You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down

By Jean Adamson | Photographs by Margaret Diamond

Eddie McGeown served his time in the Shipyards as a welder. He left many years ago, then joined the Army. He became part of the Core of Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME), the maintenance arm of the British Army.  Continuing with his welding skills “I travelled various parts of the world from Germany, wider Europe, and several tours of active service,” said Eddie.

Heavy industry and Forces deployment to areas of the world where times are tough can take their toll on the best of men, but Eddie continues to be a real character. Knowledgeable, helpful, willing to pitch in with whatever work is required at the SHED, belies the complexity of invisible health issues.

Eddie previously worked more locally at Torness Power Station and Babcock’s. At times “there was a need to travel as work locally became sparse” says Eddie. He has been part of the Petrochemical industry working offshore, also onshore in oil construction. He also participated in ship building and repair in Belfast and Invergordon.

This is a man determined to give his utmost to society. Someone who is of real value at the SHED.

Initially Eddie joined the SHED when it was based at Captain Street. Eddie says “that was about 5 years ago. I had developed some health problems.” “I was at a loose end.” A friend told him about the SHED and initially he says “it was mainly woodwork – then someone donated tools for welding.” Eddie was then able to do a bit of welding. He remembers making a metal table, fabricating a metal tool stand and welding a Silver Cross pram! Well done, Eddie! We need men like you to train up the boys (and girls too!).

So, with the help of Bruce Newlands, the SHED got the opportunity of a larger building down on East Blackhall Street. Once again Eddie adapted his skills. Now Eddie heads up the Meet and Greet team, which takes place every second Tuesday between 10am and 12pm. When you meet Eddie you will receive a warm welcome, a tour of the ‘shop floor’ and information on what is running re classes you can take part in. Eddie has a good knowledge of the machines, but if he feels something is beyond him, he will point you to who he considers the ‘expert’ in the area. And don’t forget the wee cuppa afterwards where we do our best to get to know each other and find out what potentially new members are interested in.

Eddie, like many of our local ‘retired’ tradesmen plays down the health issues life has left him with. He’s simply a man that gets on with the job. We love you, Eddie! Keep up the good work.