The Moray volunteer lending a helping hand with DIY jobs for vulnerable residents for 25 years

By Chloe Irvine

November 10 2022, 6:32 pm

Moray volunteer celebrates 25 years of doing free DIY jobs for residents. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Malcolm Bradley has completed over 400 voluntary DIY jobs since he started in 1997 – and intends to do even more in his retirement.

The 66-year-old previously worked for RAF Lossiemouth before getting into the civil service, which he recently retired from.

Alongside his work over the past 25 years, he’s used his spare time to help elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents through the Moray Handyperson Service.

His most recent job involved clearing a gutter for client Irene Moffatt in Elgin.

Malcolm Bradley putting things in the bin and speaking to Irene Moffatt who he is doing a job for today — Malcolm Bradley at Irene Moffatt’s house where he’s clearing a gutter. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

‘Bring a bit more light’

Mr Bradley admits sometimes the tasks he completes are very small, but he believes the difference it can make to someone’s life is significant.

He said: “There are so many memorable jobs for various reasons, it’s about serving the community.

“I was asked to go to a house the other day and she asked me to change a lightbulb in the hall near the front door.

Malcolm Bradley standing un a ladder next to the roof of a house on one of his DIY jobs in Elgin — Malcolm Bradley working at Irene Moffatt’s house in Elgin. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

“The fact I was able to bring a bit more light to this lady was quite memorable, it makes it all worthwhile.

“There are folk who have trouble doing small jobs and when they ask professionals, they turn them down because it’s too small a job, so we like doing them.”

‘Heard along the grapevine they needed volunteers’

Mr Bradley also recently started working on the Dufftown and Keith heritage railway after hearing they were on the lookout for volunteers.

“That’s one of the other things I’ve started doing, I heard along the grapevine the Dufftown and Keith railway needed volunteers, so I’ve been going every Tuesday.”

Moray Handyperson Service has been operating for 25 years, though it faces more pressure than ever due to a lack of funding and volunteers.

Mr Bradley believes now that he’s retired, he can increase his handyperson workload.

Malcolm Bradley standing outside Irene Moffatt's house with a bucket in his hand — Malcolm Bradley on his DIY job. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

In addition to DIY jobs, he has become a driver for Hopeman Community Minibus, taking Hopeman and Burghead residents to the medical centre in Lossiemouth.

The Moray Handyperson Service charity helps people to live independent lives for as long as possible in their own home. To volunteer, phone them on 01343 559739.