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OUR ISLAND
Sanday is one of the islands that make up the Northern Isles of Scotland. It is located in Orkney, an archipelago situated off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. Sanday is the third-largest island in Orkney, after Mainland and Hoy. Sanday's character has been shaped by its agriculture and it is noted for its quality crops and beef. It is known too for its beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes, and rich wildlife. It has a population of around 500 people and is characterised by its peaceful and rural atmosphere. The island offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, birdwatching, and exploring historical sites. Some notable features and attractions on Sanday include its pristine beaches like Cata Sand, Backaskaill Bay, and Tress Ness, as well as the Sanday Heritage Centre, which provides insights into the island's history and culture. The island is also home to several archaeological sites, notably the Quoyness prehistoric chambered cairn. Whilst our remoteness certainly offers significant benefits, we are subject to social impacts arising from limited access to everyday services. For example, islanders have to incur a 3 hour minimum return ferry trip to the nearest hospital in Kirkwall. We have to endure higher than the Scottish normal levels of inclement weather and energy costs, leading to fuel poverty. Population decline is a constant with the younger generations moving away in search of better opportunities. Inward migration is reasonably steady but often this brings retired persons which means a generally ageing population and a diminishing workforce, making it more challenging to sustain essential services and maintain a vibrant community. Social and cultural opportunities are limited contributing to well-being issues for some residents. Unanticipated loss of social networks can lead to feelings of isolation, boredom, and a sense of disconnection from the wider local and broader society. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness are commonly ascribed to remote communities. These issues have all contributed to our resolve to establish our Mens Shed. |
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THE STORY SO FAR
The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia and subsequently found it’s way into the UK. The Scottish Men’s Shed movement began in 2009 and from the launch of the first Shed in 2013 (Westhill Men’s Shed in Aberdeenshire) there has been a domino – effect resulting in 188 known, open and developing Sheds to date, engaging over 10,000 men.
In September 2019 Magda Macdonald, Sanday’s Wellbeing Coordinator contacted the committee members of the already formed Orkney Men’s Shed in Finstown and invited them over to Sanday for a meeting. The object of the meeting was to explain to a group of Sanday men what the organisation was for, together with an outline of its objectives. To this end a number of Sanday men were ‘rounded’ up by Magda and Liz Brown and ‘herded’ into the Community Room on 4th October 2019. By the end of the evening we decided to form a committee and the Sanday Men’s Shed was born.
We now had a committee and thanks to The Scottish Men’s Shed Association, a template for our Constitution but, sadly, no shed! Steve Ray, our Treasurer, who was at that time Chairman of the Sanday Development Trust, persuaded the Trust to lease us the Old Co-Op Building in Kettletoft. We were now in out of the cold! By mid January 2020 our Constitution was agreed and our lease was being drawn up. Discussions were also underway to apply for charitable status.
By mid February 2020 we received a donation of tools and machinery from our fellow Shedders in Finstown which included a bandsaw, woodturning lathe, a morticer and a pillar drill, to be followed shortly after by a saw table. All machines had been PAT tested by one of their members prior to delivery. Steve Ray was making progress towards opening our bank account at this time. Ideas were also being discussed as to whether we should renovate the existing building or construct another building at the rear of the existing structure.
Following this brief introductory period COVID struck and our activities were severely curtailed but not entirely halted. Despite this setback the committee, together with a few stalwart members were busy in the background. By the end of September 2020 we were now a registered charity, our lease had been signed and our first project undertaken.
The Men’s Shed movement originated in Australia and subsequently found it’s way into the UK. The Scottish Men’s Shed movement began in 2009 and from the launch of the first Shed in 2013 (Westhill Men’s Shed in Aberdeenshire) there has been a domino – effect resulting in 188 known, open and developing Sheds to date, engaging over 10,000 men.
In September 2019 Magda Macdonald, Sanday’s Wellbeing Coordinator contacted the committee members of the already formed Orkney Men’s Shed in Finstown and invited them over to Sanday for a meeting. The object of the meeting was to explain to a group of Sanday men what the organisation was for, together with an outline of its objectives. To this end a number of Sanday men were ‘rounded’ up by Magda and Liz Brown and ‘herded’ into the Community Room on 4th October 2019. By the end of the evening we decided to form a committee and the Sanday Men’s Shed was born.
We now had a committee and thanks to The Scottish Men’s Shed Association, a template for our Constitution but, sadly, no shed! Steve Ray, our Treasurer, who was at that time Chairman of the Sanday Development Trust, persuaded the Trust to lease us the Old Co-Op Building in Kettletoft. We were now in out of the cold! By mid January 2020 our Constitution was agreed and our lease was being drawn up. Discussions were also underway to apply for charitable status.
By mid February 2020 we received a donation of tools and machinery from our fellow Shedders in Finstown which included a bandsaw, woodturning lathe, a morticer and a pillar drill, to be followed shortly after by a saw table. All machines had been PAT tested by one of their members prior to delivery. Steve Ray was making progress towards opening our bank account at this time. Ideas were also being discussed as to whether we should renovate the existing building or construct another building at the rear of the existing structure.
Following this brief introductory period COVID struck and our activities were severely curtailed but not entirely halted. Despite this setback the committee, together with a few stalwart members were busy in the background. By the end of September 2020 we were now a registered charity, our lease had been signed and our first project undertaken.
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FIRST PROJECT
We were asked to build a ramp for Tracy Ranger's husband Peter so that he could enter and exit the house more easily in his wheelchair. On its completion Tracy together with Jackie Sinclair decided to show their appreciation and thanks by having their tresses shorn. Not only was this regarded by us (the members) as almost the supreme sacrifice but their efforts raised £2265 for our funds. We had money in our new bank account for the first time! It was also agreed at this time to concentrate on the refurbishment of the existing building as and when COVID restrictions allowed. To date, despite COVID, we have continued with our projects, having installed a kitchen for The Sanday Community Craft Hub, refurbished the Monkey climbing frame for the school, supplied bird tables for the Community Garden and have been asked if we can design, construct and restore safe access to the beach at Saville in the Spring of 2022. Our biggest project by far is the ongoing refurbishment of our own Shed. Its taking time but slowly we are getting there with, visit the Project page for details. Formal opening currently is pencilled in for end of 2023. |
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FUNDING
The cost of meeting purchases of building materials came from various sources, much of it conditioned, such that funders reserve the right to specify certain fund qualifying activities must be completed within a set period of time, as must material quotations be sought and presented within specific time frames to the funders. All of these conditions place pressure on the committee and members to 'get things done' within certain specified time limits, otherwise, the funding can be delayed, withheld or even withdrawn. Consequently, we can't emphasis enough that without the skills commitment and enthusiasm of our members the money and materials produce nothing.
In conclusion, the aim is to provide a comfortable meeting place for Sanday men to call their own, to have workshop facilities for craft work and hobbies, to undertake community projects as they present themselves, and just simply have somewhere to go for a cup of tea and a blether. ....not only for us but for future generations of Sanday men.
The cost of meeting purchases of building materials came from various sources, much of it conditioned, such that funders reserve the right to specify certain fund qualifying activities must be completed within a set period of time, as must material quotations be sought and presented within specific time frames to the funders. All of these conditions place pressure on the committee and members to 'get things done' within certain specified time limits, otherwise, the funding can be delayed, withheld or even withdrawn. Consequently, we can't emphasis enough that without the skills commitment and enthusiasm of our members the money and materials produce nothing.
In conclusion, the aim is to provide a comfortable meeting place for Sanday men to call their own, to have workshop facilities for craft work and hobbies, to undertake community projects as they present themselves, and just simply have somewhere to go for a cup of tea and a blether. ....not only for us but for future generations of Sanday men.
