Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
Grampian SeaShed - A Community for retired seafarers
What is SeaShed?
Grampian SeaShed is a support group for retired and redundant seafarers in the Aberdeen area.
Founded in 2017 by former Port Chaplain Howard Drysdale, it exists to tackle loneliness, share stories, and build friendship after a life at sea.
What began with 7 members has grown into a thriving group with bi-weekly meetings on Fridays, outings, and a strong sense of community.
Our bi-weekly gatherings include food and conversation. A place to belong and feel seen. Open to anyone who served at sea, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy or Fishermen!
What We Do
How We Support Our Members
Bi-weekly Meet-Ups
We gather for tea/coffee, with scones, cream and jam and end with a hot lunch.
There’s always good conversation, stories are shared, and we have a good few laughs.
We occasionally do a quiz when we meet!
It’s a space where retired seafarers feel heard, valued, and at home.
Group Outings
We organise six outings a year to places like lighthouses, museums, and coastal sites.
These trips bring connection, adventure, and a real sense of purpose.
For many members, they’re a highlight of the year.
Ongoing Care
When life gets tough, we stay present.
Whether it's a hospital visit or a phone call to check in, we show up.
SeaShed isn’t just a group — it’s support, friendship, and care for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Grampian Sea Shed and our marketing services.
Who can join SeaShed?
If you are a retired seafarer - Merchant Navy, Royal Navy or Fisherman, you are welcome to join our group
SeaShed is open to retired or redundant seafarers looking for connection, companionship, and a place to share stories from their time at sea. If you’ve spent time working at sea and are based in or around Aberdeen, you’re more than welcome to join us.
What happens at a typical SeaShed meeting?
We meet at 09:30 in the New Greentrees, Dyce and enjoy unlimited tea/coffe and a scone. There is plenty of good banter, sometimes a quiz and a cooked lunch.
We gather from 09:30, with tea, coffee, scones, and a good chat starting at 10:00. There’s usually conversation around seafaring, general wellbeing, maybe a quiz or two, and we wrap up with a light lunch around midday. It’s informal, friendly, and always supportive.
How much does it cost to attend?
Each session costs £15, but we already have sponsorship covering £5 per person — so members currently pay just £10 per meeting, which includes refreshments and a lunch.
What if I can’t make it to meetings in person?
That is okay! We all have times when w ecannot make meetings - looking after grandkids; hospital/dental/doctors appointments etc. Just let us know via the contact page or our WHatsApp group.
We provide iPads and training for members who may be housebound or unable to travel. This helps them join virtual meetings or stay connected with other members even during poor weather or periods of ill health.
What kind of outings does SeaShed organise?
We arrange outings at the suggestions of our members to a variety of places and events. See past blog posts for more details.
We plan around six group outings a year, usually between May and September when the weather’s kinder. Past trips have included the Fraserburgh Lighthouse Museum, HMS Unicorn, Peterhead Prison, and even the Jute Factory Museum in Dundee. It’s all about exploring together and keeping the spirit of adventure alive.
Is SeaShed a charity?
No — but SeaShed joined the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) in 2022 and funds are used soley to help us grow and support more retired seafarers in need of community and wellbeing.
Blog
Keep up to date with recent events and gatherings
Our New Venue!
Our regular biweekly meeting took place at our new berth on Friday 1th August.
15 of our members gathered at the New Greentrees in Dyce, Aberdeen and what a wonderful welcome we were given by the owner and his staff! (more details here)
The place was all set up for us and looked most inviting...
I have to say that the scones and cream were top notch - hot out the oven (possibly microwave? 😀) the unlimited tea/coffee was served frequently by our lovely hostess!
It wasn't all about food - we also had a quiz on the Royal Navy which our resident 'boffin' Chris won... by one point!
Mike Deeming also shared a moving story from the Nautical Institutes Seaways magazine about picking up seafarers lost at sea.
The next Petanque meeting was organised by Doug and will be held on Wednesday 26th at Stonehaven Petanque court.
Of course, there was much ongoing banter amongst the groups and everyone enjoyed our regualar meeting.
Then came the food...
I think I speak on behalf of all those who attended when I say it was a great start in out new "Home" at the New Greentrees.
We meet every two weeks so if you are a retired seafarer, why not plan to join us at 09:30 for a few hours of friendship, food and fun? Just drop me a quick note using the contact form to let us book your seat!
PARTNERS
