexpectedly died and it is all still extremely raw. We met at Edinburgh University whilst I was doing my Degree in Microbiology. Helen was a friend of a friend and I begged my pal to take her along to my 21st Birthday party. She came along, and I gave my best chat up line ‘Grab your coat, you’ve pulled!’ Two weeks on, I proposed and we were married the year after.

“One evening, we were chatting about how great our lives have been, how happy we were and that we had zero regrets. Helen also told me how proud she was of my work with the Men’s Shed. Not long after that conversation, my Helen passed away in her sleep from an aortic aneurysm. Even with my medical background, I did not see any warning signs.

“It has been an extremely difficult time. I just had a big milestone birthday—my 70th—without Helen and we had even booked a cruise for 2023. My life changed overnight. I had to learn to fend for myself, my diet now is…interesting, my choice of TV programmes has completely changed and waking up in the morning and remembering and evenings on my own are just so hard.

“The Shed really has been my salvation. The support from the guys has been superb and right now, I need to be kept busy. Putting something back into the community to help local men, like me, who may be suffering from loneliness, isolation, bereavement or just want to make some friends and have a laugh—it means the world to me.

“I am not a great cook, Helen did most of the cooking, and there are a number of our members in the exact same position. We are currently in talks with Fife Council and Tesco to get ‘Cooking for Yourself’ and healthy eating demonstrations for our members who are struggling with cooking for one.

“Through talking to the membership, we have also identified that at least 30% have shared that they are experiencing or have experienced anxiety and/or stress. Being an anxious person myself, it is a privilege to befriend and support these men and see the improvements already just from our weekly get togethers.

“We recently had a brilliant boys’ road trip to Aboyne & District Men’s Shed, endorsed by the SMSA and fully funded by the Scottish Community Alliance Community Learning Exchange. This trip was not only thoroughly enjoyable for us all but also invaluable to hear all about another Shed and how they got up and running. We learned so much and would highly recommend Shed to Shed visits.

“As part of my therapeutic process, I have made a bucket list. I have had taster sessions to fly a plane and a helicopter now. I also had a day at the Scottish Gliding Centre and flew the glider there. It was a free as a bird experience, I absolutely loved it and would encourage anyone considering it, to go for it! It was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done.

“I have also recently become a volunteer driver for the Community Transport Scheme for the Royal Voluntary Service for people with health conditions and/or restricted mobility to get them out and about to appointments and activities. It feels good to give back and help people.

“Discussions continue with the Carnegie Trust and Fife Council to bring us closer to creating a permanent Shed in the Pittencrieff Park Steadings. The Trust and local authority have been totally behind  us the whole way.

“Pittencrieff Park, known locally as ’The Glen’, has 76-acres and is famed for its peacocks that have roamed freely for over a century. We are forging links with our fellow organisations at the park including the peacock sanctuary, Friends of Pittencrieff Park, Sustrans, Cycling Without Age, TURN (men’s group) and Dunfermline Cycling Club. We will continue to maintain good relationships with them to keep ‘our neighbours’ happy and fully updated with our plans.

“The park is extremely popular with the locals and visitors and it is affectionately known as the ‘Jewel of Dunfermline’. With limited resources, Fife Council is doing an excellent job maintaining the park however the old animal steadings are under used and starting to deteriorate. We now have full permission to carry out some maintenance work/improvements on the premises and we hope to take on other tasks around the park as we develop a presence. The area is so beautiful and has so much potential to be great again.

“The windows in the Steadings  meeting room were painted shut so recently, we managed to prise them open again and are freshening up the paintwork. We have been granted use of this recently refurbished ‘Activity Hub’ within the Steadings (with meeting room and kitchen) and we meet there every Wednesday.

“We have also cleaned up the toilets, steam cleaned the carpets and cleared the guttering and downpipes. Our next project is to reconfigure the Medished for peacocks that need to be kept in isolation for a time. Having some practical jobs to do, and seeing the difference it is making, has been so great to see and beneficial for the guys too.

“The west wing of the Steadings, if/when we finally manage to officially make it our permanent home, will offer ample extra space for practical activities (about 230 square metres)—the Old Keeper’s House, three workshops and an office. Our ultimate dream is that we want to be the biggest and the best Men’s Shed in Scotland!

“Without the Shed, and the passion I have for it, I would have way too much time on my hands right now and know I would currently be in a downward spiral. The Shed keeps me occupied.

“Being busy with Shed life is currently my coping mechanism—I really do not know where I would be without it.”

A Personal Story: Andy Lorimer

The SMSA interviews Andy Lorimer, Vice-Chairman of Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed, who won the title of ‘Shedder of the Year’ 2021 in recognition of the work he carried out during the course of the pandemic to keep the Shed operating in a safe and secure manner.

Andy (73), who was in the Royal Navy for 13 years and a mechanical fitter to trade, was kept completely in the dark about the award until the surprise announcement was made at the Shed’s Christmas lunch on the 16th December.

Shed Chairman Bill Allan sourced a decorative ship’s wheel and transformed it into an impressive trophy. The ethos behind the award is to recognise and reward the members who have gone over and above to steer the course of the Shed.

Andy said: “I was absolutely delighted when the announcement was made. The members certainly did a good job of keeping that under wraps.”

“I have been involved since the beginning and attended the first meeting at the Town House arranged by our local Rotary in 2016 when Jason from the SMSA came to present to us about the concept of Men’s Sheds.

“I was enthused by Jason’s talk and was just about to retire, so volunteered to become a Trustee from the start.

“I go to the Shed most days—it is a huge and important part of my life. My wife died a few years ago and it has provided me with companionship and friendship. When we went into lockdown, I wanted to ensure Shed projects, that could still run safely, kept going but also wanted to keep our members connected to support each other.”

Shed Chairman Bill Allan said: “Andy put so much effort and hard work into keeping the Shed operating by organising the rotas for Shed supervisors and the duty phone holder; ensuring that we have a safe environment to work in; encouraging and helping out on all fronts on administration, organising meetings, liaising with other groups, particularly on welfare activities; issuing SMSA’s Pathfindr Safe Distancing Assistants; and creating and distributing the weekly Shed newsletter to keep us all informed about what is going on.

“Andy didn’t just sit and accept that the Shed was closed, he worked very closely with NHS Grampian on health and safety and risk assessments and put together robust procedures to keep us all safe. Andy steered all of that.”

A very modest Andy added: “To me, I just do my thing at the Shed and get on with it so I was gobsmacked to be presented with the award for our ‘Shedder of the Year’ 2021.

“There have been so many highlights over the years—too many to cover—but the biggest has to be actually getting our Shed building. This was a monumental moment and although it then hit us that we would now have to find the funds to do up this building, it was great to be a part of that journey.  Being part of the team, raising funds and seeing each milestone reached is something we will never forget.

“Painting our huge wall mural in the Shed is also a great memory. Our resident artist Paul Ralph involved the members in it. He sketched out the design and we pretty much painted it like a painting by numbers kit. He then finished off the fine details to make it what it is today—something we are all immensely proud of.

“Being on the Stonehaven Farmers’ & Produce Market Support Team—alongside Paul Tosh, Peter Cooper, David Lomax, Jim Mackenzie, Bill Emslie and Mike McInally—is also great. Tom Hannan has been the driving force behind this and leads the team of volunteers. When lockdown measures eased, we supported the Farmers’ Market to get back up and running again with stewarding support and introduced a one-way system. It was great to be back together and supporting our local community.

“Not only is the market work good for our Shed funds but, more importantly, it is a resource for local produce and wares to be made available in our community once again and an opportunity for us to be at local events raising awareness of the Shed activities to potential new members.

“The biggest part of being a Shed member for me is the friendships made and giving back to our community. A group of us have formed a quiz team and meet on a Wednesday night in the local hotel. We recently won the quiz in early March and any money we win goes straight into Shed funds. These friendships are priceless and I thoroughly enjoy it.

When asked about what the future holds for Andy, he simply replied: “Well, I will just keep coming back to the Shed and keep doing what I do.”

A Personal Story: Henry Johnson

The SMSA chats to Henry Johnson, founding member of Garnock Valley Men’s Shed (GVMS) and Chairman since its inception in 2018.

At 77 years young, Henry recently announced that—after four years at the helm—he plans to step down as Chair at the next AGM.

Henry said: “I have three sons and three grandsons in Australia and, pre-Covid, I visited them at least every two years. It was there, in rural Victoria, that I first heard about Men’s Sheds—not knowing at that time that some had already popped up across Scotland.

“Well, I thought that Men’s Sheds were an amazing concept and would be in high demand in my community back home. At the time, I was a trustee of Project Kilbirnie—aimed at revitalising one of the three small towns in the Garnock Valley—and I put the notion to my fellow trustees on my return. They were excited by the idea and we very quickly got to work to follow it through.

“Unlike many developing Sheds, we found premises first before calling a public meeting. We were extremely fortunate that North Ayrshire Council offered us use of a semi-derelict building in our local park to get us up and running.

“As the first Shed to start-up in the area, we have always had, and continue to have, an excellent relationship with the council—largely through our local Community Development Officer, Stewart Beck. We have deliberately cultivated and maintained good relationships with all of our local politicians at all levels and of all parties and none, kept them informed and invited them to get involved in our work. This has been key to our success.

“There was a great buzz at the inaugural meeting, held in the rundown building we had been offered for use.  There were around a dozen enthusiastic men in attendance including David Gardner who was so taken by the potential of Sheds that he is now Chairman of the SMSA.  We quickly got a committee together and obtained charitable status in May 2018.

“We soon discovered that there were other Sheds up and running across the country. We got a grant from the Scottish Community Alliance’s Learning Exchange Programme and used it to visit Sheds in Barrhead (our nearest neighbour), the Wee County, Westhill and Inverurie to ‘steal’ ideas from them. After all, there is no point in reinventing wheels when a tried and tested model works well.  We remain grateful to these other Sheds. In the course of these visits, we found out about the SMSA and joined as a subscribing Shed member. We have received splendid support and guidance there.

“We were overwhelmed by very generous support from local people and businesses and we successfully approached national funders. We’ve raised around £80,000 in total since we set up and used it to vastly improve the interior and exterior of our building and to kit it out for our member-led activities. There was a lot to do.  We had resident rodents, the internal walls were black with damp, the roof leaked and we had no water supply or toilet facilities. But for us, ‘the Shed’ was not so much about a building as about a group of men getting together and working towards a shared vision. Seeing these guys transform a ‘hovel’ into a much-valued community asset was a brilliant project to be a part of.

“Our building is situated in a public park and is at risk of vandalism – or worse. So, an early priority was to make it secure by installing alarm systems, security fencing and anti-climb paint. We even have security cameras that not only record external activity but are linked to my own and David’s phones so that we can check on the building at any time.

 “I am not your stereotypical Shedder.  I’m legally responsible for health and safety so I’ve never dared to use any of the machinery in the workshop. My only useful ‘tool’ has been my laptop keyboard. I was a mid-ranking civil servant before I retired and I have used skills developed then by completing many a funding application, writing many a begging letter and composing, with pleasure, the occasional letter of thanks.

“I was thoroughly bored at times after I retired. I’d suffered, as many retirees do, a huge loss of mental stimulation. My Shed activities have certainly filled this gap. I go to the Shed for a while most Tuesdays and Thursdays if only to have a blether with the guys. Thanks to the Shed, I now have a much wider group of friends. Friends for life.

“The Shed has given me a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment. I enjoy watching previously isolated men—some unemployed, redundant, retired, divorced, bereaved and in recovery – blossom into active Shedders. One of the many highlights for me was watching a group of GVMS Shedders help improve a community garden in the local village of Barrmill. Seeing these guys working together as a team to create a gorgeous shrubbery out of nothing is something I’ll always remember.

“The lengthy COVID closure of the Shed was not only a setback to our progress but tragically, we also lost one of our trustees to the virus.  We kept in touch with as many Shedders as we could including via Zoom and through several remotely organised events but it wasn’t the same as running an active Shed. Our immediate priorities, now that we have reopened, are to attract members back and to extend a warm invitation for new members to join us. The pace of returning to active shedding is however slow. Some vulnerable members are understandably still hesitant but we will be there when they are ready. 

“We have accumulated funds during lockdown to make further improvements to the Shed building, including installing heating and insulation. We will work on this in readiness for next winter and then develop a chunk of space which we use only for storage at the moment.  Something SMSA’s Jason Schroeder said at a training day he held for us early on has always stuck with me – ‘A Men’s Shed is not just a workshop’. For some men, a workshop area can actually be unwelcoming. So, with that in mind, I envisage creating a cosy social area with comfy seats and tables for games to attract members who only want to sit and banter and have a cup of tea or a game of dominoes.

“It has been fantastic being a part of this journey over the last four years. It’s been challenging at times with many highs and occasional lows but I am immensely proud of what our Shedders have achieved and it is only going to continue. It has also been a privilege to support other emerging Sheds in our part of the country, to help set up the Ayrshire Men’s Shed Network and to encourage the growth of the Men’s Shed movement. We are close to finalising our 25-year Community Asset Transfer lease of our restored building which has been much delayed by Covid. We should reach that landmark soon so that GVMS can be around for the generation after mine.

“When I step down later this year, I’ll be very wary to avoid boredom reappearing. I will of course still be involved with the Shed in some way or another. The guys might even let me stay on as a trustee.  But I think the time is right for me to take a back seat—I’ve got two continents still to visit and a lot left on my bucket list.”