Personal Stories - Scottish Men's Sheds Association

A Personal Story: George Smith

The SMSA interviews 49-year-old George Smith from the Black Isle Men’s Shed who, following a major accident at work, had to give up work in 2005. At a loose end, George started delivering green woodworking tutorials to members in Feddanhill Wood behind Fortrose.

George said: “I had been a carpenter and joiner since the age of 16—travelling all over the UK to wherever the work took me on projects of a transient nature and thoroughly enjoying life. Then in 2005, everything changed.

“I was working on a refurbishment project with a team of other lads but due to a structural architectural defect, the unstable building collapsed on us whilst we were working on the gable end. I quickly managed to shove two lads out of ground floor windows before I was then hit by over eight and a half tonnes of debris. I survived but the building didn’t!

“After hours digging me out, which I thought was only a matter of minutes as I drifted in and out of consciousness, I have been informed by family members that I died several times in the ambulance. I remember waking to smashed teeth, golf-ball-sized dents in my head and a fractured pelvis—and was told about my vapourised hard hat and how I was lucky to be alive.

“On release from hospital, I really didn’t know what to do with myself as I could not ever go back to work. I was heavily medicated and had to use a walking stick and I have had a permanent headache for the last twenty years. My limited mobility meant that I couldn’t get out to do the things that I did before and I spiralled into a depressive rut which severely impacted on my mental health.

“Before the accident, I was quite outgoing and had worked on many high-profile projects including Europe’s first commercial wave generating station on the Isle of Islay. But I had now totally lost my confidence—I was a changed man.

“Then, one day, I saw a post on Facebook that grabbed my attention. A meeting to start up a Black Isle Men Shed and thought it sounded right up my street, literally. To say that it took a lot for me to go along to the Shed that first time is an understatement—I was suffering from panic attacks and social anxiety in other similar scenarios—but thankfully I already knew some of the guys there, as I have lived in the Black Isle for 29 years now, which put me at ease and I felt welcomed and comfortable from day one.

“That was in 2017 and I have been a long-standing member ever since. Our Shed has the use of facilities at Avoch Community Centre which is operated by the 1st Avoch Sea Scouts for the benefit of the community. Our members have access to an indoor workshop, social area (Ward Room) and a storage container, small workshop and a large patio outside to work on larger projects when weather permits.

“I would go along to the Shed at the Avoch centre twice a week and as a team, we all helped get the Shed up and running. We started building our machine shop and work areas at our pace. Everything was great and then COVID reared its ugly head and the centre had to close.

“One of our members Graham Tuley owns a local wood, Feddanhill Wood, and he offered the space for members to work on projects outdoors.

“Graham and I began taking small manageable groups of up to five members each and started teaching the lads green woodworking—working with wet or unseasoned wood that has been freshly-felled—as well as tree identification and forestry management. We would meet up at the woods, learn new skills and soak up the great outdoors whilst carving away with our axes, saws and knives or turning bowls on our pull lathe.

“For our members with a love and passion, like me, for being outdoors, it was an escape for us during the pandemic. There is no power there, apart from a seldom used borrowed generator, and we began creating beautiful items like bowls and spoons using traditional methods the way it used to be—no power tools or electric bills!

“Graham emptied three buildings at the woods and gave us two of them for shelter and storage. Over time, we demolished one that had seen better days and together, we built a new shed using interwoven sapling Ash. We also built another out of pallets and covered it in reclaimed corrugated sheeting.

“We skinned Sitka trees, which I had done before and swore I would never do again, and used the bark as a roofing membrane for the building. We built up numerous layers to ensure it was water tight—and several years on, it still is—not one leak! Graham now has more out buildings for storage and we have our double shed with a reasonably kitted out workshop with all of our hand tools.

“I won’t lie, it has not always been plain sailing. It took me two years to modify the pool lathe in order for me to get it just right to work it with my bad leg on a barber’s chair. But all of these challenges are part of the fun and banter we have there.

“Our plans for the future? Well, we pretty much want to do more of the same. It works! We just all gather with our flasks and a packed lunch and enjoy our time together. We have built up some great friendships. The only thing I would really like to see more of in the future is to introduce more social activities up at the woods since we have this huge outdoor space.

“I would like to see the lads making bows, arrows and targets and doing some archery. And, partake in some axe throwing too! I also really enjoy exploring the area with my metal detector, hopefully some of the lads will join me with that too and go on an adventure and treasure hunt with me next time!”

A Personal Story: Alex Hunter

Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed (KBMS) member Alex Hunter—a Ministry of Defence veteran in his mid-70s with a newfound passion for bodging garden planters—reflects on the impact that the Shed has had on him.

Alex said: “I joined KBMS when it first started up in 2019. We all had a meeting in the local community centre and the place was full with people keen to have their very own local Men’s Shed.

“Forms were handed out asking for our contacts details and to list what we were interested in, good at and what we did in our day-to-day and working lives. I put myself down as a ‘bodger’ cause everything I do is a bodge, if you know what I mean?

“I certainly couldn’t make furniture for a house. I’m just not that neat and finished, but I was never into joinery or carpentry. I had zero woodwork experience and was Ministry of Defence Police for 23 years and before that, a light house keeper, and prior to that I was in the Royal Air Force (RAF). But now that I am in that Shed, oh, I’m right into it.

“The stuff I’ve made in the Shed is unbelievable, for me, and I’m very happy with it. I like to undertake projects like garden planters, after all if there are any wee mistakes—nobody notices, because it’s sitting out in the garden anyway!

“Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Thursday night, I’m at that Shed. I would say I’m one of the best attendees because I like it so much. And, the company is fantastic—we all get on so well and are all now really good friends.

“It is a fact that I simply would not be living such a happy and fulfilled life in my 70s without the Men’s Shed—it is a huge part of my life”.

– Alex Hunter, Kirkmuirhill and Blackwood Men’s Shed

“We work closely with our neighbouring Shed, Coalburn Men’s Shed too which started up about two years behind us. We helped them out and have remained pals ever since. We’re a good mixture of men, good friends and we look after each other.

“It is a fact that I simply would not be living such a happy and fulfilled life in my 70s without the Men’s Shed—it is a huge part of my life.

“Because I was a storeman in the RAF, I’m also in charge of the stores – mainly the biscuits. It is a responsibility to be taken very seriously—biccies are kept under tight lock and key to make sure the members eat plain biscuits some days and not just the choccy ones!

“I also manage the Shed’s Walking Tours in the good weather from April through to September. We’ve got four different historical walks that we do around the villages where we get groups of up to six to go on a leisurely walk. Every one of our popular walks can be done in under two hours and at an easy pace for all whilst we explain the ‘now and then’ – what’s there now and what used to be there many years ago.

“We look at everything in our surrounding community during the walk and we show pictures to compare the past with present day. We have produced folders upon folders containing all of the photographs and settings. We explain the history of our villages and there is a brilliant uptake for it. We are even educating some of the people that have lived here for decades and this all adds to the enjoyment!

“Without the Shed, I really would be lost. I never want to be stuck in the house looking at four walls or watching mind-numbing daytime television, do you? I want to get out and about, keeping myself busy enough and just have a really good time—and the Shed provides just that for me.”

A Personal Story: Stuart Mackenzie

The SMSA interviews 42-year-old Stuart Mackenzie who kindly offered his friends a lift to a meeting of their local Men’s Shed ten years ago but had no urge to go himself and thought that DIY meant ‘Don’t Involve Yourself’. Fast forward to present day, and he has a mad passion for woodwork and is the Chairman of Macmerry Men’s Shed.

Stuart said: “I worked in the prison service (young offenders) for a few years when, in 2007, I woke up one morning and I had lost my sight. I still tried to get up and drive myself to work but my wife thankfully stopped me.

“That lasted for about two and a half weeks during which I was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

“I got better and thought nothing more of it. Then in 2011, I suddenly lost my ability to talk which ended up lasting for about six weeks. I had to learn how to talk again and I also lost the feeling in my hands which, as a guitar player, was an interesting learning curve trying to continue playing.

“I ended up being medically retired in June 2013 as a result of my MS and spent about six months getting steadily fed up with daytime telly, so I looked into doing some kind of volunteering work.

“I began volunteering and ran a Sporting Memories Scotland group at my local community centre and it was at one of our get-togethers that I first heard about Men’s Sheds. A few guys from the group wanted to go along to a meeting to find out more so I offered to give them a lift.”

Stuart admitted that “At the time I could not join two bits of wood together if you paid me and was never interested in woodwork at school. Just ask my wife Lynda, about the horror story that was the flat pack chest of drawers I tried to put together in our first flat. My dad has never been good at DIY so I had no real interest in trying to learn myself, so I was happy just being a chauffeur for my pals that day.

“Before I knew it though, by just being at the meeting, I had inadvertently now become a member of the Shed. All the men were great and welcoming, to the point that I felt, seeing how I was the youngest there, I had somehow been adopted by 20 or so granddads.

“The Shed has an infectious nature and before I knew it, I was hooked and attending regularly. By just watching and helping out—and without realising it—I started to learn so much from my peers.

“I began to absolutely love working with wood and started making garden benches, planters and even playhouses for my daughter and her friends in their respective gardens. Over time, my daughter Olivia’s playhouse grew with her—in the end I had almost turned it into a two-storey house complete with a spiral staircase! Knowing my history with DIY, my wife still struggles to believe that I am ever asked to make, build and fix things.

“Working with young offenders in the prison service comes in handy when peace making with 15-25 guys in a Shed every day. There is always someone not having a good day—so it is certainly a useful transferrable skill! Saying that, the members are all great—all from different backgrounds that come together as a team. They are all so welcoming and inclusive.

“Being the youngest at the Shed, I initially worried that we would have nothing in common but the banter and friendships were almost instantaneous. We are all there to help and support each other.

“For someone that was unable to talk, I now never stop—I do love to blether a LOT! But also, I try not to dominate those all-important chats in the Shed and I always try to make time to listen to others.

“In lockdown, we all missed the Shed so much. I was bored and craved the banter so we started holding video conference calls—checking in on each other and cheering each other up. In fact, we held a surprise birthday party video call for one of our members—he was delighted. Each of us had party hats on, balloons and banners on the walls behind us which made it a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“My wife says I fight against my health condition. Yes, the Shed does take up a lot of my time—more so now I am Chair—but it replaced work for me and gave me purpose. With my MS, I felt tired and run-down all of the time to the point of feeling useless but now, I want to get up and go, I want to better myself and do things for the guys at the Shed and the wider Shed community.

“My mental health really did receive a huge boost. In all honesty, there are so many people out there all with either physical or mental health issues that, I would say, going to a Shed could be just what you need. It is an amazing sight when you see a new member come into the Shed and all the guys greet them, chat away to them and within 10 minutes have made a new friend.

“Our Shed recently purchased a CNC machine and members have been familiarising themselves with this new piece of kit as well as learning computer skills whilst making intricate designs and this knowledge is being passed on to other interested members.

“Every Shed has got their own speciality, that could be specific to their area or something a member has learned in their personal or working life and can bequeath this to other Shedders. One of our members Fred did stick dressing as a young boy and has passed his skills and knowledge of this on to his fellow members. Fred sadly passed away not that long ago but his memory lives on when the guys are doing this activity.

“I have been at the Shed for ten years now and last year took over the reins from our former Chairman David Dickson who is now our Honorary President. We are a Shed run by its members, for its members and we have welcomed quite a few new guys recently ranging in age from their 40s to 80s. We have so much potential to grow the Shed, and it’s great to see some younger guys, the next generation, joining—we are not just here for the retired after all.

“Future plans include the addition of two new cabins to the yard which we have secured funding for through the Community Health and Wellbeing Fund and National Lottery Community Fund. Two of our members were featured on BBC Radio 4 specifically talking about their experience of joining a Men’s Shed. The producer of that show has asked us to launch a podcast about the Shed which would be produced by the BBC. This will afford the opportunity to promote the Shed and stories from the Shedders to raise awareness but also teach skills around video editing and radio presenting. There was even talk of taking the show on the road to other Sheds to get their stories, which would be fantastic. This project is still in its infancy just now but it is a project that I feel would be worthwhile and hope to pursue.

“In the past, we have connected with the community—young and old—and we have exciting plans to step this up a gear and get a van full of tools and start up a ‘Men’s Shed on the Move!’ and visit different places to spread the word. We can bring the Shed to communities and hopefully, as a result, they will then check out and join the actual Shed. We plan to hit the road to connect with schools, colleges and care homes etc in the surrounding area and really promote what we have to offer to ensure we are still around in 30+ years!

“To think that all of this started just by offering to give a couple of friends a lift to a Men’s Shed. That, I feel, proves the totally infectious and positive results of the Shed effect.”

A Personal Story: John McGhie

The SMSA chats to 97-years-young veteran, toolmaker and golf club manufacturer John McGhie who is the oldest active member of Stonehouse Men’s Shed and the most mature Shedder within the South Lanarkshire Shed network. Here, John shares his life story and how he connected with his local Men’s Shed which he now ‘could not live without’.

Born in Stonehouse on the 20th June 1927, John McGhie went to school in the village before leaving at age 14 to become a toolmaker and studying practical and theory at Burnbank Engineering College for two years travelling back and forth on his motorbike.

John then went on to work in the tool rooms of Metropolitan Vickers in Motherwell and Ranco in Tannochside before, at age 18, he was drafted into the army towards the end of the war and sent to the Royal Corps of Signals in Berlin putting in lines of communication.

John describes Berlin as ‘flat and very quiet’ but he did meet a local girl and asked his commanding officer if he could get married. His commanding officer’s response was to send him to Antwerp instead saying he was too young to get married.

Following the army, John came home and established himself as an entrepreneur, building up the brand of McGhie Golf Clubs. John said: “I set off on the train to travel all the way to the Foxhall Stores near London—the equivalent of Harrods today—for a meeting with the manager. On arrival, my excitement was quickly deflated when the lady at the reception informed me that it was the manager’s day off!

“On my way to leave the store and feeling very disheartened, a man brushed the back of me and asked me why I was there. I informed him that I had travelled all the way down from Scotland to meet the manager but he was not working that day. The gentleman turned out to be the owner, Brian Marks and he was keen for me to show him a set of the clubs that I had brought with me. There and then, I received an order for £6,000 for 15 half sets of clubs and it was also the beginning of a life-long friendship between myself and Brian.

“I waited a few weeks and finally, an envelope plopped through the letterbox. It contained a big cheque—ya beauty—and then there was also a letter with an order for 2,000 more sets!

“More orders quickly followed so I purchased a building in Stonehouse for £500 and started manufacturing. I brought in people from the Larkhall labour exchange and bought grips from Goodyear, maple heads from Canada and iron shafts from three foundries in Douglas in Lanarkshire all shipped via Motherwell Railway Station.

“I really had a great, loyal and trustworthy team working with me and I trained the men on every step of the process—how to make, polish and finish the clubs.

“I really did make an awful lot of money with my business back then but to be honest, the workload almost killed me. Towards the end, we were making over 500 clubs a week with a team of just four and I have to say, it was such a relief when I retired.”

John was delighted that he had built up McGhie Golf Clubs to become a well-known and highly-respected brand in the golfing world, famed for its quality, but all good things must come to an end. Avid car enthusiast John, who at one time owned five much-treasured cars, then went on to invest in Jaguar motor cars and was then asked by the Managing Director of Taggarts to deliver Jaguar cars across Scotland. Not one to turn down a great offer, John then began driving all across Scotland delivering his favourite luxury car.

John said: “When I retired—for the final time—I then just started staying in the house. I didn’t go out much—I had nothing to go out for! But then one day, I noticed some building work taking place at an old toilet block near my house. Intrigued, I went over to chat to the builders to see what was going on.

“The builders informed me that the toilet block was about to become a Men’s Shed! A Men’s Shed—whatever it was, it sounded great and I was in. I took an interest and talked to my grandson who was all for it too and offered to support me by taking me along.

“Every Monday without fail, since day one of the Shed, my grandson picks me up in his car to take me along. I make a beeline for ‘my chair’ and thoroughly enjoy chatting to the lads and hearing all the banter. I love listening to everyone’s stories and also sharing my tuppeny’s worth.”

Throughout the interview, John reminisced on many stories of his loving wife Georgina—who was selected to be a model for many, including the army, and had the most stunningly beautiful low-maintenance hair that she used to dunk in a bucket and swirl and shake in the air and then she was done. Georgina (pictured below) had always supported John tremendously and devoted her life to John and their son and daughter. Georgina unfortunately had a family history of cancer and is now sadly no longer with us and John himself has also fought and recovered from cancer.

Graham Curtis, Chairman of Stonehouse Men’s Shed said: “Recently, this remarkable man stood and captivated the Shed members with his incredible life story for over 50 minutes (pictured above right). This man has lived in Stonehouse all of his life and has so much wisdom and experience to share. John commands his seat on the couch and is a focal point of our Shed. He comes in the Shed and soaks in what people say and you can hear his laughter echoing through the social area. We are so lucky to have him as a valued member.”

When asked about his secret to a long life and still living in his own home, John first of all had to stop the interview to cancel another call on his smart watch, before sharing that he makes sure to keep himself and his brain active by going to the Shed and his main meal of the day is his hearty breakfast—a humungous bowl of porridge made with a pint of milk and four Weetabix dunked in and topped up with orange juice—sometimes with a scoop of jam on top! “The breakfast of champions, plus the odd pint of Guinness” he said.

John added: “I intend to keep coming along to the Shed every single Monday. The lads held a fantastic birthday party for me for my 96th birthday, we all had a great time, and they are already speaking about my 100th birthday celebrations. I can’t let the lads down.”

A Personal Story: Rod Ainsworth

When the SMSA received a letter from Rodney (Rod) Ainsworth (pictured above far right), 80 years young from Lossiemouth Men’s Shed, expressing how much he enjoyed being part of the SMSA and the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement following his retirement from the fire service and moving to Scotland, we had to share his story…

Rod said: “I had spent many years working and living outside the UK and then four years ago, I made the decision to retire from the fire service. I wanted to leave the place I was living in Canada, near Niagra Falls, and return and settle back down somewhere in the UK.

“I made a list of all of the requirements I wanted the place to meet. After a perusal of many places that came near to my list, I finally found Lossiemouth! Not only did it meet all of my list requirements, but it also provided a few bonus extras. Therefore, Lossiemouth it was!

“For those who don’t know Lossiemouth, it is in the far North East of Scotland and located approximately half way between Inverness and Aberdeen, and very near the historic town of Elgin. It is a seaside town popular with tourists and hosts two caravan camping sites and a beautiful harbour and marina.

“On arrival in Lossiemouth, everything was new and exciting to me—but having grown up and worked in Yorkshire, before moving for work abroad—you will appreciate, I was still somewhat at a loss living here. Things were so different and one of the main things I had to adjust to was the Scottish accent.

“Fortunately, I was blessed with wonderful neighbours who helped, advised and guided me through everyday life and, it was through them that I found out about the Men’s Shed.

“The Shed has been the most spectacular thing that has ever happened to me. They invited me into their community and through their meetings, chats and general get-togethers, I have opened an entirely new chapter in my retirement.

“I have made so many new great friends and am developing new skills such as wood turning! We have outings to other Sheds in the area, visits to local places of interest and visiting speakers capable of enlightening us on many different topics, particularly men’s health issues.

“Through the Shed, I have also become more aware of our community which has broadened my scope of living. I now have a bus pass and am informed of local events, such as the Highland Games and have joined the local rowing club. I also take part in Christmas Fairs and Charity Fun Days etc.

“I’m 80 now, but feel about 50 in the head! Maybe I should slow down a bit, but hey ho, maybe not! I am enjoying everything that life has to offer right now. My life has been enriched beyond anything I could ever have imagined or wished for. I can truly say that the Shed has brought me a new and exciting era.

“I have found that everyone at the Shed has a unique background, and we all have stories we can tell. This is what makes it so interesting and the companionship is fantastic. I recommend to any gentleman with time on their hands or feeling a bit lonely, living on their own, or just getting under the wife’s feet a bit—go down to your nearest Shed, take part, enjoy the blether, learn something new or just put the kettle on!

“I guarantee you will enjoy the experience. It’s all free, and there are no rules for you to attend at certain times, you just go when you want and take part if you want to. It’s your choice! And, it’s a healthy choice!

“I hope by sharing my experience with others that it even encourages one more person to join the wonderful association which is the SMSA and connect with your local Shed. Don’t sit at home in front of the telly. Head to the Shed—you certainly won’t regret it!”

A Personal Story: Tom Hollins

The SMSA interviews father-of-five, armed forces veteran and Comrie Shedder Tom Hollins (53) who following medical discharge from the army found his local Men’s Shed and is now embarking on a new venture—to set up a veterans’ hub a stone’s throw away from the Shed base at Cultybraggan Camp. Tom, originally from Belfast, had a military upbringing from day one, his dad was in The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) providing recovery and engineering support to British Army vehicles from land, air and sea and his brother was also in the Royal Air Force. Tom said: “I joined the Army Infantry Division and then in 1989 moved to the 1st Battalion Wessex Regiment as a mortarman and then a few years later transferred to the Royal Logistics Corps as a railhead operator.

“In 1996, I moved to the Territorial Army (TA) for four years before serving for 14 years (2000-2014) with the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) in an armed security role as a section commander/guard commander with a 14-man security section for the 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Kent. In 2018, I moved into a recruitment role with the TA and then had a short spell back at MPGS before being medically discharged in 2022 as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which my father and brother also suffer from.

“I thoroughly enjoyed military life. I really missed the lads, the banter, the lifestyle. People say I am very regimental—of course I am, it is all I have ever known, we even have our own language, and I loved it! After 33 years in the army, I didn’t know what to do with myself—I had travelled all across the world, seen so many good things and a lot of bad but I still missed it. I had to find a way to move on.

“With my complex PTSD, I attended the Veterans First Point in Dundee and received great support from them and was also put on a 28-week Peers-to-Peers course so I could also help others.

“Life following discharge has been a roller coaster ride—both mentally, emotionally and physically. But then we moved to Crieff and I heard about Comrie Men’s Shed and quickly joined desperately seeking my get-up-and-go and comradeship.

“The Shed helped me to talk to other men and make connections. There were some veteran members and it was great to talk to people that could relate. Even though I am one of the youngest members, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of great Shedders with good life experiences to share and learn from.

“The Shed changed my life for the better and helped me feel at ease. I have met so many amazing people and it was a place I could concentrate on my own health and wellbeing.

“Comrie Men’s Shed is based at Cultybraggan Camp—a former WWII prisoner-of-war camp in one of 80+ Nissen huts (Hut 65) which was constructed to house up to 4,000 prisoners (formerly known as PoW Camp 21) and then became a training camp for the Ministry of Defence in 1948. The camp is now a thriving multi-use community resource run by the Comrie Development Trust.

“The Shed offers activities ranging from woodwork to bird watching including personal and community projects, repair/restore service, arts and crafts, IT skills, book clubs, leather-craft, photography and ham radio.

“I found however, meeting veterans in the Shed that they were all saying the same thing—there was no support in our area just for veterans and their families. Somewhere to go for help, advice and support.

“A lot of veterans come back shellshocked and/or with disabilities and struggle to readjust to society and find employment and don’t know where to turn. Many feel like an outcast, and suffer anxiety and feelings of loss and just need somewhere to go to chew the fat with someone who can relate to military issues. So, I decided to do something about it.

“The camp is such an ideal location with many opportunities and huge potential. In addition to the huts, there are 40 allotments, a community orchard, woodland, a gym, shops and local businesses too. There are also many volunteering opportunities including gardening, maintenance and offering tours at the museum. In the Shed and at the camp, you meet a wide mix of all lives and I had now made the decision to add a veterans hub to the list!

“I have undertook many courses including Mental Health First Aid and my past made me experienced to offer integrated support to veterans and their families including health and wellbeing support, funding advice, social activities, connections, advocacy, access to services and pension, employment, relocation and housing advice. I can also signpost veterans to programmes and partner agencies that I have built close links to.

“It has now been over a year trying to set up the veterans hub as a charity, piggybacking on the Shed. I have ‘pestered’ everyone in my path to get the hub up and running.

“The hub is now open and located in Hub 1 at the camp and open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but the long-term plan is to be open five days a week. The hub is really informal—like walking into a living room –and is somewhere veterans and their family members (whether they have served one month or 40 years) can come and chew the fat with someone relatable and access support.

“We can also send veterans on day trips such as the Wolverhampton Multi Sports and Activity Camps where they can do anything from wheelchair basketball to rock climbing. There is something for everyone.

“I say to people who are struggling—feeling withdrawn and pushed to one side—don’t look at the pavement, when you go out for a walk, look up, look around you and see new things. Say good morning to people you have never spoken to before on your daily walks, try something new. As we know in the Shed, it can take a while for people to open up. Take the time, build up trust and they will talk.

“On Remembrance Sunday 2024, we opened our doors and invited veterans from the armed forces and families to come and join us and had a buffet and refreshments. It was a great success.

“Chris from the Shed has been fantastic helping me out with the hub. We opened a little later than planned due to waiting on funding. We have a benefactor who has offered to pay our rent which will keep us going for the next five to six years.

“The Shed has such a great rapport in our area and as word gets out about the hub and its Scotland-wide service, we are hearing the same. We aim to reach and help as many people as we can.

“But, I said from the start of this venture, if I can help just one person feel happier and valued in themselves and move on at their own pace, then it has been a success.”

Please follow and support Comrie Men’s Shed and the Cultybraggan Veterans Hub on Facebook.

Do not suffer in silence this festive period

Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year)

Age Scotland Advice Line: 0800 12 44 222 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650 or use the live chat box

Andy’s Man Club (men’s suicide prevention charity): Meet Mondays at 7pm, find your nearest group)

Men’s Sheds: Search the SMSA ‘Find a Shed’ map to find your local Scottish Men’s Shed

Quit Your Way Scotland (stop smoking helpline): Call free on 0800 84 84 84

Relationships Scotland InfoLine: 0345 119 2020 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am–4pm) or visit Relationships Scotland to find your nearest service

Respect Men’s Advice Line (Help for male victims of domestic abuse): 0808 8010 327 (Mon-Fri. 10am-8pm), or visit the webchat (Wednesdays, 10-11.30am & 2-4pm)

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24 hours)

Shelter Scotland: 0808 800 4444 (click here for festive opening times)

Shout: UK’s first and only 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere – text 85258

UK Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 121 (10am-midnight) or find a physical or online meeting.

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.

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.”

“The Shed has an infectious nature.”

Do not suffer in silence this festive period

“The Shed has an
infectious nature.”