Men’s Shed Horsham
Chairman’s Report 2023/24
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. MSH remains financially sustainable, the main source of income coming from 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 prepared by our Treasurer.
Men’s mental health remains as a top priority of the charity and the importance of social activities is recognised.
The Charities AGM took place on the 28[th] October 2024
Background
For information relating to the background of MSH, please reference previous reports
Membership
Membership remains at the same level as at 2022/23 i.e. high seventies. Since its inception, 2016, more than two hundred men have become members. The charity is becoming well known and established in the area with new members joining M.S.H. on a regular basis. The membership fee remains at £35 PA
The Shed continues to attract a variety of men via its website and by word and mouth!
Management/Supervision
We have created a “Leadership Team” that consists of both Supervisors and others who have shown interest in the running of the Shed. One new trustee has been appointed during the year and it is anticipated that others will be appointed in the near future. In addition a part time Administrator joined MSH during the year. The appointment has assisted with the overall running and administration of the charity.
Projects/Shed
The sale of goods contributed to the charities finances. Funds were raised by taking a stall at the local Christmas market and an allocated space provided by the retailer John Lewis.
During the year an emphasis was placed upon the environment and how the charity could both maintain its goals of providing stimulus to members and promote “environmental projects”. It is gratifying to note that the material used by the Shed, mainly wood, for making items, is from recycled sources.
Collaboration has taken place with other charities who are engaged in promoting environmental topics. Large Pollinators have been made by the Shed and provided to a charity that uses them for educational purposes.
Amongst the community projects completed, the Shed has made various items for schools and local charities
Socials
The social side of the charity remains an important part of the Shed, ensuring members have the opportunity to meet socially, enjoying various events. Visits have taken place to various museums etc. The annual BBQ took place during the year and a Christmas dinner was held at a local pub with sixty members and partners in attendance.
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. In addition two metal turning lathes have been acquired and these are used to teach members engineering skills.
More Aspects of Shed Life
Communications with the Community
The quarterly Newsletter continues to be circulated to all members and many other interested parties. Social Media is also used to promote the activities of the Shed. The website has been upgraded and Face book is also used to promote Shed activities.
Recycling
MSH continues to provide 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
The last report referred
“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”.
Unfortunately this project did not come to fruition and the search for additional premises continues.
B Pickstock
Chairman MSH