Nominations and Aspirations

on the first day of February

Echoing a wise observation from yesterday, our collective presence, whether in-person or from a distance, plays a crucial role in supporting the community. Recognizing that social support is a key factor in happiness, whether we gather physically or virtually, we are all contributing to making a positive impact together.

This week was all business with the odd stray pool ball flying in the background. Next week we’ll get the games out of the cupboard 🎲.

Continuing last week’s discussion on formalizing our group and creating a dedicated workspace, we are progressing with the goal of registering as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organization (SCIO), the most common legal structure for Men’s Sheds in Scotland. The question of being an Unincorporated Association was raised, so here’s a brief comparison:

SCIO vs unincorporated association

1. Legal:

   • Unincorporated: Operates through individual members without a separate legal personality.

   • SCIO: Possesses its legal personality, providing limited liability protection for members.

2. Limited Liability:

   • Unincorporated: Members typically lack limited liability.

   • SCIO: Members generally enjoy limited liability, protecting personal assets.

3. Formality and Governance:

   • Unincorporated: Less formalities and flexible governance.

   • SCIO: Subject to more formal governance requirements.

4. Funding Opportunities:

   • Unincorporated: May limit access to certain grants.

   • SCIO: Charitable status enhances eligibility for grants.

5. Continuity and Succession:

   • Unincorporated: Faces challenges in continuity and succession.

   • SCIO: With its legal personality, provides greater continuity.

6. Regulatory Oversight:

   • Unincorporated: Subject to fewer regulatory requirements.

   • SCIO: Regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Upcoming workshop

Since none of us have gone through the process of registering as a SCIO, we agreed that it would be a good idea to reach out to our pals at Voluntary Action Orkney for support and guidance. I'm pleased to share that VAO has agreed to conduct a workshop, and we are currently finalizing the details. Stay tuned!

Appointing a board

Five nominations have been put forward for the positions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Notetaker. We discussed these roles having a 3-month tenure initially to ensure those in the positions are comfortable and willing to continue. The nominations will be presented again at next week’s meeting (February 6) to allow more members an opportunity to be nominated for these roles or to weigh in on the current nominations. At the following week’s meeting, we will vote to elect the positions in-person and online for those not able to attend.

Constitution

We can begin by using a model constitution template from SVCO and referring to the constitutions of Orkney Men’s Shed and Sanday Men’s Shed as guides for the Shapinsay Men’s Group.

Bank Account

Once we have a constitution, we'll need to open a business bank account, likely with TSB as they offer online business banking.

Join the SMSA

To register under the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, we need to raise £25. If you have £2 to spare, please bring it to our next meeting. Billy’s bringing the donation bucket. We also need to decide on an address, and two main applicants are required. See the registration form here.

Idea sharing

Considering a temporary workspace, Morgan, co-founder of Orkney Men’s Shed, suggested the use of a storage container as a makeshift 'shed.' While this would involve finding available land and obtaining planning permission, it offers a more straightforward alternative to constructing a space. Great idea!

Ok, that’s enough business talk. Let’s skiffle!

I will confess I’d never heard of the music genre, Skiffle, but thanks to Andrew and Glynn for enlightening me. Skiffle emerged in the UK during the 1950s and gained immense influence through artists like Lonnie Donegan (a Scottish musician). His hit ‘Rock Island Line’ inspired many young musicians to form DIY groups with homemade instruments like washboards, tea-chest basses, and guitars. Many notable British artists, including members of The Beatles, started their musical journeys in skiffle groups before transitioning to rock and roll. Maybe we can form a wee Shapinsay skiffle group. I know we have at least one member with a washboard and Andrew on the tin tray.

A special thanks to our chief baker, Billy, for the delicious lemon drizzle cake. Rumour has it we might have a coffee walnut cake on the menu for next week! 😋

Next meeting: Tuesday, February 6th from 7-9pm in the Clubrooms.

Thanks for reading ✨