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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. 13:03, 04 Jun

2025Updated 16:55, 05 Jun 2025 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. Article continues below 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. READ

MORE: Ministers reject Bannockburn track and golf range plans over battlefield fearsREAD MORE: Former Stirling care home site could be sold off for housing “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. READ MORE: Blair Drummond Safari Park to host evening bike event to boost neighbours'

fundraising effort “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. READ MORE: Call made to stop rich "hoarding" Stirling propertiesREAD MORE: Stirling chippy hands over proceeds from

special menu sale to good causes “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.” Article continues below 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,

FK16 6AD. For more information visit www.scenestirling.com/open-studios-stirlingshire. For more information about volunteering or fundraising for Strathcarron Hospice visit

www.StrathcarronHospice.net.