October Newsletter 2026 Part Two

4. It was decided that it was time a membership survey was carried out to obtain a ‘pulse’ of WMS. This was sent to all members, and a hard copy was available. Less than 10% of the membership responded giving the Committee an insight to what the membership would like. All the suggestions were discussed prior to the AGM and the consensus from the few responses received, they were happy with the way the Shed was being managed. A thread throughout was to carry out more community projects. We all agreed with the idea, however this usually fell on the same people each time a project came in, giving those members little time for their own projects and enjoyment. Many projects, from local schools for example, can’t be taken on for H&S reasons and could also be interpreted as undercutting local tradesmen who rely on the work for a living.

5. Last month saw the equinox marking the start of the astronomical autumn. Astronomical autumn ends with the winter solstice in the middle of December when astronomical winter begins. It means this is the time when day and night are actually equal and is known as the ‘equilux’ which in Latin means ‘equal light’. As if we needed a calendar to tell us! You only have to look down the aisles in supermarkets to tell the time of year. One aisle is Halloween, the second has bonfire night and the third is Christmas. Later in the year Halloween aisles will be replaced with Easter eggs no doubt.

6. The Allport family joined Butser Ancient Farm for this year’s Autumn equinox festival where Viking and Saxon warriors bring the past to life through combat displays, alongside live music, traditional crafts, storytelling, authentic living history culminating in the Viking boat burn! As the evening draws in a dramatic finale of the boat burn against the backdrop of Butser Ancient Farm. We had a really good day with plenty to entertain us and imbibe in traditional ales and hog roasts. What couldn’t you enjoy at this annual event. If you haven’t been before it’s well worth a visit.

7. There was an unexplained mix-up for this year’s family BBQ. A list was displayed in the galley and had names and deposits on it. However, this list was inexplicably taken down. Consequently, no names appeared on the new list. This can’t be explained but seeing what we perceived to be a lack of enthusiasm for the BBQ, it was cancelled. We can only apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience. It will be back in the 2027 diary of events. Any deposits will obviously be returned.

8. 18th September we had our annual family talk and fish & chip supper. Dave Allport gave us a talk about women’s contribution to both world wars. He highlighted that in history he believed women were not fully recognised for their efforts both at home and abroad during the wars. Whilst we enjoyed our supper, we had a rolling POWERPOINT presentation showing the tremendous advances we have achieved on our Shed. It also showed our wives and partners where we were when not at home!! Thank you to Paul Turner for organising the evening.

Parish Notices.: -

1. We have an opportunity to attend a one-day Emergency First Aid course on Wednesday 25thNovember 2026 at Leigh Park Library. We already, at time of printing, have six members signing up.

Link now live should you want to book: Emergency First Aid - Leigh Park Library - Wednesday 25th November 202 – Hampshire County Council Shop

October 2026 diary of events dates: -

1. WMS Committee Meeting 1030 Friday 2nd October

2. WMS Monthly Members BBQ 1130 Friday 2nd October

Long term diary dates: - (full details later in the year)

1. WMS Christmas Lunch 11th Dec (Cowplain Activity Centre)