## Waterlooville Men’s Shed Annual Trustee’s Annual Report 2025 2025 was a milestone year for Waterlooville Men’s Shed. As our lease from HBC was up for renewal a new premises was offered which was larger. However, there was much to achieve before we were able to consider moving. The membership was invited to an extraordinary general meeting at the new potential building to view and take a vote on whether to move or stay in present building. The vote was agreed in principle to move; however the enormity of work that was required was realised by both HBC and WMS. The building required vast updating including plumbing, heating and a complete electrical rewire which after a financial assessment proved beyond both the HBC and WMS means. Focus returned to the building we already occupied. The main concern was the roof, which was leaking into the workshops causing concern with the electrical equipment possibly becoming exposed to rain damage. As WMS leases the building from HBC the WMS and HBC worked together both in roofing requirements and funding. The building was closed and became a building site as the roofing contractor began work. Members took advantage of the closure to completely renew the electrical facilities within the building adding further power points making the electrical equipment more accessible. Whilst the lighting was installed a new ceiling was put in place again with self-help by members. The new roof also enabled WMS members to move on to the next stage with the demolishing of the old Perspex lean too in the outside recreation area and the creation of a completely new lean to that now enables members to socialise in the open during inclement weather. With the building being closed, it gave membership work parties a chance to give the workshops critical assessment of what equipment was needed and what could be forwarded on to our supported charity T.W.A.M. (Tools With A Mission) that help developing countries by providing tools. On the domestic side, the toilet and main kitchen area have been fully redecorated, making them brighter. Security cameras have also been fitted to add security to the premises when not occupied. Part of the new lease gave us permission to extend the front of the building to the path which has now been fenced and gated to the demands and specifications of the council. This has allowed us to have more work, social and storage area including a large container which will be refurbished to make an extra workshop. Membership has steadily risen in the twelve months, and we now have a healthy membership of fifty plus. The annual events for members and families have continued as in previous years, including a monthly BBQ which enables members to come together and socialise, a summer family BBQ, a Christmas lunch and fish/chip suppers with a guest speaker. The WMS committee has been working tirelessly in the interests of the members. During the closure period, a regular email was sent to the address group keeping them informed of progress. The monthly newsletter also continues with articles from both the members and the editor and is a good media to keep members informed in the ‘Parish News’. A monthly quiz is also included. During the reporting period our long-standing treasurer and founder member became seriously ill, and someone was required to oversee the financial side. This position was soon 1 taken up by a member, and a smooth handover was achieved despite the treasurer’s failing health. Our commitment to the community continued with many projects undertaken including a book lending library cabinet for Denmead Village and the rejuvenation of the gazebo shelter in our neighbouring junior school playground. We also had a party of volunteers to spend a day preserving the school wooden fencing at Denmead Infants School amongst other community projects. Along with the regular day to day running of WMS, we had two health presentations conducted by visiting NHS staff. One team gave any member an MOT including, height and weight, blood pressure, cholesterol test and in some cases a blood sugar level test too and a quite valuable lifestyle interview. The second team gave a presentation and advice on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, which proved interesting as many members had not heard of this condition. In summary, WMS has had an extremely busy and testing year, getting to grips with the legal aspects of a new lease and the disruption caused by the major ‘make over’ but with members enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude we have achieved much. In 2026 we will continue with further plans to ensure we have a building we can be proud of and the provision of a longstanding facility for future ‘Shedders’. D A Allport MBE (Secretary/Trustee Waterlooville Men’s Shed) 2 (IIMIIY COMW55M Recel ts and ents accounts CC16• Fwlh• Section A Receipts and payments Rpstnd•d runds EndowTTronl lunds furtds ARI 7M15 Lryl •t• 1•Jll J)$ CCXXfti tti•AI•8) Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Vnr¢stricl¥d R•¥lrictwd Endowrn•nl Bl ¢••h Iw 84A•••t* rnthln•d hrtr• Pnrt NW•