ANNUAL RETURN REPORT
CHARITY NAME: SPEN SHED
CHARITY NUMBER: 1203484 YEAR ENDING: 4 APRIL 2024
REF NO: AR24-C10-DEF1-11b-1203484-B
THE CLUB BACKGROUND
Spen Shed registered with the Commission in June 2023 when based in a disused classroom in the grounds of Gomersal School, which had been closed some time before.
At that time, the workshop classroom would only accommodate a maximum of 7 people, but was a success story meeting the aims and needs perfectly.
Kirklees Council then gave very short notice of a need to vacate, to allow them to sell the land for building development with vacant possession.
With the assistance of the local MP, Kim Leadbeater, and working with the owner of the Ponderosa estate in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, new premises were found within Ponderosa.
In 2024 the club was allocated two buildings on the site, the first a large workshop suitable for a woodwork area, the second a clean craft area with the required facilities for both male and females.
Kirklees Council provided a free van to move all equipment to the new site
It did take some time to organize both buildings, especially the much larger workshop, to fully provide a greatly increased working environment, fully complying with Health & Safety legislations.
The proprietors/owners of the Ponderosa, initially in the form of Howard Cook, provided both units totally free of any rent or rates, the only payment being for the electricity used.
The club grew quickly and currently stands at a regular attendance of 19 men and 8 ladies.
Spen Shed Annual Report for Charity Commission April 2025 – Page 1
THE PURPOSE OF THE CLUB
Spen Shed was set up initially, and still maintains the original purpose, to provide an environment to support actively the mental health, wellbeing and friendship for those suffering from a number of conditions, both physical and mental. Among these are members suffering al levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness and no contact with others. Some members are actively encouraged to come along by the Community Support Groups, including Social Services. Members are free to choose whatever they wish to do, even just sit and chat over coffee.
Annual membership fee is £20, and a subscription of £3 for one day and £2 above that is charges, this provides all equipment used, tea and coffee and biscuits. Occasionally bacon sandwiches are also provided.
The club meets 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
In the main, members engage in the making of woodworking items, as well as laser and Cricut machine fabrications. These are mainly generated to sell at local markets to raise funds, or if a member wishes to take an item home, a small payment towards the wood cost is sought. This year, members attended a superb Christmas dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant, located on the Ponderosa Zoo site, subsidized by the club in a small way, which turned out to be a simply wonderful day, enjoyed by each and every one.
FINANCES
I have already indicated the annual membership fee and the subscription fees for the days attended. It does mean that a member can attend 3 days for a total of £5 per week.
Income from subscription payments does not fully meet the spending on materials, refreshments etc. and initial source of additional income was generated from market stalls, mainly on the Heckmondwike Craft Market, which meets once a month between April and October, but closes in the winter months.
The average income raised between £80 and £150 per session, which included money from a tombola part, which proved very popular and attracted the public to view the handicraft items for sale.
In addition, Kim Leadbeater, MP organized an annual ‘Run for Jo’ event, in memory of her sister Jo Cox MP, who was tragically killed during her term of office. We were proud to be part of that event.
In the year, Kim Leadbeater also hosted the regional awards under the remit of Community Action in the field of Wellbeing and Wellness Awards. We were proud to have received the award for the Men’s Mental Health Category at a special dinner arranged by Kim. The certificate is proudly displayed on the wall in the Clean Craft Area.
Spen Shed Annual Report for Charity Commission April 2025 – Page 2
Income – Annual membership fee is £20, plus subscription of £3-£5 per week depending on days attended.
4 markets a year have raised approximately £300-£450 per year
In addition, our Funding member has sought funding from a number of sources, in the main local authority basis. These are as follows:-
November 2023 – Sir George M Fund - £2000
November 2023 – Kirklees Council - £6952.96*
*- This amount was not for daily use – it was for electricity costs by way of a grant from the local authority as a set up provision, held separately for that sole purpose.
April 2024 – Third Sector Leaders - £716.96
April 2024 – Locale Community Grant - £1500
The grant for £2000 in November and £1500 in April, were for specific purposes, one being a card cutting machine and printer (£1500) and the second for the purchase of a laser wood cutter and laptop. Both of which are in use by members within the club guidelines.
Day to day finances were moved by way of a Day Book showing all income against all expenditure, such items being wood, screws and other hardware, refreshments, cleaning etc.
The Cash in Hand balance at 1-11-24 was £251.86 and Cash in Bank available £1734.81
Every penny gained into funds is used exclusively for members, in providing the above items. No payments are made towards charities outside of the Club.
CURRENT POSITION
In March 2025 I resigned as Chairperson, and all trustees also resigned. This followed a serious disagreement when a financial operation (independent) were allowed to utilize the space we held, and at no time made any financial contribution towards the running of the club. Friction was clear, not just with the administration but reflecting on members also, some of whom left.
The matter is ongoing, but the Club continues to operate, and a new management of trustees is expected to be notified shortly.
I submit this report for 2024/25 as a true and accurate reflection of the Spen Shed registration within the Charity Commission.
Spen Shed Annual Report for Charity Commission April 2025 – Page 3
Wayne Perriman 22/4/25
Spen Shed Annual Report for Charity Commission April 2025 – Page 4
Footnote to Wayne Perriman’s report dated 22/4/25
14/7/25
The above report was submitted as a paper copy to the Charity Commission by the then Chairman, Wayne Perriman, in April 2025 and was not seen previously by any member of the Spen Shed or Trustees. Hence it was not agreed by the Club prior to submission. This copy was obtained from Wayne Perriman to enable the new management to fulfil their obligations to the Charities Commission.
No financial daybook or any other records have been handed over. Previous Bank statements have now been acquired by the new management. The Bank balance at 1[st] November 2024 on handover was £10,096.50 and not £1,734.81 as previously mentioned in the above report. The cash in hand was correct at £251.86.
We have still not received an electricity bill from the owners of Ponderosa which may account for the £6952.96 restricted grant not being used.
Janet McGlynn Treasurer (since 1/11/24)
Spen Shed Annual Report for Charity Commission April 2025 – Page 5