October 2024 Newsletter Part One

1. Welcome to October’s newsletter. We held our AGM in the upper hall of St Wilfrids church 3rdSeptember. Eighteen members attended with five apologies. We had one resolution to submit and that was an increase in the annual membership subscriptions. This was regretted, but was thought prudent with the much higher costs of energy and the new lease agreement coupled with a higher monthly rent to HBC expected. The lead on the new lease agreement was Haydn Davies, our treasurer, who was able to gain new agreements with HBC on our new lease. We have a lot to thank him for with his concerted efforts to get the best arrangement for WMS to ensure we can continue. I will continue keep you up to date with the developments as they happen with the lease and the major project of roof replacement. The nomination of officials was held and John Skerratt was voted in as Chairman with Paul Turner remaining on the Committee as joint vice with John Bowden. All other officials were happy to remain in post for another year. A vote of thanks to co-opted members Derek Rustell and Jim Beacher for remaining on the Committee. Also thanks must go for the project leadership and welfare support that Peter Sanders has provided over the past year not only to the material aspects of the Shed, but the members also. Remember, we are a ‘Shed’ family and if you notice a member hasn’t been seen recently or appears troubled, let Peter know and he will be able to follow it up.

2. It would be hard not to notice the hive of activity going on in the Shed at the moment. We now have a ‘time line’ to work to for when the roofing contractors begin their work. There has been a good turnout of members’, which has ensured that, as of 20 Sep, we were ahead of schedule but we shouldn’t sit on our laurels. It would be so easy to slip behind. Thanks to all those who have contributed including the men in masks team, who have been taking down the ceiling and the lagging.

3. You may recall in last month’s newsletter Haydn Davis provided a picture of the squirrel picnic table he had made. Well a postscript to that was a great picture sent in by Martin Blyth of just such an example of his picnic table. Perfect table manners I see! A glass of your finest if I may please !

4. Our neighbours across the road, Padnell Junior School, approached us to see if we were able to restore the gazebo shelter in the playground. A work party of Shed members commenced removing the rotten seat slats and seat supports and replaced them with good wood and a sound brickwork base. The youngsters now have a wonderful shelter to sit in at playtime to chat and generally enjoy their friendships. Some of the more senior youngsters of our community were seen trying out the facility as well. Well done everybody.

5. Saturday 31st August saw our twice a year tool sale for donations. Throughout the year many people contact us with offers of tools and to clear their workshops out of both wood and tools that are no longer needed. John Bowden coordinates the donations with Peter Sanders checking the safety of the electrical goods with PAT testing. John would like to record that it was great to see so many members come along to assist in the sale which made setting up and clearing away that much easier. Over £100:00 was raised on the day with the promise of further financial donations later. John reports that he has enough stock to hold a further sale in the future. Again thanks again for the support on the day.

6. On Sunday 22nd September we hold our annual family BBQ. It is a new venue for us in Anders Hall Jubilee Park. As part of our new lease agreement, we are only allowed to open on a weekend twice a year and that would be for our tool sales. As we required facilities, toilets etc., John Skerratt was able to arrange for us to hold the BBQ there. More news in next month’s newsletter, including Richard Veitch’s talk and fish/chip supper.