September Newsletter 2026 Part One

1. Welcome to September’s newsletter. To quote our chairman at our last monthly Committee meeting “Wow! What a month that was”. I think we all agree with his sentiments. August saw us achieve so much in the building refurbishment. The removal of the benches and equipment located against the exterior walls, new windows for the workshops, new window blinds being fitted kindly donated by Peter Sanders for which we are extremely grateful. A new pathway to replace the old decking which was becoming a trip hazard. The membership ‘work army’ turned up and a chain of skills was put in motion from mixing to laying the concrete and tamping down. Every picture tells a story as you will see from the accompanying photographs.

There is insufficient newsletter space to include all the photos but, there will be more available to see at the Fish/Chip & Talk evening. We also had some valuable assistance from our great friend Jacqui from A.S.D.A. dressed in a high viz jacket and hardhat she came along to help with the project. Thanks as always Jacqui!

2. I think the phrase of ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Is very apt in our case. So, after the hectic work of August, we all now have a chance to enjoy some social time. The month will kick off with the AGM on the 1st September. Though not considered ‘play’ this is the time of the year that we as a group will both look back but also plan for the coming year. Not only is it mandatory but a chance for members to voice their views on the running of their clubs and associations. WMS is no exception. I do, however, prefer to call an AGM ‘A Gathering of Members’ rather than ‘Annual General Meeting’ as AGM’s have a reputation of being boring but necessary. This year we have put out a membership survey to assess the satisfaction or otherwise about the way WMS is run and progressed. It will be collated and will be part of the open forum after coffee at this year’s AGM. The arrangements and agenda for the AGM have been published Any apologies or proposals should be in by the time this edition of the newsletter hits the streets.

3. Following on from the AGM we have our annual family BBQ. See poster for details. Sadly, last year we had a lot of food left over after catering for the expected numbers which didn’t reach the expectations. Consequently, this year we are asking for a £5:00 deposit for each member and one guest in advance, which will be refunded on the day. Extra guests will be a non-refundable £5:00 per head. This will save the wastage of food. Should you feel you don’t wish to have your deposit returned after the BBQ it will be placed towards WMS funds, for a future social activity. Details on poster for arrangements.

4. Following on from the family BBQ will be the annual Fish/Chip supper evening on the 18th. There will be a talk before the meal arrives by Dave Allport who will talk, supported by POWERPOINT, about the work carried out by women during both World Wars and earlier. This talk has been very popular with women’s groups like WI and TWG for the past four years so perhaps one for our nearest and dearest? During the meal there will also be a rolling POWERPOINT programme again, highlighting the tremendous work we have achieved at WMS so far, similar to last time. Again, details can be found on the poster in the galley.

5. Have you ever considered how you would cope should a member suddenly become ill with a suspected heart attack. No, not get a good price for his watch or his boots!!! A heart attack doesn’t discriminate between young and old, male or female. We have been generously donated a defibrillator by Ken Pink who has also agreed to sponsor its servicing. Here is Ken presenting it to Paul Hale. It will be one of those valuable assets that you would hope never to use. A big thank you, Ken for your generosity.