What's Going On?...

SWF Men's Shed AGM

🙏 2026 AGM 14th June

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who attended our 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Your participation and engagement made the event a great success, so this year, why not apply for one of these positions?

We look forward to heaing from you.

🤝 Get Involved and Shape Our Future

Want to take on a key role?

If you are interested in a position within the Committee or as a Trustee, please get in touch with us.

Ready to apply now?

Alternatively, you can download the application form to become a trustee or committee member by visiting the AGM page on our website.

For additional information or to discuss any of these opportunities further, please do not hesitate to contact us via phone or email at your earliest convenience.

Download the Application form now!

Roles?

Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
H&S and Occupational Officer
Projects Officer
Shed Manager
Sponsorship and Fundraising Coordinator
Membership and Welfare Officer
Communication, Marketing and Media Officer
Asset Management Officer
Social Activities Office

Want to discuss taking on a role?

Please get in touch asap!

Swf Shed Nomination Form V 3 Docx

Word – 567.3 KB 25 downloads

Download

Saturday Open Day

🔨 Big News! Our doors are swinging open! 🔨

We are so excited to announce that we’ll be opening on the last Saturday of every month. Our first one was in March! 🗓️

Come and hang out with us from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (or even later if you keep us busy enough!).

Our members have been hard at work "in-house." From seasoned pros to those picking up a saw for the very first time, the talent is incredible—all thanks to our amazing Supervisors who share their time, skills, and expert advice to make it all possible. ❤️

But we aren’t just about the sawdust! We’re a hub for:
🎶 Musicians
💻 IT enthusiasts
📚 Book lovers & Gamers
🧩 Dissectologists (A what?)

Whatever your hobby, there’s a place for you here. Not sure what your "skill" is? If you can brew a great cup of tea, you’re more than qualified in our books! ☕

When: 25th April.......... then 30th May................... 27th June etc
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: At the Shed!

Pop in, say hello, and see what we’re all about. We can’t wait to meet you! ✨

Marsh Farm Project Relocation

Update: Progress and Next Steps

We are excited to share an update on the development of our new project space. While plans are not quite finalised, we want to keep you informed about our progress and the adjustments we are making.

We intend to install three proprietary metal garages, each measuring 6.1 metres (20 ft) by 3.66 metres (12 ft), placed end-to-end on a smooth, newly laid concrete base. The units will be connected internally to create a lounge and a working area.

The total usable internal space is approximately: 3 units × 22.326 square metres = 66.98 square metres.

Planning and Site Adjustments

We submitted a request for initial advice to the Chelmsford planning department. Based on their feedback, we are shifting the project from our original proposed area to a more suitable alternative location on the site.

Initially, we hoped that using proprietary, pre-fabricated garages would bypass the need for detailed planning permission. However, the council has confirmed that full planning approval is required. Wherever we build on the site, we must submit:

Flood risk assessment
Ecology statement

Securing these requires hiring professional specialists, which has already added extra cost and time to our project timeline. We are currently working through this process to ensure everything complies fully with local regulations.

The Building Design

Our new facility will consist of three 20ft x 12ft metal garages placed end-to-end on a smooth concrete base and connected internally. To create a comfortable working environment, the structures will be insulated and lined with plasterboard.

The layout is divided into three dedicated zones:

Social Area: Located at one end of the building.
Hand Work Area: A manual, clean workspace situated in the middle section.
Machinery Area: Positioned at the far end, furthest away from the main farm buildings.

Security and Utilities

Safety and security are top priorities for the new space.

Monitored Security: Full CCTV and an integrated alarm system will protect the building.
Reinforced Access: The main entrance door will be positioned behind a standard garage door for a double layer of security.
Emergency Exits: All personal side doors will function strictly as fire exits, secured from the inside with internal bars and padlocks.
Power and Lighting: Electricity will be tapped directly from the adjacent farm floodlight supply. All wiring will run safely on the surface inside protective trunking and conduit, feeding overhead LED lighting panels.
Heating: The space will use self-contained diesel heaters (starting with two units). Fuel tanks hold enough for two full sessions and will be refilled from small cans stored in a secure, outside lockbox.

Facilities and Accessibility.

The building will remain fully wheelchair and disabled accessible.

Toilets: Accessible toilets are located a short distance away in the main farm complex and are free for all members to use.
Water and Waste: Fresh water for tea and coffee will be brought in via water carriers and heated with a kettle. Wastewater will be collected safely in containers and disposed of at the main farm toilet block.
Business Rates: It is still unconfirmed if business rates will apply to the structure. If they do, we will claim standard charitable relief to minimise running costs.

What do YOU think?

As we move closer to making this space a reality, your input is incredibly valuable to us. Please share your thoughts, ideas, or questions with the team.

To help us finalise the details, please let us know:

Do you have any general feedback on the layout or proposed site location?
Can you recommend any local professionals to help?
We need people to build this, maybe even supply parts or give more advice?
Would you be interested in joining us on our Committee or even as a Trustee?
We need your professional caperbilities!

Later on, maybe, be part of our member lift-share scheme as a driver or passenger?