June Newsletter 2026 part One

1. Welcome to June’s newsletter. It’s hard to be believe we are entering the halfway point of the year. It’s a cliché to say where has the past six months gone but it’s true in many cases. When when you retire you often ask yourself how you found time to work! Keeping active, even if slower, and having interests and hobbies is the key to continue to enjoy life. I use the gym at the Taro leisure centre Petersfield and am amazed the age group that get on to the gym work out equipment and the swimming sessions. I really recommend it if you get a chance. Also, we have a great asset here with the Shed, providing activities, friendship and most of all a sense of belonging. There is more about the Shed later in the newsletter.

2. April saw the sad passing of Martin Blythe who had been ill for some time. He was a regular member and supporter of the WMS would often call in to the Shed to share a coffee and chat with fellow shedders even whilst still attached to his breathing support. He was always upbeat when he visited and an inspiration for those of us are also going through difficult times medically. Our belated thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

3. This a request from the Committee. We currently have fifty-four members on the books which is great news. However, of those fifty-four less than a third regularly visit the shed. The reason isn’t apparent as to why this is the case. It is considered an appropriate time to see if the needs of the members are still met by the facilities and opportunities offered by WMS. Also to be considered are the positions on the Committee. Currently, even though I say myself, we have a strong cross section of skills serving on the Committee to ensure the WMS gets the best support and conditions possible but with the best will in the world this can’t last for ever. We are asking for members to consider shadowing the Committee members with a view of ensuring the continued work of the WMS Committee. We are required by the Charity Commission to have a board of committee members to oversee the daily running and financial organisation of the Shed. If, in the future we can’t encourage new potential committee members then it would be regrettable that all the great work that we have achieved thus far would have been in vain and we would have to legally close until a committee is formed again. Whilst on the talk circuit, I have witnessed two local groups, not Sheds, who have had to close because no member came forward to take on a position. I would hate to think that this situation could happen to us. So, with the 2026 AGM now in the diary (1st September) please take a moment to consider joining as a committee shadow. No experience necessary, just a belief that the Shed should remain open.

4. Our popular monthly BBQ at the beginning of May was well attended and thanks to the hands assisting in cutting and buttering rolls, slicing tomatoes and cucumber, we all enjoyed a lunchtime gathering. This is a great way to meet those members you don’t normally see during normal hours. This is particularly good for the new members of the WMS to get to know others. It was also the first BBQ that we have asked for a nominal £1:00 per head to offset the rising cost of the food. There were no objections on the day, which was good news however, there was a spare twenty odd pence in the BBQ jar. I am assuming that someone popped more in than needed. Poor Paul Turner had to scurry about underneath the fridge when his £1:00 coin did a runner from his hand. It was retrieved however and joined the other contributions in the jar.