MSS Newsletter - Winter 2025
MSS Newsletter - Winter 2025
Mastrick, Sheddocksley and Summerhill Community Newsletter – Winter 2025
Overview and Core Messages
Winter 2025 brings another edition of the MSS Newsletter, a publication produced by the Mastrick, Sheddocksley and Summerhill Community Council for those who call the area home. This issue compiles updates on active local projects, a calendar of forthcoming events, and important community news, all aimed at strengthening safety, resilience, and connection across our neighbourhoods. The underlying objective is simple: keep residents informed, celebrate what we’ve already achieved, and inspire every resident to play an active part in shaping the area’s future. As the council grows, there is a plan to broaden the range of topics to include more articles from across Mastrick, Sheddocksley, and Summerhill. If you’d like to share a service, promote an event, or contribute something of local interest, you can email the secretary to get involved. (Page 1)
The MSS Community Impact Fund is a grant program offered by the council to back initiatives that benefit the local community. Its purpose is to empower individuals, groups, and organizations to turn ideas into reality, promoting positive changes and enhancing wellbeing across the neighbourhoods. Whether a project aims to improve public spaces, host community activities, or deliver meaningful services, the fund exists to help bring these efforts to life and lift up the wider community. (Page 2)
The Christmas Decoration Competition for 2025 invites households across Mastrick, Sheddocksley, and Summerhill to dress the exterior of their homes and participate in a festive trail. The idea is to foster a sense of joy, creativity, and shared celebration, with local children voting for their favourite displays as December unfolds. It’s a free, family-friendly event designed to spread cheer and strengthen community ties. (Page 3)
The Christmas Trail Map will be released on the council’s website and across social channels, enabling families to explore participating homes at a pace that suits them. Children can stroll from display to display, voting for the houses that bring them the most festive delight. (Page 4)
How to take part is straightforward: decorate the exterior of your home in a festive style, ensure your address is included on the official map, and let local children vote during December. The winners will be announced on 19 December 2025. All kinds of displays are encouraged, from subtle warmth to dazzling spectacle. (Page 5)
Prizes are planned for the top three displays, featuring personalised Christmas baubles along with Amazon vouchers: first place includes £100, second place £50, and third place £25. The process is supported by a trail map published online, and there are key dates to note for sign-ups, map release, voting, and the final prize ceremony. (Page 6)
The Sheddocksley Community Centre page provides details about the centre’s current timetable and how to book. The centre is open for birthday parties on weekends, with a three-hour hire window (two hours for the party plus time for setup and cleanup). The rate includes access to a Bouncy Castle, the Large Hall, the Small Room, and the Kitchen. For bookings and inquiries, you can call the centre directly. (Page 7)
Get Active @ Sheddocksley describes a fully equipped fitness facility featuring lifting platforms, a functional training area, a large sports hall, a studio, outdoor grass pitches, and a range of classes. Timetables and contact details are available for those interested in joining or learning more about offerings. (Page 8)
Springhill Community Garden is a hub where raised and communal beds enable residents to grow food, while wilderness areas support pollinators and wildlife. The garden welcomes groups from local schools to gain hands-on experience, learn, and enjoy time outdoors. A growing volunteer base helps sustain the garden, with new volunteers encouraged from the immediate Mastrick, Sheddocksley, Northfield, and surrounding areas. The garden sits behind the Sheddocksley Sports Centre on Springhill Road, adjacent to a former bowling green and accessed via a paved path. For more information, inquiries can be sent by email or via the garden’s Facebook page. (Page 9)
Greenfern Road Park has undergone long-awaited enhancements after extensive discussions with the city council. The initial phase focuses on improving accessibility, including new paths and ramps to improve wheelchair access, plus an inclusive swing to enable children of all abilities to enjoy the space together. Sean Gordon, chair of the MSS Council, called the upgrades a significant win for the community and emphasized their potential to make the park more welcoming and family-friendly. Residents are supportive and the council plans further improvements in the coming months. (Page 10)
Defibrillator installations mark an important safety milestone for the local areas. A device has been installed at Mastrick Community Centre, broadening access to lifesaving equipment, following a successful application and approval to place a defibrillator at Sheddocksley Community Centre. These installations reflect the council’s commitment to health and safety and to ensuring critical medical equipment is readily available in emergencies. The community extends thanks to everyone who supported this initiative. (Page 11)
The Men’s Shed initiative has linked with Kingsford Primary School as part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts blue token scheme. The collaboration seeks to identify a suitable building to establish a permanent base for the Men’s Shed, with the aim of creating a welcoming, practical space where men can work side by side on community projects. Members are encouraged to suggest potential premises to keep the momentum moving. A Men’s Shed offers social connection, skill sharing, and opportunities to support local projects, contributing to mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging within the community. (Page 12)
ABZWorks is launching a Green Skills Training and Support Fund designed to equip Aberdeen residents with practical qualifications for employment in the growing green economy. The program offers more than 70 training places with providers such as NESCol, NESFIT, and Tullos Training, with courses funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The fund serves both those seeking work and individuals aiming to upskill, with flexible support and clear contact paths for interested participants. (Page 13)
Boards & Beans café at Mastrick Community Centre presents a welcoming venue where people can meet, enjoy affordable hot drinks, cakes and treats, and even engage in board games. An expansion is in planning to extend the initiative to include meals, a move designed to boost community engagement and improve food access. The project is framed as inclusive and accessible, inviting everyone to drop in and take part in a friendly, low-cost social space. Final plans are anticipated in the near future as the development progresses. (Page 14)
Across these updates, the MSS Council emphasizes ongoing opportunities to get involved, volunteer, or share ideas that strengthen the local area. For more information, engagement details, and contact options are available through the council’s official channels, inviting residents to contribute to a safer, more connected, and more vibrant Mastrick, Sheddocksley, and Summerhill. (Page 15)
