Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed activities will continue through the run-up to the forthcoming festive season. We have our music practice most Mondays, croquet at Newbridge House on Tuesdays, weather permitting and our regular get-togethers for tea or coffee and a chat on Thursday mornings at the Scouts’ Den on the Portrane Road. Our plots at Turvey allotments have been winterised but some work continues in the polytunnel. So, if you, or someone dear to you, would like to join us, please call Jim, our PRO, on 086-3694316.

Last month we had a fascinating tour of Dublin Castle; hopefully we’ll have photos of that for next month’s edition. Our annual dinner will be held in Keeling’s on 5th December, where we’re sure of a great singing session.

Gerry and the Plonkers have been busier than ever, with three gigs last month for Lusk ICA, Donabate Memory Café and for International Men’s Health Week. This last event, organised by the Dublin Men’s Sheds, was held in Donabate Portrane Community Centre, with Jim Hawkins as MC and the Mayor of Fingal, Tom O’Leary and local councillors Eoghan Dockrell and Corina Johnston in attendance. Paul Fleming, a movement and yoga coach, spoke about the need to keep active and demonstrated several simple exercises. John spoke to us about his personal experiences of addiction and suicide ideation. His message was simple: it takes bravery to ask for help! Eric Lawlor, a comedian, and the Plonkers provided the entertainment.

Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed wishes a Happy Christmas to all our members and to our community for all their support over the past year.