Membership

Membership is currently £40 a year. The membership fee is determined by the members at our Annual General Meeting which occurs in September each year.

If you join other than at our renewal date of 1st October the membership fee drops by £3 for each month missed.

The only other additional cost is that you are expected to contribute 20p for tea / coffee, though most of us throw more into the 'tea boat' at the start of the day. The tea boat profit goes towards subsidising social events, trips and visits.

Membership is open to anyone able to participate in the activities of the Shed and able to do so with regard to the Health and Safety policy of the WMS, undertaking activities without supervision.

The membership form is straightforward and can be completed easily and quickly. The data provided is NOT shared with any third parties, and you can choose which personal details you wish to share with other members. The Data Protection Policy can be found on the 'Documents' page. Your photograph is taken for the membership board, which also doubles as the attendance board in case of fire, though the main use of the board is to remember everyones names.

Training for particular items of equipment is provided, and some machines are plug locked to prevent use by those who have not received the training required.

The Waterlooville Men's Shed Health and Safety policy can also be found on the 'Documents' page.

Are women allowed to join? Theoretically yes; but, existing members are generally older retired men, and the environment is quite 'old factory floor' in essence. The Waterlooville Men's Shed was founded specifically for older retired men, who often find it difficult socially after retirement and or bereavement. It is also aimed to keep us more mature men both physically active and mentally alert as studies have shown that this aids dementia and ill health.

Members may stand to be one of the 'Board of Trustees' which is elected annually at out AGM held in February. As we are a formal Charity the Board are responsible for the day to day operation of the Shed within various legal frameworks.

For full details please see our Constitution which is also on the 'Documents' page.