News

The Shutterists Plans For 2016:
“Now that 2026 is fast approaching the Shutterists are turning their thoughts to next year. With this in mind we will be holding a get together at the Sports Centre on the evening of 24th November 2025. Where ALL Shed members are warmly invited. The idea of the get together is to share thoughts and ideas for monthly outings, a new monthly competition and any photographic goals that we may have - such as camera use, techniques, getting off auto, using our phone etc...etc...
”Submitted by Stewart Haile - email: shaile33@aol.com

All is going well at the shed with plenty of support for all the different sub-groups that we have. I have mentioned the Shanty group and Shutterists group previously and as to how
popular and successful they are. This month I would like to give a mention to the music appreciation group, which is growing in popularity. The last session had a record 21 in attendance. Dave Cooper
runs the monthly session selecting some interesting topics for those attending to rifle through their collections and come up with an eclectic mix of music. It is a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

Another group expanding in popularity is the games group run by John Chamberlin and Peter Bellingham. For anyone who enjoys playing games this is a must.

Friday 15th August Quiz Night

We held one of our popular quiz nights in the badminton hall at the sports centre with over 80 people taking part. Together with the raffle we raised nearly £600 towards club funds. Thanks to everyone who provided a raffle prize.

Saturday 30th August Summer BBQ

We held our annual Barbecue at the sports centre. The weather was kind to us, and we were able to hold it on the field outside. A marquee was provided by Paul Weatherill, for which we were very grateful, the Men’s Shed gave a donation to the Rotary Club.
Over 120 members and guests were supplied with free burgers and hot dogs, this being an event where we can thank members for their continued membership and support. Thanks to all those who
helped on the day, Jeff Ayling, Jezz Hookham, Grahame Andrews, John and Hazel Chamberlin, John Bunning, Barbara Trayhorn, Kyri Meneses, Sally Hewlett, Gordon and Jean Williams, in particular

Wayland Men's Shed now a registered charity:

Well, after months of discussions, research and hard work, I am pleased to announce that your committee has managed to overcome the rigorous procedures required for us to become a charity and we are now registered with the charity commission (no.1213606). We hope that having reached this status we will be recognised as being a benefit to the public by addressing the needs of men’s health and well-being. We will be pursuing ways to enhance what we are doing and provide support to our members and their families.

A cheque for £500 being handed over to Watton Sports Centre for their help to WMS over the last year.

Wayland Men's Shed AGM:
The WMS AGM was held on Wednesday 4th June and a fantastic number of members attended. After much discussion and investigation, the decision was made to apply to the Charity Commission to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This was explained at the AGM and had the overwhelming support of those present. A question was raised concerning VAT but after investigation it was confirmed that we do not need to concern ourselves with this now. It was a very positive AGM.

In Memorium - Nigel Potter:

Our good friend and fellow member Nigel Potter sadly passed away on Saturday 31st May2025. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Linda and her family.
Nigel joined the shed on 1st January 2020 just prior to Covid and helped tend our garden at the schoolhouse during the shutdown.
He was an avid lover of, and a veritable cornucopia of all thing’s music; you could see his eyes light up whenever he was deep in conversation on the subject.
Nigel formed the music appreciation group in February 2022 which quickly became a popular monthly feature. This continues to this day over 3 years later, regularly attended by 15+ members.
This successful group was followed by the formation of the Shantymen in September of the same year.
The success of the Shantymen was undoubtedly down to Nigel’s tireless enthusiasm. He moulded 8 members into a not half bad sounding band of brothers. The group grew to 18 members, a testament to Nigel’s leadership. They performed regularly in many locations throughout the Breckland community.
Nigel brought joy to so many, he will be sadly missed, and the shed will seem very different without him.

Recent events:

Evening Speaker - Tuesday 20th May
Several members attended a talk given by myself on my experiences over 32 years in the police.
Cheese & Wine Evening - Friday 30th May
A Cheese & Wine evening was held in the bowls room. It was a lovely evening with over 40 members and guests attending.
Sheringham Train - Thursday 5th June
23 members and guests boarded a coach to Sheringham. Despite poor weather we hit the coffee shops, pubs and fish & chip restaurants until boarding a steam train for a trip to Holt and back during which we had a cream tea. A good day out.

Charitable Incorporated Organisation:
I can inform the membership that the committee is working towards our shed reaching charitable status. The application process is complex but nothing that we cannot overcome. It is imperative that the membership agrees with this move. We will need this to be ratified at the AGM in June where we will be asking members to accept the constitution as amended from the current one to one the Charity Commission require us to adopt.
This new constitution is available to view social room (in the green folder by the laptop). Should you have any questions please speak to a member of the committee.
WMS committee

I’m game if you are:
The 3rd games evening will be booked for Wednesday 14th May – 6pm to 10pm. Turnout has been low for the first two sessions but hopefully this will pick up. Come along and enjoy new games, games you already play or bring your own along to show others.
It became self-evident from the first evening that games requiring a lengthier learning curve would not be suitable, therefor we will lean our attention toward games with less complicated rules.
A £2 session fee will be charged with free tea, coffee and biscuits available.
Submitted by Peter Bellingham & John Chamberlin

10 Pin Bowling:

On Tuesday 25th February 16 members (including some partners) went to Strikes Bowling Alley in
Dereham for an afternoon’s entertainment. From what I observed, more balls ended up down
the side gulleys than knocking down skittles, however, everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
The overall winner was Mark Cumberland with a score of 200 over the two games. Runner up was Jezz Hookham with 186 and closely followed by Chris Cumberland with 181.”

Quiz Night:

Another successful night on Friday 7th February with 78 members and guests attending. With entry fees and money generated from the raffle a sum of £592 was raised for Shed funds. Grateful thanks to all those who donated prizes and attended on the night. For the first time we tried without the usual fish and chip supper. Watch this space for news of the next Quiz night