Cranleigh Men’s Shed Charity registration number: 1193410
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
1[st] January 2025 to 31[st] December 2025
Aims & Purposes
The aim & purpose of the Cranleigh Men’s Shed, is the promotion of social inclusion for the benefit of men living in the vicinity of Cranleigh.
Objectives & Activities
Our objective is to combat loneliness and social isolation that may arise as a result of age or disability, by the provision of a workshop where men can meet and engage in activities together.
The Shed is open four days per week, providing facilities for members to make items mainly using wood, either for themselves or for the Shed to sell at local events. The money raised provides for the purchase of materials and helps towards running costs. Members work with others to produce items and learn new skills, make friends and enhance social contact.
When planning activities for the year the Trustees have taken into account the Commissions guidance on public benefit and in particular our main objectives of combatting loneliness and social exclusion. Members have been encouraged to work on projects with others and also within small teams where they can interact, learn new skills and gain confidence. Members are encouraged to help others and transfer their knowledge. This also provides a safe and relaxed environment where members can share any concerns or problems and seek help and guidance from other members who may have experienced similar situations.
The Trustees also seek out projects where the “Men’s Shed” skills can be used for the benefit of the wider Cranleigh Community.
Achievements and Performance
Premises & Equipment
We have continued to benefit from donations from local supporters and a very supportive landlord. This has enabled us to continually improve our facilities and range of tools including a new dust extraction system and table saw. Plans for further enhancements and investment have been agreed for 2026.
Membership
Our membership remains at 32 which is the maximum we can accommodate over the 4 sessions each week. We have a waiting list of 7.
Community projects
We have provided assistance for projects in the Knowle Park Trust conservation area. We have also undertaken work for the Parish Council, a local school and the local Guide group. Members gained a great deal of satisfaction in being involved in these projects spending time and energy putting something back into the community.
Growing confidence and improving
Members always gain significant benefit from attending the annual Carnival in support of the Cranleigh Lions, selling our products and engaging with the public. This interaction improves confidence and outlook.
Financial review
Total receipts including donations & grants totalled £7,371. We received generous donations from the Cranleigh & District Lions and Cranleigh Masons.
Sales of products made in the workshop totalled £2,457
Members pay a monthly fee of £10. The membership fees are designed to ensure that Shed costs for electricity, insurance etc is fully covered. The Trustees can waive these fees in cases of hardship.
The net result for the year was a small deficit of £273 brought about by one off expenditure for the new dust extraction system and upgraded table saw.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have agreed to hold a reserve of £1,000 to cover future rent, utilities & insurance. This ensures the Shed can continue to operate for a minimum of 12 months in the unlikely event of no income received.
Structure Governance & Management
The shed constitution is based upon the Charity Commission model for a CIO.
The Shed is now controlled by a committee of 8 consisting of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer plus 5 committee members. There were 5 Trustees as at 31[st] December. Elections for officers committee and trustees take place in January each year.
The Committee meet formally 4 times per year, but many of the day-to-day decisions are made with members during the weekly sessions.
There are clear guidelines for the operation of the shed included in the workshop rules, of which each member has a copy. Members are required to undertake training on all tools that could constitute a risk, and to undertake refresher training on an annual basis.
Risks
The workshop is reliant on electricity for heating lighting and machine operation. Continued increases in electricity cost impact upon the viability of the shed. The Trustees are confident that funds are sufficient to cover foreseeable costs in 2025.
Administrative Information
The Cranleigh Men’s Shed is located in Knowle Lane Cranleigh GU6 8JL. Correspondence address is 8 Redcroft Walk Cranleigh GU6 8DS
Officers and Trustees who have served from 1[st] January 2025 until the date this report was approved are:
| approved are: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Officers | Committee | Trustees |
| Philip Loring Chairman Allan Harvey Secretary Gary Wicks Treasurer |
Gareth Hayton Tony Vidler Mike Collings Tom Nairn |
Gareth Hayton Tony Vidler Tom Nairn Brian Winfield Mike Collings |
Declarations
The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Philip Loring Chairman & Administrator
Cranleigh Men’s Shed Income & Expenditure Report year ending 31[st] December 2025
| Income | Expense | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 2,457.79 | Sundry | 1,035.41 |
| Membership Fees | 3,660.00 | Materials | 1,073.93 |
| Donations | 940.00 | Tools & Equipment | 3,664.92 |
| Sundry Income | 288.53 | Shed | 847.13 |
| Restricted funds | 0.00 | Admin (inc Insurance) | 829.46 |
| (Grants) | |||
| Disposals | 25.00 | Events (including Stall fees) | 65.00 |
| Tools with a Mission | 129.11 | ||
| Restricted funds | 0.00 | ||
| 7,644.96 | |||
| Surplus/ Deficit | -273.64 | ||
| 7,371.32 | 7,371.32 |