Banff and Macduff group reach final of Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Banff, Macduff and District Men’s Shed has been named as a finalist in the Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year 2023.
Two other groups have been nominated – Carluke Men’s Shed and Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA), the organisation's national support hub, announced the three finalists which were shortlisted by the SMSA’s board of trustees for the prestigious award.
It recognises and rewards the contribution and life-changing impact that the vital and invaluable volunteers – also known as Shedders – across Scotland are making to their own lives and in their communities.
Bob Copland, chairman of Banff, Macduff and District Mens Shed, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be shortlisted for this year’s awards.
"It has come as a huge surprise given the high standard of the Sheds across Scotland that we read about in the SMSA’s magazine, The Scottish Shedder.
“I am extremely proud of our Shed and all of our members. We continually hear about the benefits of Men's Sheds in communities all around the world and I am delighted that our Shed is being recognised for the achievements and progress that has been made in the short time that we have been in our new premises.
"We would also like to wish the two other finalists the best of luck and look forward to meeting them at the awards event.”
Bill Beckers, secretary of Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed, said: “We are thrilled to be in the running for this year’s awards and it is great to see a good spread across Scotland with the Shed finalists.
"We would not be in our 10th year of running our Shed without the hard work and dedication of our members.
"Without their co-operation and each member having the opportunity to voice their opinions to run their Shed at monthly meetings, we simply would not still be here a decade on.
"The members and the trustees really do go over and above to make the Shed a success, meet the needs of our 70-strong membership and deliver for our community.”
Tom Kennedy, treasurer of Carluke Men’s Shed, said: “The men just can’t believe it – we are over the moon. This is huge recognition for all of our hard work over the last four years.
"We stuck to it, through the pandemic, and our Shed has really grown in popularity and accomplished so much in our community.
"We are only a few weeks away from moving into our new premises and now have even more of a reason to celebrate. Onwards and upwards.”
Jason Schroeder, SMSA’s CEO, said: “Our awards, now in their fifth year, offer the chance to showcase the positive impact that Men’s Sheds are making in their localities to improve the health and wellbeing of men aged 18+ across Scotland.
"Each year, the awards get bigger and better and we received a record response and exceptional applications.
“It is now time to give the public a chance to have their say. There is however no fierce competition and I am delighted that all three finalists are supporting each other and wish each other well – which is what the Men’s Sheds Movement is all about.
"This event is about showcasing and celebrating the work being carried out and raise awareness so that every man in Scotland is aware of and has the opportunity to attend his local Shed if he wishes to do so.”
For the first time since the pandemic, Sheds across Scotland will physically gather at the awards event on Friday, November 10 at Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed from 10am-3pm.
The event will coincide with the association’s AGM business and also be an opportunity for a national gathering for Sheds to connect, learn, share and network.
The SMSA will also update its members on the MOT4Men preventative men’s health programme to be delivered in Sheds and also feature some entertainment from Shed bands.
The winner will be announced live at the event and receive the esteemed targe trophy to display at their Shed for a year on top of a cash prize from the SMSA (paid back from SMSA Shed membership fees) and goodies from sponsors and partner organisations including machine competency and woodwork training through David Young Training.
The public can vote for their winner at the SMSA website.
The deadline for votes is midnight on Sunday, October 29.
