To date, members of Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed have been holding our regular Thursday mornings get-togethers outdoors at the Scouts’ Den on Portrane Road, but we are now preparing for full indoor re-opening later this month when public health restrictions are fully eased. We have all the sanitising equipment we need to make re-opening as safe as possible, thanks to a grant last year from Fingal County Council. We will also re-start our occasional outings to places of interest. The Men’s Shed has been given a weekly slot on Tuesday mornings at the croquet lawn at Newbridge House. Contrary to its reputation as a “genteel” pastime, we’re discovering that croquet can be a cut-throat, competitive game. Members are really enjoying it and there is space for more; so, give us a call. Over the past few weeks, members have done a huge amount of work at our plots at the Turvey Allotments. The harvest is in and we’re now preparing for next season using materials funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fingal LCDC. To upgrade fencing at our allotment plots, we plan to recycle picket fencing from Newbridge House, donated to us by Fingal County Council thanks to Colm Connell and Paul Smyth. We installed a deck and benches, with material costs mostly covered by a grant from Fingal County Council, so members can rest between shifts working on the allotments. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, we are welcoming new members. If you wish to join us, please call Jim on 086-3694316.