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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. (Should it perhaps have been called the Ladies Shed?) Needless to say there followed a vibrant question and answer period between us and at the end of the evening we decided to form a committee and the Sanday Men’s Shed was born. The ladies also supplied a delicious selection of refreshments to follow the meeting. |
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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.
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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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 going to be the refurbishment of our own Shed and we are going to need many members to become involved over the coming weeks and months. |
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Fortunately, due to the efforts of Magda and Steve we now have sufficient funding to purchase materials and make a start. Our bank balance currently stands at around £20000 with additional funding anticipated. It should also be understood that much of this funding comes with conditions, such that funders reserve the right to specify that 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. Therefore, it must be emphasised here 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. Or, just simply somewhere to go for a cup of tea and a blether. I would like to think we can do this, not only for us but for future generations of Sanday men.
John Shiner
Chair
December 2021
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. Or, just simply somewhere to go for a cup of tea and a blether. I would like to think we can do this, not only for us but for future generations of Sanday men.
John Shiner
Chair
December 2021
