2024-09-01-accounts - Lisvane Men's Shed

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LISVANE MEN’S SHED

CHARITY NUMBER 1196824

ANNUAL REPORT

2023/24

When small children think they don’t have enough money for a bird box and then find out that they do.

INTRODUCTION

Lisvane Men’s Shed’s third year has seen the Shed grow in strength and community feedback has been very supportive of how Lisvane Men’s Shed has quickly become regarded as an integral part of the local community.
This Annual Report is extremely positive in recounting some achievements of our third year as a Men’s Shed and a charity registered with the Charity Commission UK. Going forward, it addresses some aims of the charity in ensuring it develops its business continuity plan and its future resilience to continue providing a charitable facility that serves the mental health and wellbeing of local men.
Lisvane Men’s Shed strives to combat depression, isolation, loneliness and male suicide, as well as providing respite and support for partners and families. The Shed is a happy place and has witnessed extended friendships, camaraderie and support provided by members, while standing “Shoulder to Shoulder.”
As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the trustees commend the 3[rd] Annual Report of Lisvane Men’s Shed to the membership.

QUOTATIONS

“Thank you. The shed has given him (husband) his life back.”

“ When I joined the Shed, I didn’t think I needed it…Now, I know I need the shed.”

“There is a need for more sheds.”

“… lovely atmosphere of warmth and friendship …” (Visitor)

“When my wife died, I spent a year in the wilderness … The shed saved me.”

“If it wasn’t for the shed, I would be stuck without being able to do anything.”

“I laugh so much in the shed that it hurts …”

“Long live Lisvane Men’s Shed and long live its members.”

“We’re indispensable!” – (laughing response) “No we’re not! There’s a waiting list.”

TRUSTEE APPOINTMENTS

“At every … annual general meeting of the members of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), one third of the elected charity trustees shall retire from office.” “The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment.” (Constitution, Clause 13 (b), (c)). They are eligible for reappointment (Constitution, Clause 16 T&Cs apply).
At the AGM held on 30 October 2023, Graham Canning and Ian Philpot retired as trustees. Their commitment and support as founder members of Lisvane Men’s Shed were recorded and their efforts acknowledged with considerable gratitude. Chris Griffiths was re-elected by the membership to continue as a trustee and appointed by the trustees as the Chair.
James Stagg and Desmond Whittle were elected as new trustees.

8. The trustees for 2023/24 were:

Colin Passmore
Christopher Griffiths
Michael Knight
Stephen Coles
Philip Evans
Stephen Evans
James Stagg
Desmond Whittle
Colin Passmore, Michael Knight and Stephen Coles have intimated they will stand down as trustees and stand for re-election at the forthcoming AGM. In addition, another Shed member, Roger Marshall has indicated a preparedness to stand for election as a trustee.
To have progressed as strongly as Lisvane Men’s Shed, it has been essential to have had the support and oversight provided by the trustees. The trustees are viewed as an experienced and knowledgeable group, creating a strong team to take the Shed forward in the coming year. The commitment of the volunteer charity trustees in overseeing and managing ongoing progress and growth is appreciated by all the Shed members.

OFFICE BEARERS

The trustee nominated office bearers are:
Chris Griffiths – Chair
Stephen Coles – Secretary
Philip Evans – Treasurer

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Lisvane Men’s Shed has three Honorary Members:
Philip Husband
Matt McCormack
Rebecca Boucher

Shoulder to Shoulder

MEMBERSHIP

13. Lisvane Men's Shed’s membership increased from 22 to 25 and there is currently a waiting list of around 15. The continued success of the Shed and the number of shedders on the waiting list demonstrates a greater local need. The new members have reported that they are enjoying the camaraderie, fun and laughter that comes with being a member of Lisvane Men’s Shed.

The limited accommodation and the one-day a week meeting restriction continues to be a limiting factor on the feasibility of further increasing the membership. Lisvane Men’s Shed is striving to develop the opportunities for more people by developing its Business Continuity Plan and extending its activities by being involved in community events, community classes, social activities and excursions to places of interest.

COMMUNITY PARTRICIPATION

To increase opportunities to involve Shed members and occupy their time, Lisvane Men’s Shed has supported other community activities aimed at alleviating community need, including participating in the Lisvane Wellbeing afternoon, Lisvane Christmas Fair, Lisvane Summer Fete, Low Intensity Functional Training (LIFT) classes at the Old School Community Centre, the Village Cinema night and a presentation to St Denys’ Church Community Lunch. The chair visited the Dusty Shed in Ely and also attended Pontypridd Shedfest and the UK Men’s Sheds Association Shedfest in Worcester.
Lisvane Men’s Shed is established as a community organisation and is experiencing tremendous community support. The Shed is fortunate to enjoy an excellent relationship with Lisvane Community Council, Lisvane Community Association, elected representatives, the Lisvane Link and numerous groups in the village. In return, there is a drive to continue to raise public awareness of the true value of men’s sheds in combating male loneliness, isolation and depression.
The Physiotherapist Unit of Velindre Cancer Centre commissioned two shedders to construct a Recycling Store for returned walking aids. The timber and transportation were generously provided by Walters Civil Engineering.

NIGHT AT THE OPERA

An incredible night was held at the Memorial Hall with Lisvane Men’s Shed hosting the outstanding performance of “Shoulder to Shoulder” by Swansea City Opera. The sellout show saw the audience experience beautifully scripted narratives around the challenges relating to loss, depression, isolation and the value of men’s sheds in combating these difficulties. A sometimes-humorous act but overall, a very moving evening. One local audience member said,

“I cried, I laughed and I cried. Exactly what I (as a man) was not supposed to do.”

Lisvane Men’s Shed not only facilitated a different medium to explain the ethos of the Men’s Shed movement to the community but it also aided Swansea City Opera in its aim to bring the experience of opera to people who had not previously had such an opportunity. Over 100 people were in attendance and the performance was supported by the village’s choir, Llysfaen Singers.

SHED EVENTS

The list of many things going on around shedders is just too much to report but here is a taster:

Clock repaired

Bench repair in progress

Schoolboy75 yr- old project repaired

The Shed is lucky to have a Volunteer First Responder among its members, Roger Marshall. Roger provided Resuscitation and Defibrillator training at the shed. This valuable input was extended to a training session for wives and partners.
A guided tour of Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs not only brought home the great facility on our doorstep but was educational with Shedders learning about the rare Waxcap fungi and understanding the absolute need to keep off the grass and keep to the footpaths.
An excursion to the Morgan Factory ticked a bucket list item for many shedders. Enjoyed by all, no one came back with a Morgan car but Dave Wiliams could not resist putting his years in engineering to design and build his own model.
A tour of the Cardiff Model Engineering Society at Heath Park saw the Shed’s former engineers relish the mechanical side while some shedders were there “for the ride.”
Visitors to the Shed included RNIB Cymru & Guide Dogs Cymru. Shedders not only enjoyed meeting guide dogs, Uri and Toby, but also learned about fostering and met “apprentice,” Yolanda.
A talk was given at the Shed by Deb Elward of South Wales Police Community Safety Partnership on avoiding falling victim to online scammers.
Steve Jones of ICE Engineering Works gave a presentation on the Brunel Bridge, Pontypridd Bridge and some famous engineering feats.
Following a demo session in Low Impact Fitness Training, 8 shedders regularly attend Sharlene’s Wednesday afternoon class at the Old School Community Centre.
Susanna Tee provided a session on Mindfulness with techniques on relaxation and coping with stress.
Shedders enjoy its annual Christmas Meal, social evenings and the Christmas Quiz at the Ty Mawr Inn, as part of its fundraising. Shedders contributed personally and a donation was made to Guide Dogs Cymru.
Presentations were given at the shed by members, based on their personal experiences. Roger Marshall gave an interesting presentation on his trip to the “Amazon” and Mike Bloomfield spoke on the development of the “City Hospice” and gave a craftwork session on “Lino Printing.”

Tuition on lathe at Axminster's Store

Some woodworkers in the Shed attended training sessions at Axminster Tools Cardiff Store and also received machine use training at the Shed.
Despite a wet year, some shedders made the allotment work for them, growing carrots, potatoes, marrows etc.

Swapping a marrow for chutney

LISVANE MEN’S SHED SONG

One of our talented shedders includes singer and songwriter, Ian Shopland, who composed our own “Men’s Shed Song.” The song is available to download and listen on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and other media sites.

https://youtu.be/GFws2UPmtAk?feature=shared

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0cVCPWCXK6wiDdJGTfe46i

Shedders have enjoyed the chance of singing our story and were fortunate to be supported by the Llysfaen Singers at the Lisvane Village Fete and honoured to be invited to sing at the Llysfaen Singers annual concert. People have found it to be very uplifting.

C3SC – CARDIFF THIRD SECTOR COUNCIL NOMINATION

Chris Griffiths, Chair and founding member of Lisvane Men’s Shed, was nominated for a C3SC Award for volunteers. Shortlisted in recognition of his services and dedication to the Shed and its members, he said that he was “… more pleased that Lisvane Men’s Shed has been highlighted for its growth and success in meeting the needs of local men.”

UK MEN’S SHEDS ASSOCIATION

Lisvane Men’s Shed has renewed its membership of the national association, UKMSA. The association aims to promote the shed movement, nationally, and lobby groups and the government on male health. The chair of UKMSA, Rob Lloyd, visited Lisvane Men’s Shed and enjoyed meeting members.

TRUSTEE OF UK MEN’S SHEDS ASSOCIATION

With the approval of the members of Lisvane Men’s Shed, Chris Griffiths accepted his appointment to the Board of UKMSA. He hopes to focus on the interests of Welsh men’s sheds.

LANDLORD

Lisvane Men’s Shed are pleased to express its gratitude to the landlord, Marston’s Limited, for continuing to provide a home for the charity. A site for the Shed’s container cabin at the south end of the car park of the Ty Mawr Inn has proven to be a remarkable success. Indeed, shed members and their families frequently return the favour by using the Ty Mawr Inn for family meals and social occasions.
The management and staff have made it clear that they and Marston’s Limited are happy to continue to provide its support for the Lisvane Men’s Shed charity and the local community.
Lisvane Men’s Shed has welcomed the new manager, Mike Harmon, who has reiterated his support for the Shed and the continuation of the allotment facility for the Shed and other locals.

FAREWELL TO MATT & REBECCA

It has been sad to see Matt McCormack and Rebecca Boucher move on to pastures new from the Ty Mawr Inn. They have been great friends of Lisvane Men’s Shed and if it wasn’t for their belief in the Men’s Shed and their determination to give back to the community, the Shed would have continued to struggle to find a home or to grow. Lisvane Men’s Shed will always be grateful to them and will always hold a place in their hearts for Matt and Rebecca, who are Honorary Members of the Shed.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND DEVELOPMENT

A very successful year has seen the membership and the waiting list grow. It is obvious that the waiting list would grow further if there was a reasonable chance of the size of the shed growing. It is both disappointing and frustrating that growth and numbers are severely limited by the size of the accommodation and the terms of the lease only permitting the shed to be opened one day a week. The landlord has been flexible in allowing shedders access to undertake maintenance and some woodwork on additional ad hoc days. However, the waiting list is revealing that the demand is much bigger and there are so many more local men and their families with the need to be supported.
Sound management of the charity requires a Business Continuity Plan to prepare contingencies to be undertaken in the event of any serious issue that might impose risk on the running and future of Lisvane Men’s Shed. Risk Assessments are being undertaken to counter threats of such things as fire, vandalism, lease cessation, loss of office bearers, etc.
In addition, a Business Development Plan also needs to be established, alongside the Business Continuity Plan, which examines the opportunity to expand the shed and its service to the community. In this regard, to overcome the limitations on facilities, the trustees have established a working group to identify an “additional” site that would ensure continuation in the event of any disaster and to facilitate expansion of opportunities, services and membership. It must be stressed that Lisvane Men’s Shed wishes to retain its place at the Ty Mawr Inn, in the long term and beyond the term of the current 5-year lease, which has less than 4 years to run. Additional premises are aimed at expansion and not replacing the current premises.
The Trustees have agreed to build a reserve of funds, restricted for funding any business continuity essential that may arise and to be utilised towards acquiring or building a second location for an expansion of the Shed. For the sake of clarity, the trustees decided this reserve should be a “New Building Fund.”

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

Lisvane Men’s Shed individual subscriptions, to meet running costs like insurance etc., remain at £50/year.

DONATIONS

Acknowledgement is made of Lisvane Community Council and Lisvane Community Association’s continued support through grant applications in favour of purchasing woodworking routers and accessories, as well as transport for excursions. These grants are restricted funds and will be expenditures in the new financial year.
Further thanks are recorded to Bay Shipping and Matthew Goode Foundation, as well as St Denys’ Church, for their donations.
Donors are recorded in the Register of Donors. Further details are recorded in the Annual Financial Statement and Annual Return submitted to the Charity Commission UK.

GIFT AID

Lisvane Men’s Shed has registered for Gift Aid with HMRC, which applies to subscriptions and individual taxpayer’s donations. This continues to benefit the shed.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The Annual Accounts have been formalised and, although not required, the trustees have decided to have them audited as a matter of good practice. Following the presentation of the Annual Accounts to the AGM, they will be submitted to the Charity Commission UK, as statutorily required, along with the Annual Report.

Accounts for the Year Ended 1[st] September 2024

- Receipts and Payments Year Ended 1 September 2024

Payments Shed Running Costs Shed Social Events Surplus of Receipts over Payments	£ Receipts £ 1,015.28 Member Subscriptions 1,250.00 106.75 Donations & Grants - Restricted 1,000.00 Donations & Grants - Unrestricted 1,703.60 5,388.79 Other Income Generating Activities 2,307.81 Interest 249.41 6,510.82 6,510.82

Financial Position as at 1st September 2024

Financial Position as at 1st September 2024	Financial Position as at 1st September 2024	Financial Position as at 1st September 2024
Assets Bank Current Account Bank Deposit Account	£ 1,559.13 12,206.41	Funds and Reserves £ Restricted Funds 1,000.00 Unrestricted Funds New Building Fund 12,000.00 General Reserve 765.54
	13,765.54	13,765.54

Statement of Movement on Shed Funds-Year Ended	Statement of Movement on Shed Funds-Year Ended	Statement of Movement on Shed Funds-Year Ended	1st September 2024	1st September 2024	1st September 2024
	Total	Restricted	Unrestricted		Unrestricted
			New Building		General
				Fund	Reserve
	£	£		£	£
Shed Funds at 2 Sep 2023 b/fwd	8,376.75	0.00		7,190.43	1,186.32
Movement in Year	5,388.79	1,000.00		4,809.57	-420.78
Shed Funds at 1 Sep 2024 c/fwd	13,765.54	1,000.00		12,000.00	765.54

CONCLUSION

This Annual Report is provided on behalf of the Trustees.

Chris Griffiths Chair Lisvane Men’s Shed

Date 21[st] September 2024

“A Man’s shed has, for generations, been a place for him to escape the stress and strains of life; a safe haven to gain much needed sanity; to be surrounded by his own, useful things; a place to think, to make things, to mend things, to invent and be at one with the world…”

( Men’s Sheds Cymru)

TRIBUTE

It is with great sadness that we record the passing of a loyal Shedder and friend, Clive Davies. Clive succumbed to a lengthy illness, a great loss to his sister, extended family

and to his friends at Lisvane Men’s Shed.

Clive’s humour, camaraderie and loyal support is greatly missed.

Useful references: Email: info@lisvanemensshed.co.uk Website: https://www.lisvanemensshed.co.uk Facebook: Facebook Lisvane Men’s Shed Song The Men's Shed Song - YouTube UKMSA: www.menssheds.org.uk Men’s Sheds Cymru: About Us - Mens Sheds Cymru