Scottish Men's Shed of the Year 2021’ trophy presentation in Westhill marks International Men’s Day
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has today presented Westhill and District Men’s Shed with the esteemed Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year targe trophy to mark and celebrate International Men’s Day.
Westhill and District Men’s Shed, the first-ever Men’s Shed in Scotland which opened in 2013, was crowned the winner at the ‘Scottish Men’s Shed of the Year’ Awards 2021 event earlier this month after receiving over a third of the votes from the public.
The SMSA team hand-delivered the targe trophy, now engraved with the winning Shed’s name, to be displayed at their premises on Hay’s Way in Westhill over the coming year.
The Association also presented a replica runner-up trophy, created by SMSA partner David Young Training, to Stonehaven and District Men’s Shed who came in a close second.
International Men’s Day, on November 19 each year, celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities - putting the spotlight on positive role models and raising awareness of men’s health and wellbeing.
Jason Schroeder, SMSA executive officer, said: “Today, we are delighted to recognise men from all walks of life and the contribution they make to society.
"We can think of no better way to mark International Men’s Day than to showcase and reward the tremendous impact that Men’s Sheds are making in their communities and the life-changing effect and benefits this brings to their members.
“The Scottish Men’s Sheds Movement, now in its seventh year, has grown exponentially and we now have 192 known open and developing Men’s Shed groups across the nation and it continues to grow thanks to these men.”
Chairman of Westhill and District Men’s Shed, David Thomson, said: “On behalf of our trustees and members, I am delighted to receive this exceptional trophy today.
"I would like to thank our Trustee Stuart Ellis who prepared and submitted our application for this award and would also like to recognise our supporters who voted for us – not just from the UK but also many from overseas. I am extremely proud of the contribution that each of our 300 members have made to make our Shed such a huge success.”
The SMSA’s targe trophy was collectively created in 2019 by several Men’s Sheds and designed by former SMSA Chairman, Derek Keiller of Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed for the first year of the Awards.
Derek designed the trophy from mahogany supplied by the Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed from a 100-year-old billiards table followed by French polishing by Hamish Shepherd of Strathmore Men’s Shed in Coupar Angus.
The trophy will now be displayed for a year at Westhill and District Men’s Shed on a unique stand designed by inaugural winner, Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed.
