Calm Influence. Big Impact. No Fuss.

There’s one person we haven’t properly introduced yet — and in many ways, one of the reasons Hedzup is still here today.

Melvyn Lynch.

In the very early days, before Hedzup was anything more than an idea we were testing, we were running small groups out of the college — one evening a week, maybe six sessions at a time. It was basic, unproven, and could easily have stopped there.

Mel was Rector at Forfar Academy at the time. I was already working with some of the more disengaged groups in the school, running outdoor sessions — the kind that don’t fit neatly into a classroom. We’d be out mucking out horses at the local sanctuary, clearing ditches in Glen Doll to stop paths being washed away — real work, real environments.

Mel understood that.

He believed in doing things for all young people, not just the academic ones. And sometimes, if all you got at the end of it was a smile from someone who didn’t usually give one — that was enough.

We’ve been friends ever since.

When Hedzup needed somewhere to go, Mel opened the door. First, it was a space in the school. Then it became the garage — which we quickly filled with bikes. When that wasn’t enough, we spilled into the greenhouse area behind it. It stayed like that for the best part of a year, until a Biology class went to do some planting and couldn’t get in for bikes and parts.

That probably sums Hedzup up quite well.

When we formally set up as a not-for-profit and charity, Mel was the first person I asked to become a Director. Thankfully, he said yes — and he’s been part of the journey ever since.

Over the years, he’s been there for everything — taking groups across to the Manx, driving the bus, supporting sessions, and just getting stuck in wherever needed.

Somewhere along the way, he’s also developed a love for motorbikes — which helps — but more importantly, he’s always understood the value of getting young people outside, into real environments, and giving them something different.

That hasn’t changed. And hopefully, it won’t.

I’m looking forward to many more Hedzup outings with Mel — as is everyone who’s had the chance to work alongside him.

— Ian Pert