Donabate Portrane Men’s Shed’s plots at Turvey Allotment have been prepared for the winter. The beds were cleared, a layer of manure was spread and the beds were covered to stop all growth. So, except apart from garlic and spring onions in the greenhouses and an experiment with growing peppers, things will be relatively quiet there until February when we start getting ready for next season. But far from being inactive of the winter months, the Men’s Shed is planning on expanding our activities. Our regular Monday morning exercise classes resumed last month and our Tuesday morning croquet sessions at Newbridge House have on taken on extra edge, as the lads are determined to avenge their recent defeat by a ladies’ team from Active Age for All. We also meet at the Scouts’ Den on Thursday mornings for coffee and a chat, with the possibility of a table tennis or darts match if anyone is interested. In addition to these regular weekly activities, we had a pitch-and-putt outing last month and are planning a visit later this month to the Natural History Museum, better known to Dubs as the “Dead Zoo”. So, if you are interested in joining us, there’s always a welcome for a new face at our Thursday morning get-togethers in the Donabate Scouts’ Den on Portrane Road or you can call Jim on 086-3694316. We are always open for new members and new ideas about how we can expand our activities.