At our AGM on 5th November 2025, Members can vote for the election of Shedquarters Trustees. Each candidate has prepared an brief resume of the skills they can offer Shedquarters and their reasons for wanting to be a Trustee.
If you are planning to attend the AGM, please vote in person during the meeting.
Online voting is now closed.
Malcolm Cooper-Smith (trustee standing for re-election)
I worked in financial services for 52 years, focusing on technical marketing. I helped set up what is now the largest personal finance advisory company in the UK. My skills include an eye for detail, an ability to communicate at all levels and I am very numerate and have good communication skills.
I helped set up Shedquarters in terms of getting approval from the Charity Commission, as well as setting up our banking. I have been a Trustee of another charity with income of approximately £10m for the past 34 years, having been chairman for 15 of those years and was previously on the Development Board of Hospice UK. Whilst not an active participant in Shedquarters (ie I do not attend the sessions) I am a great believer in what it does.
Tim Elwell
My motivation comes from my dad, helping him with a small project showed me how important it is for older people to have somewhere they can go, because it gives them back a sense of purpose. It is hard for some people if they don’t have something or a reason to get involved. The Shed provides exactly that, a place to regain confidence, share skills, and feel part of the community.
I am the Saturday Day Leader and one of the younger members, which gives me a strong focus on the Shed’s long term sustainability. My background is in hospitality and technology. I trained as a chef at Claridge’s In London and worked for 12 years in hospitality before moving into software development. I also have a strong interest in both digital making and traditional crafts, including woodworking and metalwork. I want to help strengthen the Shed’s cornerstones of reducing isolation, building community, teaching new skills and providing purpose so that it continues to grow, diversity and remain welcoming to all.
Dennis MAughan
I have much experience of working with people through my life starting with an engineering apprenticeship then serving the Army’s National Service whereby I ended up as a Corporal. Following that I joined the Metropolitan Police but decided to rejoin engineering working in various management positions and was a Director of the Engineering Training Board which managed apprentice training then ended up running my own factory of over 100 plus apprentices.
I have great support for the concept of Shedquarters as it gets people out mixing with others, having a chat plus learning something or even teaching others some of the skills acquired over the years and above all is proving good for their mental well-being so I would very much welcome becoming a bigger part of this organisation and playing a part in it’s ongoing development for the good of the community.
Phil Williamson
After a varied business career involving office work and frequent travel, I reached retirement seeking a hobby that would re-energise me both physically and mentally. Woodworking quickly became that outlet – offering not just hands-on creativity, but a sense of purpose and calm. It’s now a passion I’m keen to share with other retirees who may be looking for fresh motivation and meaningful interests. Through day-to-day involvement in the Shed, I have already seen how practical skills and shared projects can spark confidence, connection and enjoyment.
As a Trustee, I’m committed to furthering these outcomes by helping shape the Shed’s future – introducing new skill-building opportunities, and ensuring access to high-quality equipment and techniques. The real challenge – and the real reward – is discovering what captivates each individual. Whether through solo craftsmanship or collaborative teamwork, the pride and satisfaction in a finished project can be deeply mentally stimulating. I believe the Shed is uniquely placed to foster that sense of achievement, and I’m proud to support its growth.