Men’s Shed Horsham
Chairman’s Report 2022/23
Introduction
The objective of this report is to provide members and other interested parties, including the Charity Commission, with an insight into the development and running of the charity. I am pleased to report that MSH has become financially sustainable, through members subscriptions, activities undertaken for the community, and items sold that were made by members. Although finances are mentioned, they are subject to a separate report which is appended to this report and was prepared by our Treasurer.
Background
For information relating to the background of MSH, please reference previous reports
Membership
Membership currently stands at seventy seven. The charity is becoming well known and established in the area with new members joining M.S.H. on a regular basis. A number of the older members have stopped coming, mainly due to ill health and other related circumstances. The membership fee was increased this year to £35 PA
The Shed continues to attract a variety of men with differing backgrounds and skill sets.
Management/Supervision
We now have 7 Supervisors appointed which provides for flexibility when it comes to holidays and sickness. Two trustees have resigned this year due to personal circumstances and one new one appointed as treasurer.
Projects/Shed
As in previous years a significant proportion of time was given over to the production of goods to sell at the local Christmas market. Due to the general state of the economy the money raised was down on previous years...
Amongst the community projects completed, the Shed has made various items for schools and local charities
Previous report referred
“All new members are provided with an induction session and evaluated on their experience and ability to use certain machinery. A number of experienced members familiar with woodwork equipment undertake the assessment and those deemed capable of operating machinery are recorded in the Skills Register”.
This process continues. In addition there has been an uptake in woodturning and a number of members have become proficient in the skill
Socials
There have been a number of events during the year that benefited members. A trip to Brooklands museum was undertaken, along with BBQs and Curry evenings.
More Aspects of Shed Life
Communications with the Community
Presentations on M.S.H. have been given to various local organisations including the Rotary Club and St Marks Church. The quarterly Newsletter is circulated to all members and many other interested parties. Social Media is also used to promote the activities of the Shed.
Recycling
MSH provides a local recycling service involving the clearance of members of the public’s sheds. The service is usually initiated as the result of a loss in the family and the need to dispose of tools and machinery. MSH will collect the items, use them, and dispose of them to raise funds or send them to Africa via a charity.
Additional Accommodation
Horsham District Council has offered M.S.H. additional premises which will allow it to expand its activities. The various parties involved are working together to determine how best to proceed with the proposal. M.S.H. has been successful in raising additional funds in support of the project.
B Pickstock
Chairman MSH