December 2024 Newsletter part one

1. Welcome to December’s newsletter. Well we certainly have something to remember as we approach the closure of our first decade year. The year started with both good news and sad news. The good news saw the delivery of the materials for the replacement covered lean to area and placed in a safe storage for a later date. The sad news was the loss of a stalwart member, John Murray. He often commented on the friendship he felt whilst at the WMS. February saw the first of the two tool sales held outside the Shed. Throughout the year we have had many donations of both tools and some good quality wood, so these sales were well stocked and helped raise much-needed funds. March saw some members visit Titchfield Festival Hall to see a new play ‘Men’s Shed’ following the fictional day to day events of a typical Men’s Shed and how the WI came to the assistance of the Men’s Shed membership application. There was much playful banter between WI and Shed members in the audience! March also was to mark a key month in the future of WMS. HBC offered us alternative premises in Waterlooville. After some initial scoping by the Committee, an E/AGM was held at the site for members vote on whether to move or remain. At this stage this was only an initial feel of member’s attitudes to a potential move. Of the thirty members attending 27 voted in favour of a move. After much dialogue with HBC the decision was made to remain due to the high costs of bringing the building up to standards, including plumbing and drainage. After many meetings and communications with HBC a new lease was drawn up for approval. As our current building was no longer watertight, a programme was put together to replace the roof. This was preceded by a work party of members guided by Peter Sanders to prepare the building for the roof replacement. A real team effort ensured that we met the timelines to commence the roof replacement. Many members went over and beyond in their commitment to ensure we were ready. The roof was completed mid October and work commenced on the interior which was a key milestone. At time of writing this work continues. As we were now settled in our premises we were able to apply for grants. Thanks to our ASDA Champion Jacqui Benham’s hard work and advice, we have been successful in our application and have obtained a grant of £800:00 towards equipment. We owe a big thank you to Jacqui, who is always welcome to pop in for a cup of tea and have a natter. Our social programme carried on with two talk dates from Dave Allport and Richard Veitch followed by fish and chip suppers. Our annual summer family BBQ took place at a new venue in Jubilee Park and was well attended and we had good weather for a change. This year saw a team of members attending the Waterlooville summer fair, also in Jubilee Park. This was a success in raising our profile and meeting potential new members. We also were able to sell some of the bottle feeders and surplus tools. September saw our AGM held, as usual, at St Wilfrids Church Hall. Resolutions were agreed upon and the Committee voted in. John Skerratt was voted in as Chairman with Paul Turner and John Bowden as joint Vice Chairmen. It was hoped that more members could make it, but a quorum number was met to pass resolutions and vote Committee members in. All in all it has been quite a busy year. We also were lucky to have two articles about WMS activities in the PO8 paper and the Ratepayer magazine, which again, widened the awareness of our group in the local community. October saw us join the ladies of Berewood WI for an evening of woodwork. Full report is below. With such a busy year it could have been very easy to forget it was also our 10th Birthday year. To see what WMS started out with and what we have today to be proud of is quite remarkable. The anniversary will be celebrated at the Christmas lunch with a cake and a toast to ‘our’ Shed. Jacqui from ASDA will again be joining us to draw the raffle.