Getting to know you

Derek Keiller is the chair of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association and also of Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed. The 69-year-old still works at the advertising agency he started in 1991

Q When did you first hear about Men’s Sheds?

A In April 2013 when a friend’s wife suggested I attend the inaugural meeting of the Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed in the local church with her husband. I had no idea what to expect but it has changed my life.

Q Who is your TV DIY hero?

A Nick Knowles from television’s DIY SOS programme. It’s a superb example of people coming together to help others in need.

Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save?

A My woodturning lathe! No seriously, my wife, fireman’s lift style and with a cat under each arm. Q Theme song for your life? A ‘Happy’ by the Rolling Stones.

Q Last meal on earth?

A A nice steak, potatoes and veg and a bottle of 1961 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild. Q Dream dinner party guests? A Barack Obama, Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. Q What would be your Super hero power/name? A Ability to paralise criminals with a wag of my finger.

Q Early bird or night owl?

A Definitely night owl, I’m useless early morning. I would rather work all night than get up early morning to complete a task. Q Who do you admire most? A Nelson Mandela.

Q And who do you detest?

A Dictators, and governments, who subdue their citizens in pursuit of monetary reward or/and ideology.

Q Cats or dogs?

A Our son departed for Australia in 2012 and “kindly” donated his two cats to us. So it has to be cats.

Q Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet?

A I was always a bit of a rebel – Elvis rather than Cliff Richard, Rolling Stones rather than The Beatles and motorbikes rather that scooters.

Q Early or late?

A Definitely early. My pet hate is being late, especially for business appointments. However, socially, my wife has a different agenda and we are usually late wherever we go. Q Sweet or savoury? A A spoonful of honey makes the medicine go down, so a bit of both. Q What are you proudest of? A Our two wonderful sons who are well balanced and considerate of others.

Q Biggest regret?

A Not asking my parents more questions about their lives when they were alive (they both died young). When you’re young you don’t even think of such things. Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change? A Nothing. Quite happy the way I am. Q Who would you like to thank? A My parents, and my wife, for putting up with me. Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A Follow your dreams. Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up? A Diet cola. I used to drink four cans a day.

Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child?

A Getting six of the best whilst at Forfar Academy. I was in third year and had to report to the rector for a misdemeanour. Punishment was delivered in front of a fifth year class and my hands were so sore I couldn’t open the door to get out. Q What’s your motto? A Never ever give up!

Q Happiest memory? A The smell of sawdust in my father’s workshop