The SMSA is delighted to present its 32nd edition (May 2023) of The Scottish Shedder magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).

Inside this edition:

SMSA NEWS: Funding update
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder updates members and stakeholders on the SMSA’s present funding situation after welcoming funding from the Scottish Government for the 2023-2024 financial year staving off fears of the Association’s impending closure last month.

SMSA NEWS: New SMSA Trustee on first official Shed outing
New SMSA Trustee Francis Edwards brings three decades worth of health experience from working in the NHS and will represent Sheds in island communities. Read all about his first Shed visit, representing the national Association, as he attends the official opening of Orkney Men’s Shed in Stromness.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nairn Men’s Shed
Nairn Men’s Shed Chairman John Rushforth tells the story of their Shed’s full steam-ahead journey to date at their 19th-century railway station hub.

A PERSONAL STORY: Ray Elliott from Schotts Men’s Shed
72-years-young veteran Ray Elliott shares his journey from Royal Engineer Commando with mountain and artic warfare training to Shotts Shedder and mentor and everything in between.

10th ANNIVERSARY: Macmerry Men’s Shed celebrates
Members of Macmerry Men’s Shed gathered to celebrate their 10th anniversary back where it all began in Macmerry Village Hall. The SMSA talks to Honorary President David Dickson (74) who was presented with a shield at the event in recognition of his pivotal role in the Shed’s success as founder and long-standing Chairman.

10th ANNIVERSARY: Macmerry Men’s Shed celebrates
Members of Macmerry Men’s Shed gathered to celebrate their 10th anniversary back where it all began in Macmerry Village Hall. The SMSA talks to Honorary President David Dickson (74) who was presented with a shield at the event in recognition of his pivotal role in the Shed’s success as founder and long-standing Chairman.

SHED LIFE: Inverclyde Shed begins a new chapter
Inverclyde Shed is revelling in success following the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility at East Blackhall Street—a four-year journey to preserve a heritage asset in Greenock’s harbour area whilst fully maximising its potential to benefit the community for many years to come.

SHED LIFE: Govan Shedders reel in new activity
A great day out was had by all as a group of members from Men’s Shed Govan, SMSA’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2022, relaxed and bonded over a day’s fishing. Some lovely big fish were caught when the Men Shed’s fishing club had an outing at scenic Waterfront fishery near Coylton earlier this month.

SHED LIFE: The true worth of Men’s Sheds
When Pentlands Men’s Shed Member Scott Greenwood suffered some setbacks with his health, his fellow Shedders stepped up to remind him that they are, and always will be, his biggest supporters. 

SHEDDER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Lanark Shedder completes Etape 2023
Lanark Men’s Shed Treasurer Joe Sheerin completes the charity bike ride Etape 2023 in five hours and 24 mins for a worthy cause.

SHED PROJECT: Dunbar Shed creates ‘Big John’
Dunbar Shed, along with local artist Gail Wallace, created a larger than life version of a local hero to celebrate Dunbar Civic Week’s annual parade.

SHED SHENANIGANS: Mind-boggling fundraiser has the Wee County community stumped
Wee County Men’s Shed has come up with a clever fundraiser that is frustrating people so much—as they try to guess what the mystery object is—that they are putting their hands in their pockets to find out.

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

Contribute to a future issue of The Scottish Shedder

We urge you to maximise the potential of this resource by sending us your updates to showcase your Shed and raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland. 

NEXT DEADLINE: 7TH JULY 2023

The SMSA is delighted to present its 31st edition (December 2022) of The Scottish Shedder magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).

Inside this edition:

SMSA NEWS: ‘Talking Sheds’ by SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder
SMSA CEO Jason Schroeder provides an update on the Association’s latest developments and appeals to members to ‘SAVE THE SMSA‘.

SMSA NEWS: Men’s health animation promotes keeping the ‘three nuts’ healthy
The SMSA has launched the second in a series of men’s health animations with the latest encouraging men to keep a check on their ‘three nuts’ and to take quick action if they experience any changes.

SCOTTISH MEN’S SHED OF THE YEAR: Men’s Shed Govan takes home the title
The SMSA announces the winner of the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2022. The awards event capped off weeks of public voting for three worthy finalists – Inverurie & District Men’s Shed, Lanark Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed Govan – as they battled it out to get their communities and supporters behind them to cast those all-important votes. 

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rhins Men’s Shed
Donald Peers, Secretary of Rhins Men’s Shed in Stoneykirk, Dumfries and Galloway shares their seven-year journey and how they turned a run-down village hall into a hive of Shed activity for their 50+ members.

MEN’S SHED SONG: ‘At the Menshed’
‘The Shedbellies’ from Dunfermline Men’s Shed have created a fab new Shed song entitled ‘At the Menshed’. The players on the recording are Tim Clark and Alastair Wood from the Shed band.

COMMUNITY VETERANS’ SUPPORT
David Devenney, Director of Community Veterans Support, reflects on how much their military veterans and the Men’s Shed movement share in common. 

SHED AWARDS: Dunoon Shedders presented with QAVS 
The Lord-Lieutenant for Argyll and Bute Mrs Jane McLeod, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Peter McDill—Depute for Dunoon and East Cowal, presented Dunoon Community Shed with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) crystal and certificate last month.

SHED AWARDS: Accolade awarded to Stanley & District Men’s Shed 
Stanley and District Men’s Shed recognised for their tremendous efforts to create a living legacy and lasting tribute in honour of the Queen last month.

SHED LIFE: Perth Men’s Shed sponsors and installs outdoor learning experience for pupils
Rural Skills pupils at one of Scotland’s newest secondary schools has benefitted from the installation of a polytunnel to enhance their outdoor learning experience thanks to Perth Men’s Shed’s Intergenerational Programme.

SHED LIFE: Carluke Men’s Shed secures Community Asset Transfer
Carluke Men’s Shed is celebrating an early Christmas present as they announce their Community Asset Transfer for their new Shed home on Carluke’s Kilmory Road.

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

Contribute to a future issue of The Scottish Shedder

We urge you to maximise the potential of this resource by sending us your updates to showcase your Shed and raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland. 

The SMSA is delighted to present its October 2022 edition of The Scottish Shedder magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version (below).

In this edition:

SMSA NEWS: The SMSA needs your support
SMSA Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder asks in his Talking Sheds feature (on page 3) for your support. In February 2022, Scottish Ministers made the decision to stop statutory funding to the SMSA. Jason urges all who support the SMSA and the Scottish Men’s Shed Movement to talk to their MSP’s and lobby for a directional change. 

SMSA NEWS: The SMSA hits two major membership milestones
The SMSA is celebrating hitting two major milestones with its individual membership scheme. The national association welcomed its 3,000th member and in the month of August, the SMSA also marked its highest intake of new members with a staggering 76 new individual members joining.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forth Valley Men’s Shed
Forth Valley Men’s Shed’s new Chairman Kenny Quinn talks to the SMSA to give an insight into their Shed’s six-year journey. 

A PERSONAL STORY: Richard Packer from Fraserburgh & District Men’s Shed
The SMSA interviews veteran Richard Packer (52) on how joining the Shed—along with his service dog, Ace—and becoming a Trustee has impacted on his life.

SHED AWARDS: It’s time to vote!
Voting has now opened for the public to have their say on who will be crowned ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2022. The 2022 finalists are Inverurie & District Men’s Shed, Lanark Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed Govan.

SHED LIFE: Newton Stewart Men’s Shed secures new Pavillion home
The SMSA chats to Carl Annall, Secretary at Newton Stewart Men’s Shed who received the keys to their new home at The Pavilion on Kirroughtree Avenue in Minnigaff last month. The Shedders are currently busy in painting mode and transforming the facilities to meet the needs of their 46 members.

SHED LIFE: A ‘new beginning’ for Bridge of Don and District Men’s Shed
The SMSA’s visits Bridge of Don and District Men’s Shed to hear all about their big announcement that they have secured new rent-free premises at the former Oldmachar Community Preschool building on Jesmond Drive in Aberdeen.

SHED LIFE: Armadale Shed: Making intergenerational connections in the community
Over the last four years, Armadale Shed has worked in partnership with Armadale Academy to mentor and support their students to develop skills for life and work.

SHED PROJECT: Wee County Men’s Shed’s refurbishment of ‘The Devon Way’ Sign 
Wee County Men’s Shed receives a request from the Dollar Community Development Trust to restore ‘The Devon Way’ Sign back to its former beauty.

SHED PROJECT: Aberchirder & District Shedder helps fellow members forge welding skills 
Despite Covid delays, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed’s new welding Shed is all fired up as their metal and forge master, Stan Smart starts mentoring his fellow Shedders.

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

Contribute to the next issue of The Scottish Shedder

We urge you to maximise the potential of this resource by sending us your updates to showcase your Shed and raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds Movement in Scotland. 

The deadline for the next magazine (Edition 31, December 2022) is Friday 2nd December 2022.

The SMSA is delighted to present its February 2022 edition of The Scottish Shedder magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

Read this issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SMSA NEWS: Tim Green joins the SMSA Team
Tim Green has spent just under seven years supporting and enabling Sheds as the Men’s Sheds Community Development Officer at Age Scotland. Last month, Age Scotland’s Men’s Shed project came to an end and the SMSA is delighted to announce that Tim has joined its team as Development Officer. 

SMSA NEWS: Funds still available for Shed to Shed visits
SMSA Shed members qualify to apply for up to 100% of the accommodation and travel costs to learn through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of common solutions with other Men’s Sheds/community groups across Scotland, through its SMSA’s partnership with the Scottish Community Alliance’s Learning Exchange.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hawick Men’s Shed
Following over a year of closure, and the Trustees taking this time to refurbish their building for post-COVID recovery, Hawick Men’s Shed has now reopened and is ready to welcome new members. The SMSA chats to Shed Chairman Keith Torrington and Secretary Robert Mayhead to find out more. 

A PERSONAL STORY: Henry Johnson, Garnock Valley Men’s Shed
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.

SHED PROJECT: Arbroath Men’s Shed’s Penny Farthing project for the woolly workers 
Arbroath Men’s Shed has created a wooden penny farthing for a local crafty group to jolly up the town by yarn-bombing public displays and installations.

SHED PROJECT: Stonehaven Men’s Shed ships another 400 prosthetic limbs for Legs4Africa project
On Sunday 22nd January 2022, another consignment of parts salvaged from used prosthetic limbs was collected from Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed for shipment to Africa as part of the Legs4Africa project.

HEALTH MATTERS: The Aorta – ‘The Forgotten Organ’
Cliff Grover from Banchory and District Men’s Shed) shares a personal experience of Aortic dissection.

SMSA NEWS: Story Wagon—coming to a Shed near you?
The Story Wagon is a touring arts space providing free creative writing, story-telling and reading facilities and activities to communities across Scotland. The wagon will be hitting the road to tour very soon and are reaching out to Sheds to see if they want to become involved in the journey.

The SMSA is delighted to present its December 2021 edition of The Scottish Shedder Magazine.

The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories and health matters relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Read this feel-good Christmas issue at your leisure using the downloadable pdf or flipbook version below. From all at SMSA, we wish you a very merry Shed-tastic season.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SHED OF THE YEAR 2021: Trophy presentations mark International Men’s Day
To mark and celebrate International Men’s Day 2021 on Friday 19th November, the SMSA team and Chairman presented Westhill & District Men’s Shed with the esteemed ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ targe trophy and runner-up Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed with their replica trophy. 

SMSA NEWS: International Men’s Day Debate in Westminster
The SMSA represents the Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement across many sectors as well as through our Scottish Ministers in Westminster. At the recent Westminster Hall Debate for International Men’s Day 2021, Margaret Ferrier, Independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, recognised our vital work and commended the enormous impact Men’s Sheds have on the wellbeing of men of all ages that attend.

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dunfermline Men’s Shed
Since initial discussions around a much-needed Men’s Shed in Dunfermline began in April 2021, its members have been making good headway with their plans. Despite a recent setback on a potential Shed site, its now core group of 16 full members will not be stopped and the hunt for a Shed to call ‘home’ continues.

A PERSONAL STORY: Simon Shaw of the proposed Livingston Men’s Shed 
The SMSA talks to a young father of two, Simon Shaw (34), from Livingston who has identified a need for a Men’s Shed in his area and is on the case to get the ball rolling.

SHED PROJECT: Westhill and District Men’s Shed’s latest project makes tracks
Prior to the pandemic, a dedicated group of Westhill Shedders led by Doug Horne got to work on a very special, challenging and innovative project—a large model of the Peterhead Prison Railway, the first state-owned railway in the UK, 50 years on from its closure. 

THE SHED GARDEN: Inverurie and District Men’s Shed’s community allotment project is just blooming lovely
The SMSA interviews the two men instrumental in the transformation of Inverurie & District Men’s Shed’s community allotments—Graeme Shepherd and Henry Wilson.

AND MUCH MORE…

Are your Shed members receiving SMSA communications like The Scottish Shedder magazine? 

It is FREE to join the SMSA and receive our news and updates directly to your inbox. Encourage other Shedders to join online today on the SMSA website.

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions.  Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

The SMSA is delighted to present Edition 24 (October 2021) to our members and supporters.  The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

INSIDE THIS EDITION:

COVER STORY: It’s time to vote for your ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’
Voting has opened for the public to have their say on who will be crowned this year’s ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2021.The five finalists are Aboyne & District Men’s Shed, Dumfries Men’s Shed, Dunoon Men’s Shed, Stonehaven & District Men’s Shed and Westhill & District Men’s Shed.

SMSA NEWS: Register to attend the SMSA AGM and Awards Event 2021
Hear from the SMSA on its key highlights of the last year and future plans.The event will include the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards presentation – who will be crowned ‘Shed of the Year’ 2021? Confirmed speakers include Sir Harry Burns (SMSA Patron), Charles Wallace (Scottish Veterans Commissioner) and Prof Barry Golding (Internationally-published researcher and writer).

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Peterhead Men’s Shed
SMSA ventured up to the easternmost point in mainland Scotland to film and interview members and supporters of Peterhead Men’s Shed. With their gates now reopened to limited numbers, the Shed is now ‘complete’ with its eighth unit in place offering more space and a wider selection of activities to its 90 members.

A PERSONAL STORY: Brian and Cameron Kerr of Dumfries Men’s Shed
The SMSA interviews father and son team, Brian (48) and Cameron (16) from Dumfries Men’s Shed to find out how the Shed has impacted on them and what they have done for the Shed.

SHED PROJECT: RMS Titanic is reborn
The Maggie Law Maritime Museum approached Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed to assemble a very special model kit for display in its museum. The RMS Titanic will be pride of place as one of its centrepiece displays when it reopens its doors in early 2022.

THE SHED GARDEN: Auchinleck Community Shed
Tom Andrews of Auchinleck Community Shed in Cumnock chats to the SMSA about their developing Shed and its ‘Growing By The Community, For The Community’ project.

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions.  Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.

The SMSA is delighted to present Edition 23 (August 2021) to our members and supporters.  The Scottish Shedder features the latest news, events, DIY projects, recipes, personal stories, health matters and funding opportunities relevant to Men’s Sheds in Scotland.

IN THIS EDITION:

COVER STORY: The Inverclyde Shed receives long-awaited trophy
In September 2020, The Inverclyde Shed was selected as the winner of the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ 2020 Awards. The pandemic put a spanner in the works for a physical award presentation and after a long wait, the SMSA’s esteemed targe trophy was finally hand-delivered to its rightful owner.

SMSA NEWS: SMSA interview with the Scottish Veterans Commissioner
SMSA’s Executive Officer, Jason Schroeder, interviews Colonel Charles Wallace who took up the post of the Scottish Veterans Commissioner in September 2018 after completing 35 years’ service in the Army, latterly as Deputy Commander of 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland. 

SHED IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Men’s Shed Govan
Men’s Sheds exist to improve the health and wellbeing of men and Men’s Shed Govan is certainly going above and beyond to create a health haven for its members thanks to its founder, practice nurse Sarah Everett.

A PERSONAL STORY: Sarah Everett of Men’s Shed Govan 
Award-winning nurse Sarah Everett discusses how she founded a Men’s Shed to combat social isolation and loneliness in the Govan area of Glasgow—one of the most deprived areas in the UK—for her male patients and the wider community.

FULL OWNERSHIP COMMUNITY ASSET TRANSFER: Dumfries Men’s Shed
Dumfries Men’s Shed has officially opened its impressive new premises following the completion of a full ownership Community Asset Transfer—one of the first of its kind for a Men’s Shed in Scotland.

SCOTTISH SHED OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021: Open for applications
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has opened its prestigious ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 to applications from Men’s Sheds across Scotland. Could your Shed be our 2021 winner?

And much more…

What do you think of The Scottish Shedder?

SMSA is keen to hear what you think of the publication and has created an online survey to gauge your thoughts and opinions.  Your feedback is appreciated to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our readership.