As we tentatively get back to normal, Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed is extending our range of activities. Along with our regular Thursday morning get-togethers at the Scouts’ Den on Portrane Road, a group of shedders meet on Tuesday mornings for croquet at Newbridge House, where I’m told “no quarter is given” in highly competitive matches. On the other hand, the work at our plots at Turvey Allotments is a model of cooperation, where several members are keeping things going over the winter months using our greenhouse funded by Fingal Camber Community Fund and materials grant-aided by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Community Enhancement Programme operated by Fingal Local Community Development Committee. In the new year, we hope to start our weekly exercise classes again and resume our occasional outings to places of interest. We also hope to get involved in a project to make owl boxes, but more about that next month. If you’d like to join us, please contact our PRO, Jim, on 086-3694316.