June 2025 Newsletter Part One

1. Welcome to June’s newsletter. I apologize for not getting out the May newsletter. I have had a very difficult month with a very sick laptop. It eventually required me to buy a new laptop and have had to transfer all the data from my old one to the new one. To complicate matters the new laptop required newer versions of the software as certain documents became unreadable, despite being backed up via the iCloud. Still, am nearly back now. Rest assured all WMS information and data was held on a memory stick and is not compromised in any way but is now in a later version of the word processing programme I use.

2. Am sure we have all heard of John Skerratt’s accident on his motorbike. The good news he is now on the mend after hospitalisation and am sure you will join me in wishing him well as he recovers. Am not however sure that he believes his days on two wheels are over just yet either!

3. The Committee have continued to be busy with the progress in making our Shed ready to face the next decade. Peter Sanders has been pursuing aspects of the new lease and has also, along with John Skerratt, been progressing the next WMS project in providing a secure fenced area around the front of the Shed, on land that is also part of our lease agreement. It is intended to match both colour and style as the rear of the Shed fencing and that of Padnell Junior School. There will be updates in future newsletters. We also now have fundraising with ‘easyfunding ‘currently standing at just short of £30:00, and we are also now receiving dividends from the ‘HBC weekly lottery’. Remember the more who take up either easyfunding or join the lottery the more dividends we receive. .

4. Although I haven’t been able to join in the shed activities lately, members have been sending photos for inclusion in future newsletters. The largest and latest commission was completed at the beginning of May and after a protracted decision-making period it was finally delivered to ‘Greening Denmead’ and secured in its prominent spot adjacent to the undertakers on the Hambledon Road. A considerable amount of time and expertise was put into this fine piece of furniture. It will now serve as a book exchange for residents. Due to its location, in a garden of remembrance, it will, I’m sure, also serve as a meeting place to chat and make new friends as books are exchanged. A huge thanks to members who spent time on the construction, Dave Sy, John Skerratt, Peter Katis and of course those who provided the means of getting it there and securing it. A formal handing over event is now being planned. Date and time to be confirmed.

5. Another project that has now been delivered is a rabbit hutch and run. This was lead by Tony ‘Charlie’ Farnes and Peter Katis with Dave Sy’s advice and suggestions. A very happy bunny has a new home now.

6. We had a lovely surprise from our good friend of WMS, Jacqui Benham the ASDA Community Champion in May who popped in and shared time with members, catching up on the latest WMS news. It’s always good to see Jacqui who works extremely hard with, not just us, but all aspects of the Commuinity for which we are eternally thankful. Jacqui didn’t come up empty handed either as you can see from the photo!