Jewellery designer turning trashed spoons into treasures to raise funds for hospice
Mark Drury, 78, who also volunteers at Strathcarron, was inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing' - and will be selling his creations at his Stirlingshire studio.
A jewellery designer who makes products from old silver spoons will be selling his creations in aid of Strathcarron Hospice as part of Open Studio Stirlingshire June 7-15.
Mark Drury, who also volunteers at the hospice, was inspired to fundraise for Strathcarron after wanting to do something for a charity which he felt would impact most on local people's lives. Mark decided to share his story as part of Volunteer Week June 2-8.
The 78-year-old started donating money to the hospice from selling his paintings and then decided to create jewellery from old silver spoons after being inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing', where entrepreneur Sarah Moore saves things from being dumped and transforms them into valuable pieces.
Mark, who lives near Doune, said: 'I have always liked silver – it's bright and shiny and I am like a magpie! It is easy and relatively cheap to work with. I could buy a box of cutlery for £45 and create items for sale recycled and sell them for £200 for the hospice.
'People like them because they are handmade, for a charity and silver is very popular at the moment. It is amazing what you can make from something that no one wants anymore!'
When Mark retired from his commercial property job aged 54 he says he struggled with the transition to retirement, so decided to go travelling around the world for a few months at a time over seven years.
His new experiences across the globe inspired him creatively and he also witnessed the abuse of aid and subsidy in some countries, sparking an interest in how he could help others at a local level in his own area.
Aged 61 he enrolled in Glasgow School of Art, followed by Jo Pudelko's Jewellery School in Dunblane. Mark has been making artwork and silver jewellery for seven years with all the proceeds being donated to Strathcarron.
Mark said: 'All my life I had worked in a desk job and ran offices dealing with huge commercial property deals. It can be a real problem for men when they retire, to disconnect from the role
they have had all their working life. They get the suit, the tie, and the title and they think that is their identity, and then some people struggle when they retire.
'I went back packing all over the world for a few months at a time. I needed the time and space to like myself and find that I had the confidence to try new things and use those skills to help others. Having spent my life behind a desk, I love the tactile side of making things and knowing that it has helped others at the Hospice as a result.'
Mark added: 'Two years ago I started volunteering at the hospice after Eileen the Volunteer Co-ordinator had reached out saying the hospice needed people to help.
'I assist the domestic team with duties, serve tea and coffee to patients and their family members and help set up the trollies for lunch.
'When I am there I am no longer Mark Drury the double breasted suit and shiny shoes businesses man – it is a real leveller working at the hospice and I meet a whole range of people. It is extraordinary to find out about the life and experiences they have had – people are really interesting.
'I love the people at Strathcarron and it is an amazingly happy place. The domestic team I work with are absolutely fantastic – we have good fun. They have a great sense of humour! I couldn't have been stuffy or I wouldn't have lasted! It has been a real insight into people, I have learnt a lot.
'Volunteering at the hospice has made me realise it's about enjoying the moment and realising that by helping others you get as much, if not more, than what you give. There is a wonderful feel good factor and sense of self-worth and contribution.
'To know that me bringing my energy into a room can help make a patient's day so much better, that's a nice thing. It is what being human is all about – these connections.'
Mark Drury is taking part in Open Studios Stirlingshire in aid of Strathcarron Hospice June 7-14, at this studio at Northland House off the B826, KY16 6AD.
For more information visit www.scenestirling.com/open-studios-stirlingshire.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Health agency issues urgent UK alert to anyone who eats salad
People could find themselves facing an uncomfortable sickness this summer if they're not careful As the weather heats up in summer, people may want to opt for something lighter for lunch, like a salad. But a fresh health alert from UK authorities warns that these foods could make people ill if one very important step is ignored. It may not always be possible to grab fresh food to whip up a refreshing and healthy salad, so many people instead reach for the premade packs available in most supermarkets. However, people who do this have been warned to take one extra step to avoid falling ill. It might seem like common sense, but some people simply tip their bag out and tuck it in. Experts suggest taking one extra precaution to avoid coming into contact with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. In a post on X, a spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency said: "Even if the packet says washed and ready to eat, it's worth giving it an extra rinse. Bacteria on one leaf can spread to the whole pack" Most of these supermarket salads have already undergone a washing and sanitising process before packaging. But, not every bag will be labelled to confirm that it has or hasn't been pre-washed - so it's best to make sure and give your pack a rinse before eating. A BBC report claimed that bagged salad may "fuel the growth of food-poisoning bugs". It quoted the research of scientists from the University of Leicester who said the moist environment, combined with nutrients leaching out of chopped leaves, created the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The researchers said they were shocked at the way the bacteria thrived, even in the fridge. They advised people to eat bagged salad on the day they bought it. The report added that these studies showed that Salmonella did especially well in bags containing spinach, while E. coli loved rocket leaves. One of the scientists behind the research, Dr Primrose Freestone, advised the BBC: "Buy the bag with the best sell-by date, avoid lots of mushed leaves, and if it's inflated, then don't use it." Signs of sickness caused by salad are similar to any other food poisoning. The NHS claims people with food poisoning might notice: feeling sick or being sick diarrhoea tummy pain a high temperature feeling generally unwell Article continues below The symptoms usually start within a few hours or a few days of eating food that caused the infection. Sometimes symptoms do not start for a few weeks. The condition usually improves on its own within a week. The health service advises staying at home, getting plenty of rest, and drinking lots of fluids, such as water or squash.
Wales Online
29 minutes ago
- Wales Online
BBC radio presenter announces cancer diagnosis
BBC radio presenter announces cancer diagnosis he broadcaster, 59, announced on Thursday that he would be stepping back from his early evening programme Michelle McManus and Bryan Burnett at Paisley Abbey promoting Children in need event there to be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland. (Image: Paisley Daily Express ) BBC Radio Scotland presenter Bryan Burnett has announced that he will be taking a break from his presenting role following a cancer diagnosis. The broadcaster, 59, announced on Thursday that he would be stepping back from his early evening programme Get It On to undergo appendiceal cancer treatment. Speaking on air, he said the tumour was first discovered earlier this year while he was having surgery to remove his appendix. He said: "Appendix cancer is incredibly rare but the good news is it is treatable, but I do have to have some fairly hefty abdominal surgery next week. "It's going to mean I am going to be off work for a couple of months and you know how hard I will find that. However, I'm expected to make a full recovery, which is good news, and will be back on air, on the show that I truly love, later in the year. "Those of you who are regular listeners know that we are such a close team on Get It On, so I also want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to my brilliant producers for all the hand-holding and encouragement they've given me since they found out my news. I'm sure they will let you know how I'm doing over the next few weeks." Article continues below In a statement he said his treatment will begin next week and will involve abdominal surgery and chemotherapy. Burnett said: "I've experienced the most incredible care and kindness from the NHS staff who have been looking after me. "My surgeon is a Get It On listener so I know I'm in good hands. "I will really miss the music and the chat when I'm off but our listeners have given me hundreds of great playlists so that will keep me going over the next few months." Broadcaster Grant Stott will step in to present the show in his absence. Hayley Valentine, director BBC Scotland, said: "Bryan is one of our most popular broadcasters on Radio Scotland and I know listeners will join us in wishing him well as he embarks on his treatment. Article continues below "We look forward to welcoming him back to the Get It On studio once he's recovered."
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
BBC Radio's Bryan Burnett steps away from mic to treat ‘incredibly rare' cancer
BBC Radio Scotland host Bryan Burnett announced he will be taking time off from his show, Get It On Tonight, to undergo treatment for 'incredibly rare' appendix cancer. Burnett revealed his diagnosis during his live show, explaining that a tumour was discovered when his appendix was recently removed. He will undergo complex abdominal surgery and chemotherapy, with colleague Grant Stott filling in during his absence. Burnett expressed gratitude to his team and the NHS staff, noting that his surgeon is a listener of his show and that he expects to make a full recovery and return to the air later in the year. Hayley Valentine of BBC Radio Scotland conveyed well wishes to Burnett on behalf of listeners and the station, anticipating his return to the studio after his recovery.
