Our Members Story

At 78, Neil Smith has swapped retirement for a new apprenticeship in picture framing at Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed, leading a community-run business at Aden Country Park that builds skills, purpose, pride, and sustainable income through craftsmanship and reuse.

Neil Smith in a picture framing workshop displaying frame moulding samples

Never too old

At 78, Longside resident Neil Smith has swapped retirement for a new apprenticeship in picture framing at Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed, proving it’s never too late to learn.

Start of a new career

The framing business attracts local customers, generating income and purpose. Neil says the craft takes time to learn, relying on Stanley’s 30 years’ experience, who still supports the shed after donating his business.

Neil Smith measuring artwork as part of the picture framing process

Neil Smith standing outside the Aden Picture Framing workshop

Master picture framer

Former joiner Neil joined Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed in 2023 after encouragement from wife Ruth. His meticulous skills saw him quickly master framing, becoming master framer behind Aden Picture Framing’s growing reputation.

Aden Picture Framing provides needed funds

Gordon says that the Aden Picture Framing business shows how community groups can create sustainable income, reducing grant reliance, promoting repair and reuse, and giving members pride through practical skills and customer satisfaction.

Neil Smith and Gordon Reid, Chairman, standing inside the picture framing workshop

Tony Sladdin

Tony Sladdin is one of the original members of Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed, dating back to the early days when meetings were held in the small village hall of Mintlaw. Like many Shed stories, Tony’s journey began with a simple conversation and a spark of curiosity.

After attending a talk by a local woodworker who demonstrated what could be achieved with a scroll saw, Tony became intrigued. Not long afterwards, he spotted a scroll saw in the window of a local garden machinery shop. Although woodworking hadn’t come naturally at first, he decided to give it a try and that moment marked the beginning of a creative journey that continues today.

Starting out with a modest saw costing around £80–£100, Tony steadily developed his skills through practice, patience, and hands-on learning. What began as mastering the basics soon progressed into making wooden items for friends and family, particularly seasonal pieces for Christmas and Easter.

Crafting for Community

As Tony’s confidence grew, so did the purpose behind his work. He began creating wooden items to help raise funds for the Shed, selling handmade pieces at local events and through community connections.

A strong belief in reuse and sustainability underpins Tony’s approach. He regularly works with donated and reclaimed wood old doors, panels, furniture, and offcuts carefully assessing what each piece could become. Materials that might otherwise be thrown away are transformed into meaningful, handcrafted items.

One of Tony’s most recognised creations is his “Trees of Life”, made from reclaimed timber. These have been presented to mark retirements, community milestones, and special occasions, including pieces crafted from wood more than 100 years old.

More Than Woodworking

For Tony, the Shed is about far more than tools and timber. It’s a place for conversation, shared ideas, and genuine community spirit. A casual chat can easily lead to a new project, a commission, or an opportunity to help someone else.

Outside the Shed, Tony has a long-standing interest in motorbikes, and that same hands-on, mechanical mindset carries through into his woodworking practical, thoughtful, and always improving.

Tony is happy to take on commissions where possible, provided they are physically manageable. Christmas decorations are particularly popular, with some years seeing hundreds of handmade items produced for individuals and organisations.

Always Looking Forward

With rising material costs and timber shortages, creativity and resourcefulness are more important than ever. Tony is always on the lookout for suitable reclaimed wood such as oak, beech or mahogany, ideally left in a natural, unvarnished finish that allows the character of the wood to shine through.

Through the Shed’s website and social media channels, Tony’s work and the stories behind it continue to be shared, highlighting the learning, progression, and strong sense of community that define Mintlaw & District Men’s Shed.

If you’d like to learn more about Tony’s work or the Shed itself, feel free to pop in for a coffee and a chat you never know where a conversation might lead.