Our Latest and Greatest

Have we told you what's going on recently? We're always up to something. Read on and find out what's new.

It began with an early rise. The sun had yet to peek it's head over the horizon, but when your plan is to set off at 6am? There's just no other way...

Today was the SMSA's AGM: A chance to network, meet our fellow shedders from all over Scotland and hear about the amazing work going on in the wider Men's Shed movement. And - as our title would suggest - it's where the SMSA's Shed of the Year award winners were to be announced.

Before all that though, we had quite the commute ahead of us. This year, the AGM would be held in Perth meaning we had (according to Google) a 2-hour drive ahead of us. To add to that, we had heard that Storm Amy would soon be making her presence known to the world.

So, to recap: It's 6am, we're sleep-deprived, heading into rush hour traffic and there's a weather warning.

Hit it!

I'm glad to be able to say that, despite the weather and traffic, we arrived way ahead of schedule. We used the time wisely, opting to stretch our legs and let them guide us to the nearest café. It wasn't long before the all-too familiar sight of a Starbucks logo loomed over us. Before we ventured in, a short discussion took place:

John: Are we definitely set on going into Starbucks? Should we maybe seek out a local place rather than give our money to a big, faceless, American conglomerate?

Ronnie: No. I want to give my money to the big, faceless, American conglomerate.

And who can blame him? The big, faceless, American conglomerate gives you loyalty points. They even have an app!

The AGM Begins

We arrived to the warmest of greetings. First from chairman David Gardner and then with a lively performance from Auchterarder Shed's very own ukulele band. To our slight alarm, we were informed that this wasn't to be a mere performance but a singalong too! We were a little unsure at first, clumsily warbling along to songs we'd never heard before, but when the kazoo solo kicked in we were filled with renewed vigour. You might not think it to look at him, but our Ronnie sings with a pitch-perfect falsetto! It'll take you right back to your choir boy days.

The Shed of the Year Awards

With Storm Amy adding a sense of urgency to the day, we pressed on to the announcement of this year's finalists: First place went to Clyde Coast & Cumbrae Men's Shed, St Andrew's Men Shed took the silver and as for us? We were hugely honoured to be presented with the bronze finalist title. 

Breaking for lunch we had some time to move around, mingle and meet some more of our shed cohorts. Lots of kind words about our shed seemed to find us from every direction, with people particularly taken with our connection to Pokke Kotan.

While parked over on a bench to catch our breath, Ronnie and I were pleased to see a familiar face: SMSA Communications & PR Officer Michelle Wibrew who came bearing gifts. [see photo below]

After lunch we spread off into our separate workshop groups. We finished the day with our hunger sated and our thirst for knowledge quenched. The workshops gave us lots to take home with us, giving us clear guidance on the process of a Community Asset Transfer and an enlightening afternoon with Axminster on the importance of a good extraction system. 

And then, as the storm seemed to tighten in on us, we set off for home once more. A little wetter than when we had arrived but no worse off for it.

Reflections

It's been a truly wild few months since we threw our hat into the ring with the awards back in June. What started as a show of faith in the boys for their incredible work quickly gathered momentum and became a real landmark moment in our shed's history.

It started small at first, wondering "Wouldn't it be great if we heard back from them?". Shortly after that, it became "Imagine if we actually won the regionals!" and lastly "How crazy would it be if we made it through to the finals?". I think that's where the wondering stopped for us and the basking in the moment began.

And in that regard, I think that's why we felt like winners the moment we walked through the door. Heads held high, proud to be a part of something so special.

It's now we feel that we have many thanks to offer - thanks to everyone who came along on this journey with us, thank you to the SMSA for facilitating such a wonderful event and a huge thank you to everyone who believed in and voted for us.

We'll see you all again in 2026!

Vogrie Pogrie has long been a much-anticipated event in our calendar. It seemed for a time everything we did was informed by how long we had left until September the 13th:

• Do we have enough inventory?

• Have we made all the necessary travel arrangements?

• Are there enough paints to go around for the kids table?

• And giving serious contemplation to the C-word - Did we really want to go camping?

I'm glad to be able to say that when the big day came, the answer to every question was a resounding "yes!"

...to all except the last one.

We eventually came to conclude that we just weren't built for camping with Mike Flett remarking "Maybe if we were all forty years younger". Secretary John couldn't help but agree, even if that would put him at three years old, slightly increasing his risk of wetting the bed.

While a vending stall at a public event is a sight often seen within Men's Sheds, we always attend with a slight twist courtesy of Les and the boys of Dalkeith Men's Shed Modelling Club.

For a small donation, we invite you to pick your own blank model and get painting. It's an addition which has proven very popular at each event we've attended with it so far. 

There's something that really resonates with the kids and often sees us three-deep around the table. Each one eager to get in there and bring their model to life with a wee splash of paint!

As well as manning our stall we also found the time to drink in some beautiful scenery at Vogrie Country Park, enjoy some lovely food and even take a looky-loo at some of the wonderful entertainment and activities available. 

For us one stood out among them all: The centre-piece of Vogrie Pogrie's Marketplace of Ideas that we ourselves had a hand in creating.

The Book of Poe-tree [Pictured at the very top with Ronnie] was a project brought to us by Vogrie Pogrie Co-ordinator Donna Strachan and local poet/ writer Shondra Bowie. The concept? Part puzzle, part creative expression: A large book where attendees could write their own poetry using an assortment of wooden block with words written on them. 

Shortly after our meeting, Ronnie got busy building the book while the blocks made their way all around Midlothian, offered up at drop-in workshops where the local community could have a hand in their adornment with a series of words. 

I'm pleased to be able to say that having looked at a great number of these blocks myself, not a single sweary word was to be found among them. Except for the ones we made for ourselves. We now keep those safely stowed away for the times when words alone fail us.

Whatever way you slice it, our weekend at Vogrie Pogrie was a huge success by every measure of the word. Thank you so much to the amazing team at Vogrie Pogrie who made us feel so very welcome, catering to our every need. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us at our stand, and thank you to the man who makes life-changingly good pulled pork and gouda cheese sandwiches.

We're already counting down the days till next September.

We hope to see you there.

Don't let the thumbnail fool you - Steve's actually thrilled!

When we threw our hat into the ring for this year's Shed of the Year awards back in July, we could never have imagined making it this far.

When we took the regionals, we were truly humbled. But now? We're just in disbelief.

It’s a proud moment to be chosen as one of this year’s three finalists - a recognition that lifts us up and carries us forward into the year ahead. 

Thank you so much to everyone who has believed in and supported Dalkeith Men's Shed over the past few years. It really means a great deal to us. 

Now if we could just ask one more thing of you, our proud fellow shedders, it's this:

Please take the time to head to the SMSA website, watch the three finalist videos and cast your vote:

https://scottishmsa.org.uk/smsotyawards/

No judgement at all on our part if you decide to vote for one of the other finalists, but please take the opportunity to make your voice heard and join together in something special that only comes once a year. It's like Christmas - but without the crippling debt!

Wherever you cast your vote, just make it count and go with your gut. 

We'll see you on the other side.

Well, I don't think any of us had this on our bingo card for the week! Our Wednesday plans suddenly took an unexpected detour when friend of the shed and honorary member Masataka Abe sent us an invitation to the Consulate General of Japan's event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We were only too thrilled to join in on this celebration of Japanese culture (and the prospect of there perhaps being some saké only further sweetened the deal).

The day began with an exquisite Ikebana (flower arranging) demonstration by Deborah Hathorn, an instructor from the Sougetsu School. Deborah, who was honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays back in 2017, created six beautiful arrangements right before our eyes. As her artistry was put on display, the audience was engaged and relaxed, soaking in the beauty of the moment. Deborah invited the audience to ask any questions they had, and she spoke openly and passionately about her love for this incredible art form.

Following that, Mio Shudo took the stage to give a fascinating lecture on kimonos. She demonstrated how to wear them and explained their cultural significance, including the subtle details of patterns and tying techniques that are specific to different occasions.

The cultural journey continued with an entertaining showcase of Japanese Fringe artists, introduced by Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda. The performances ranged from stand-up comedy and dance to immersive musical theatre, all adding a unique flair to the event.

The day concluded with a sumo demonstration by Clan Sumo Scotland, showcasing how sumo is gaining popularity right here in Scotland. It was an incredible display of skill and endurance that left us all in awe. While we have all surely seen sumo bouts on television or online at some point in our lives, the impact of two large athletes connecting with force is something that can only truly be felt in person. It made us all the more glad to be outside the ring, sitting in our comfy chairs.

Overall, the event was a fantastic celebration of Japanese culture and a wonderful opportunity for the boys at Dalkeith Men’s Shed to experience something uniquely different, and truly special. So it's here we have to say, thank you Masa-san! A big thank you to you for inviting us, and a big thanks to yourself, Robyn, Shannon and the rest of the team for putting in all the hard work that made this incredible day come together. 

And as a fun aside, the event inspired a change in my plans for the weekend! I’ll be heading back to the Fringe this Saturday to catch Theatre Group Gumbos’ show, "Are You Loving It?", followed by Shunga Alert at the Underbelly Cowgate. It's been twenty long years of living in Edinburgh and this is what finally convinced me to book a ticket for a show - John

In a week that will surely go down in the annals of Dalkeith Men's Shed history, we kicked things off with an incredible bit of news: that we were now the SMSA's Regional Shed Of The Year!

Thrilled to have been chosen out of all the incredible sheds in the East Coast (South) Region, we had a slight problem - there was simply no time to stop and smell the roses. What should have been an opportunity to slow down and pat each other on the back had to wait instead as we began planning for our next adventure: Preparing our stall for the National Mining Museum's Family Fun Day.

It was only once we were set up and raring to go, that we found the time to jubilate and record a short video for the SMSA.

A huge thanks to the wonderful team at the Mining Museum for letting us be part of your big day. Thanks to their support, we were able to raise over £300 in donations for the shed. We hope today is the first step of many more to come as we strengthen our relationship and work towards common goals.

Together We Can, indeed!

Usually the fourth of July wouldn't be a cause for celebration on this side of the pond but this year was a welcome change of pace: Dalkeith Men’s Shed had the pleasure of welcoming Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian, and we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the visit - and on the person behind the title.

Elected in 2024, Kirsty’s time in office has, by any measure, been a remarkable success. Her advocacy has already helped secure billions in funding for Midlothian Council infrastructure, and she has consistently used her platform to shine a light on the kinds of issues her contemporaries don’t always see as a priority.

It’s no surprise to those who’ve followed her journey. Long before entering Parliament, Kirsty was deeply involved in the Make Poverty History campaign - a movement that clearly shaped her sense of social justice and her priorities as an elected representative. But among all the promises made by politicians, one that Kirsty has made, and kept, is to listen.

That commitment was on full display when she visited Dalkeith Men’s Shed. She wasn’t in a rush to get her photo taken in front of the tools or machines and be on her merry way. Instead, she took her time. She sat with us - no fanfare, no pretence - and just listened. Really listened.

Not just to what we do at the Shed, but how we came to be there, what our special areas of interest are, and what being part of the Shed has meant to each of us personally. It sparked such a thoughtful and open conversation that many of us learned new things about each other along the way. A very powerful reminder of what can happen when a fresh voice joins the room and how one person’s presence and genuine curiosity can shift the whole dynamic.

So from all of us at Dalkeith Men’s Shed: thank you, Kirsty. You’re welcome back any time - the kettle's always on!

Not so long ago, Dalkeith Men’s Shed was invited to do something completely new for us - our first ever public speaking engagement.

The kind folks at Glenkinchie Distillery got in touch to ask if we’d be willing to come along and say a few words about the Shed, the work we do, and men’s mental health more broadly. It was part of a staff wellbeing event, and they hoped it might spark a connection for some of their employees who could one day become “Shedders” themselves, wherever their local Shed might be.

We arrived at Glenkinchie where we were greeted warmly and treated to some top-tier caramel lattes which we enjoyed from the café, overlooking the beautiful grounds. It was a quiet moment to take it all in before heading downstairs to what we thought would be a chance to catch our breath and psych each other up. But as it turned out, everyone was already there waiting for us! About a dozen pairs of eyes turned towards us as we entered the conference room.

It seemed their team had just wrapped up a long and fairly dry meeting - and we’d been brought in to provide a bit of levity to round off the day. We caught the treadmill running and were happy to oblige.

We started by speaking about the Shed itself - how it came together, how the idea grew into a global movement, and how our own little Shed in Dalkeith is helping men connect, support each other, and feel like they belong. Ronnie then took the floor to speak about mental health. He held out a glass of water and shared a simple but powerful metaphor: the glass is light at first, easy to carry. But the longer you hold it out, the heavier it becomes. Eventually, it becomes too much. And that’s how our burdens can feel - especially for men, who are often told to keep holding on. The Shed, he said, is a place where you can finally put the glass down.

After the talk, we ran an activity with the Glenkinchie team - a Shed twist on the classic Marshmallow & Spaghetti Tower Challenge. Teams had to build a tall tower, but it also needed a flat surface strong enough to support a deck of cards. Some of the team had done this activity before - but not like this. What followed was fierce-yet-friendly competition, a lot of laughs, and even a bit of mischief, with some cheeky table-jiggling and light sabotage (though all in the name of fun).

The results? Every group managed to build a working tower - briefly. Regretfully one group's tower took a dive just before testing could commence. We joked it deserved bonus points as it was now a “flat-pack tower” ready for transport and assembly at a moment’s notice.

What struck us most, looking back at the photos later, was how much they resembled corporate stock images - smiling faces, fully enamoured with the group activity. But the joy captured in those shots wasn’t posed or polished. It was real. It was sincere. And it meant a lot to see our challenge taken in such good spirits.

At the end of the day, we took a moment to pause beside the beautiful statue of Johnnie Walker and his faithful dog, which stands proudly at the entrance to the distillery. It felt like the right place to stop and take it all in.

We’re pleased to say that Glenkinchie have invited Dalkeith Men’s Shed back for a tour of the distillery when they reopen later this year - and that’s an offer we’ll absolutely be taking them up on. We’re already looking forward to the day.

We might even pack some spaghetti and marshmallows. Just in case...

It’s always a special moment when someone shares a lifelong passion – and even better when it sparks something new in others. Last week, Shedder Les ran his very first class on casting models from silicone moulds, and by all accounts, it was a runaway success.

The workshop quickly filled with shedders eager to try their hand at a new skill. What followed was a joyful and creative afternoon of casting, chatting and experimenting. Cats, angels, Scottie dogs, snails – the range of creations was as varied as the people making them, and every mould revealed something new.

Les’s calm guidance, practical knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm brought the room to life. For many, it was their first time working with this method, but by the end of the session everyone was not only getting the hang of it – they were loving it.

Les has been making models for most of his life.

“I have been making different material models since I was a kid,” he explained. “I started with Airfix, then went on to wooden aeroplanes. Later in life I started making models with metal – mainly cars but also candlesticks and a lamp made of copper.”

But it was a more personal project that led him to casting and silicone moulds.

“I started moulding as I wanted to repair a plaster of Paris angel that belonged to my late wife. So I moulded new arms and a wing for it from moulds I bought online. It just took off from there.”

For Les, it’s not just about the craftsmanship – it’s about the benefits it can offer to others too:

“I think it will be a good fit for Men’s Shed due to its ease of use and great results. It helps you focus, gives a good feeling of achievement. It should also help bring in much-needed funds.”

He’s right on all counts. It’s easy to pick up, rewarding to do, and has already shown huge potential – not only for future classes, but also for fundraising and small-scale selling.

We’d like to give a huge thanks to Les for making this happen. His generosity in sharing his skills, his patience, and his passion are what the Men’s Shed is all about.

We’re buzzing with ideas for what’s next and couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities for the Dalkeith Men’s Shed Modelling Club. Whether you’re into fine detail or just fancy giving it a bash, this is just the beginning – and we can’t wait to see where it goes.

Today marked many firsts for Dalkeith Men's Shed: our first big event, our first international online conference, and - hopefully - our first step toward building a strong working relationship with our shedder brothers in Japan.

Following Duncan’s visit to Pokke Kotan back in March, we extended an invitation to the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh. We were delighted to learn they’d soon be visiting us - and we knew we had to do our best to make a day of it.

Braving the peak Friday rush hour traffic, the consulate arrived at One Dalkeith around 1:30 p.m. After some quick introductions from the committee, we moved through to the conference room, where another special guest was already waiting. 

Inside The Circle 

We were joined via video call by Professor Chihiro Sugimoto, who had kindly taken time from his evening to speak with us about his work at Pokke Kotan. It may have been a bright and breezy afternoon for us, but for Chihiro, it was already 9:30 p.m. Through the course of our conversation, we learned about the various interest groups the men of Sapporo have formed - walking, fishing, cooking, brain training, and more.

After a short chat with the consulate, we said our goodbyes to Chihiro and moved on to a presentation from our Vice-Chairman, Duncan Seymour.

Duncan delivered an in-depth talk, walking us through his journey across Japan and sharing his experiences meeting the shedders of Pokke Kotan. He spoke movingly of the warm welcome he received and the sense of camaraderie they shared. 

Building Bridges

Next up was our Outreach and Logistics Officer, Ronnie Tappentan, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the consulate for taking the time to visit. He then proudly presented Mr Masataka Abe with a certificate naming him an honorary member of Dalkeith Men's Shed. Welcome to the club, Mr Abe - we hope you like chocolate digestives! 

Then came a lovely surprise: Mr Abe, Cultural Consul of Japan, took the floor to share his reflections on the day’s events and Duncan’s connection with the Japanese sheds. He spoke with joy about seeing links forming between Japan and Scotland through groups like ours and Pokke Kotan. Like us, he looked to the future, sharing hopes that there will soon be more to celebrate as we build on the foundations laid over the past few months. 

A shared vision

Mr Abe then introduced a clip from the Japanese TV programme Ichioshi!!, where we were delighted to see a familiar face - Pokke Kotan’s own Chihiro! It seems the Men's Shed movement in Japan is slowly gaining momentum and turning heads. With only three known sheds across the country, we believe many more potential shedders are simply waiting for the opportunity to have a Pokke Kotan of their own.

(To watch the video with English captions, click “Watch on YouTube” and enable auto-generated subtitles.)

Craft, Community and Connection 

To wrap up the event, we guided our guests over to two display tables: one showcasing the keepsakes and gifts Duncan received during his time in Japan, and another filled with recent projects created by our own members.

We ended the day with a tour of our workshop and a final stop at One Dalkeith’s Corner Shop Collective, where items made by the Men's Shed and the wider community are sold. Soon after, we waved off the consulate with sincere thanks for their time - and for the thoughtful gifts they left us.

A Sweet Farewell

Back inside, before the tidy-up began, we took a moment to open the lovely gift bag we had received. Inside were a box of Pocky - a beloved Japanese chocolate biscuit snack - and several packs of Sanko no Sarada Sen, a light, salty Japanese cracker. It seemed the perfect moment for a quick snack before packing up and heading home.

A Moment to Remember

As the workshop lights dimmed and the last crumbs of cracker were brushed away, it was clear that this visit had been about more than formalities or photo ops. It was a shared step toward something lasting - a sense that small, local communities can play a role on a global stage simply by being open, curious, and kind. 

The friendships kindled today may have started with soft drinks and empire biscuits, but who knows where they’ll lead next.

In the days and weeks that followed we were delighted to receive a fair bit of buzz about our big day: An article from the Japanese Consulate themselves, a piece from Midlothian View and we were even found ourselves on That's TV Edinburgh.

Secretary John was homeward bound this Easter! While spending the bank holiday with family back in his childhood home, he also took the time to pop in and meet the boys at Garnock Valley Men's Shed: 

There aren't many scenarios where you can drive for 74 miles and still feel like you're at home, but that's exactly how I feel when I go back to visit my family in Kilbirnie. The old memories come flooding back, the nostalgia washes over me and, after a few too many rose-tinted anecdotes, my daughter's eyes roll right to the back of her head.

I can't help it. I have decades of history there and lots of stories to share. And while I won't risk losing you, the reader, as I waffle on about my many happy Summers spent going from the library to the old swimming pool, I will tell you a more recent tale: all about my trip to the Garnock Valley Men's Shed.

If you're looking for a Men's Shed success story,  then this is very much it. Founded in 2018, Garnock Valley Men's shed took a 25-year lease on a North Ayrshire Council building which was, at the time, described by founding member Henry Johnson as "semi-derelict". Since then they've gone from strength to strength, uniting under the singular vision of creating an open space for men to meet and connect. Both with each other, and the greater community around them.

Through hard graft and successful fund-raising they've been able to turn a husk of a building into somewhere clean, inviting and buzzing with activity. Always grateful for the incredible support they've had from North Ayrshire, in 2024 they were able to buy the building outright. Through the process of a Community Asset Transfer they were able to take full ownership, making the space truly their own in every sense.

While their success as a traditional shed is undeniable, the boys at Garnock Valley have also developed the shed in some fairly niche ways you might not expect from a typical Men's Shed. Mainly the inclusion of a music room and a modelling workshop, with the latter offering a quiet space where shedders can bust out the glue and paint without living in fear of any airborne sawdust!

The shed's pivot to modelling as a focus comes largely down to the involvement of a man known to his community as Fred Foot. Fred is quite famous on the modelling scene (although one shedder was quick to clarify that the more accurate word would be "infamous") and is known for his expressive scenes that don't just show the build- they also tell a story. This is a skillset he's always keen to share with his fellow shedders, helping to guide them onto telling stories of their very own.

"My journey with modelling started when my son bought me an HMS Victory Sail Ship model kit. I wasn't immediately enthusiastic about it from the beginning and, when pushed for the reason why, I explained to my wife that I would need specific tools to be able to put the kit together properly. She told me that it was a simple fix- I would just need to get these tools and get started. 

When the sail ship was finished, my wife caught me soon after, looking at my handiwork with a face like I was sucking a lemon. When she asked me what was wrong now, I told her that now I had a different problem. I had all these tools but nothing to make with them. Once again she gave me the obvious answer: I would just need to buy another model kit.

Now here I am, years later. Helping the boys in the shed make their models be the best they can be."

Fred also does incredible work with the veterans' charity 'Models for Heroes'. I urge you to check them out

One of the shedder's happy to have been guided by Fred's expertise is fellow secretary Steve Curtis who shared the story of how he found his way to Garnock Valley Men's Shed:

"As I was approaching my retirement, a conversation with my niece steered me towards something of a revelation. She pointed out that all of my hobbies were solitary pursuits and she was absolutely right: Wildlife photography, painting, woodturning and fishing were all things I enjoyed exclusively while in my own company. She told me "You're going to be very lonely when you retire".

It was a fair comment and one that steered me right towards the shed where I became their secretary soon after. I myself have a passion for building models and when Fred entered one of my creations into a competition based in Philadelphia, it was a massive confidence-booster. Even more so when word came back that it had won a gold medal! The scene I depicted was a WW1 Tadpole Tank attacking a German trench which I'm very proud of."

The model club at Garnock Valley Men's Shed attend various events all over the country and, for those of us in the East Coast, you'll be able to catch up with them at Scale Scotland later this year in Murrayfield.

I really enjoyed my short time with Steve, Fred and the rest of the boys at the Garnock Valley Men's Shed. They made me feel very welcome and I made sure to let them know that, should they ever find themselves in the East Coast, the door is always open here at Dalkeith Men's Shed.

But until then?

I'll see them next time I go back home, to Kilbirnie.

Duncan's visit to the Pokke Kotan Men's Shed in Sapporo, Japan turned out to be a remarkable cultural exchange. Upon arrival, after being greeted by the local Shedder's, the first thing that caught his eye were the incredible vistas, visible right from their own front door. Since the weather was just right for it, Sapporo's finest decided to take Duncan snowshoeing, giving him ample opportunity to drink in the scenery!

Back inside, they exchanged gifts where Duncan presented them with a handmade plaque crafted by Ronnie Tappenden, our Outreach and Logistics Coordinator. In return, he received intricate origami creations and a beautifully handcrafted wooden elephant puzzle box (Which we can't wait to see in person).

The day ended in Pokke Kotan's fully kitted-out kitchen, where they exchanged flavors of home: Duncan was treated to delicious, freshly prepared sushi and, in return, he treated them to a hearty Scotch broth. 

Reflecting on his time with Sapporo Men's Shed, Duncan had this to say: 'Opportunities like today are a fantastic chance for Men's Sheds. I'm proud to be an ambassador for Dalkeith Men's Shed, making this vast world feel that little bit smaller and bringing us all closer together. And if Pokke Kotan ever come over to see us in Dalkeith? I look forward to returning the hospitality they've shown me today.' 

Our very own Vice-Chairman Duncan is currently in Japan, braving heavy snow and soaking in the culture. While he’s missed around the Shed, we’re excited to hear about his adventures.

This Saturday, Duncan will be meeting the Shedders of Pokke-Kotan, a Japanese Men’s Shed in Sapporo. We’re excited about this opportunity to connect, hoping it marks the beginning of lasting friendships and strong ties with our Shedder brothers at the other side of the world.

Safe travels, Duncan—we’re looking forward to hearing all about your journey when you’re back!

All Cliff's hard work paid off today. With the sale of our first hand-made, custom birdhouse (and hopefully many more like it to come) we can bring in funds to continue our good work helping our community.

If you'd like to put a little birdhouse in you soul, pop along to the Corner Shop Collective at One Dalkeith and pick up one of your own. Alternatively come and see us at the Shed, any Friday between 10:00 and 13:00. We love a good chat.