July 2024 Newsletter Part one

1. Hello and welcome to the July newsletter. After the poor weather we have been experiencing it is good to see some sun and dry spells for once. This is rather topical as below is a statement from the WMS Committee updating members on the situation concerning our now aborted move to Waterlooville and the provision of a new roof on our current premises. This is a repeat of the email that was sent to all members recently.

On Wednesday 19th June 2024, members of the Committee were invited to attend a meeting at the council offices with Rebecca Hedges and Chris Riggott (Head of Commercial, Property and Asset Management).

At the meeting council confirmed that there were no main drains at Forrest Rise and the cost to the council for installing a toilet would be between £40K & £60K and therefore this exceeded the funding available which was something the council were not prepared to undertake. Therefore, the council have now agreed to continue with the installation of a new roof at our present site in Cowplain.

We have been asked to contact our chosen contractor, Rowlands Castle Roofing Limited and ask them to revisit and update their quote, which is by now out of date. The quote has increased by 7% and this information has been passed to the council. The council has also requested that the name on the quote should now be changed to Havant Borough Council.

There is presently a short fall on the available money set aside for this project. The council say that they would have to wait until next year’s funding and then to apply for extra money to complete this project. There is no guarantee that they would be granted extra money.

There is a way forward which would allow the project to get going this year rather than next year. They suggest that we make a one-off voluntary payment to show willing and help with the present shortfall. At time of typing, the exact amount of the shortfall was thought to be in region of £10K. Our Treasurer explained that he is required by The Charity Commission to retain enough money to keep the shed up and running for a twelve-month period. Other considerations the Treasurer had to consider were the day-to-day running costs for the remainder of this financial year. Therefore the Treasurer could only offer HBC an amount to stay in line with the Charity Commission.

Our present peppercorn rent expires at the end of 2027. You may or may not be aware that trying to apply for any sort of grant is extremely difficult, if not, impossible with a short lease. Companies want to see a long lease to reassure themselves that any monies given are for the long-term benefit of Charities.

HBC have suggested surrendering our lease early, and then the council will offer us a 20-year lease revisable at five-year intervals. At every five-year stage the shed has the option of surrendering the lease with no penalty. The remainder of the shortfall has been calculated and they will charge appropriate rent per month (payable quarterly). At every five-year period the council will revise the rent in line with the appropriate index used.

The council will draw up the new lease, but as we lease the property from the council, it is our responsibility as tenants to register the new lease with the Land Registry. The Treasurer believes this will cost in the region of £100 or less in fees.

Attending the meeting was Paul Turner, John Skerratt, Peter Sanders and Haydn Davies.

The WMS Committee are of the opinion that this is a good deal that will ensure the future stability and sustainability of Waterlooville Men’s Shed for current members and, in the long term future members too.

I will endeavour to keep you up to date with future developments as they arise.