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Black Isle Men's Shed

Interior view of the Black Isle Mens Shed workshop in AvochThe Shed FAQs

Set out below are answers to some of the more common questions which are asked about the Shed. We have tried to include as many as we can think of but if your question does not appear, just send us a message with your query and we will do our best to answer it.

How do I find out about the Men’s Shed and what is involved?

On this page and elsewhere in the website we have tried to answer some questions regarding the Shed and our activities.  If you have a question and cannot find the answer then just click here and send us your question via our Enquiry Page.

It is not necessary for members to have practical skills as our primary aim is to provide a safe and welcoming environment that will foster friendship and social interaction.  If you are interested in learning new skills then opportunities will be made available to you. 

If you would like to visit us and have a look round then you are more than welcome. Just send us a note by clicking here and we will arrange a mutually convenient time.

How do I join the Men’s Shed?

To apply for membership we would ask that you complete an online application form which can be found here.

How will you communicate with me?

We currently communicate with our members through the following channels;

  • News is distributed via email using a Google Group. Members are encouraged to join this group by entering their details here.
  • We have a Facebook page which can be accessed by clicking here. (Opens in a new window.)
  • Our website has a News Page as well as a Diary Page which should keep you up to date with our activities and planned practical and social sessions.

 

Where does the Men’s Shed meet?

We meet in Avoch in the Sea Scouts Centre (which was the Community Centre) . The location of the building can be see in the map which at the foot of this page.


We have built an indoor workshop inside the Centre and have a storage container and small workshop outside. Recently constructed is a large patio where we use equipment or assemble large projects weather permitting.

We have the use of the Ward Room for socialising and messing; away from the coalface.

Feddanhill Wood is hosted by Graham Tuley - where we carry out green woodworking & woods management projects and learn skills while soaking up knowledge about trees and wood carving and whittling.  Click here to view the location and get directions in Google Maps (opens in a new window).

Is there a subscription fee?

No, although you may wish to make donations to the Shed using the GiftAid scheme if you can. (For details of the GiftAid scheme please click here.)

We sometimes make contributions to the tea/coffee/biscuits/cake fund!

What equipment is available to use in Avoch?

Interior of the Black Isle Men's Shed in AvochWe have two woodworking lathes, large bandsaw, table saws, scroll saws,  thicknesser/planer and morticer.

 

 

 

 


 

What do people make?

Hand turned pen made on the lathe. Personal projects can be undertaken and community projects, which accrue welcome income for the Shed, are also undertaken such as picnic benches etc.

How do I find out what activity is programmed?

Details of our social and practical activities can be found in the Diary Page of the website. Please click here to view it. 

In normal times the regular practical sessions would be as follows;

Feddanhill sessions - Monday and Thursday 10:00 to 16:00

Workshop sessions - Tuesday and Friday 10:00 to 16:00

 

What kind of social activities are on offer?

We try to encourage to encourage social inclusion through planned activities such as winter talks.

Varied topics include archaeology/history/nature/health etc. and there is always time to socialise at anytime during sessions - 

Out of doors exercise is also catered for including walks, cycling, rowing etc..

 

Do I need any experience or qualifications?

No, we will help you pick up knowledge and skills.

Great if you have some skills and knowledge that you can use to assist others.

Do I need any tools?

Not usually - we have hand and power tools at both our sites.

Perhaps you may wish to use your own specialist or personal tools - for example special knives for wood whittling.

What about Health and Safety?
  1. We have Workshop Rules covering our policy and you will be given appropriate induction training for the workshop and for Feddanhill activity.

  2. The induction training will cover what you ought to wear and raise your awareness of any risks involved.

What should I wear?

Coming soon

Do you undertake projects for local communities and individuals?

Coming soon

The blue marker is on the left hand side of the building and is placed on the large roller shutter door which is normally open. 

Our workshop is located at the back of the ground floor on the left hand side and is visible from the door.

If you use What3Words the location is w3w.co/huts.staple.stitch.

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