Petersfield Men’s Shed Enjoy Exclusive Tour of Vintage Bentley

Members of the Petersfield Men’s Shed recently had the privilege of experiencing “The Ultimate Collection” at Vintage Bentley in Hill Brow, just outside Petersfield. This unique, one-off assembly of the finest WO Bentleys is a testament to automotive history and craftsmanship.

William Medcalf and his team at Vintage Bentley have spent years curating this extraordinary collection of five Cricklewood Bentleys and it is very rare to see them all together. Each vehicle represents a significant milestone in Bentley’s success and has undergone meticulous preservation, ensuring they remain mechanically original. The knowledgeable curator, Chris, guided the Men’s Shed members through this remarkable display, sharing captivating stories of the design, engineering, and racing heritage behind each magnificent vehicle.

The tour was not just about admiring the cars from afar; members were able to see the intricate restoration work in progress, gaining insights into the dedication and expertise required to bring these vintage vehicles back to their former glory.

The Men’s Shed expressed their gratitude to Vintage Bentley for their hospitality and for making the tour so memorable. The event was a resounding success, raising an additional £200 for Vintage Bentley’s chosen charity, Alzheimer’s UK, and leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours

We’re delighted to announce that the Petersfield Men’s Shed will be open throughout the festive period, offering a welcoming space for all.

Here’s our schedule:

Christmas Eve: Normal hours
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day: CLOSED
27th December onwards: Normal hours
New Year’s Eve: Normal hours
New Year’s Day: Normal hours
2nd January onwards: Normal hours resume

Whether you’re looking for some company, want to get involved in a project, or simply need a break from the festivities, our doors are open.

Come and join us for a cuppa ☕ and a chat.

2024 UKMSA Shed Of The Year Awards

2024 Petersfield Shed Of The Year Finalist UK Men's Shed Association Awards

The Petersfield Men’s Shed was honored to be selected as a finalist in the UK Men’s Shed Association’s esteemed Shed of the Year Awards. This national program acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Men’s Sheds and their members to their local communities.

Representing the Petersfield Men’s Shed, Chairman Nick Broom and Treasurer Trevor Nichols attended the awards ceremony and afternoon tea. They were invited by Mr. Speaker, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, to this distinguished event held in the State Rooms of the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons on International Men’s Day, Tuesday, November 19th, 2024.

The Shed Awards are sponsored by TiteFix, with specially designed trophies for the winners, crafted by Carveco.  

The commitment of all the Men’s Sheds to community and camaraderie is truly inspirational.

Further details are available on the UK Men’s Sheds Association website: UK Men’s Shed Awards 2024

UK Shed of the Year 2024

UK Men's Shed Logo

We’re incredibly proud to be nominated in this year’s UK Shed of the Year Awards! 🎉
Being shortlisted for Shed of the Year is a huge honour for our Shed and a testament to the amazing work of our members. Thank you to @UKMensSheds for bringing our community together and to everyone who’s supported us along the way. Here’s to connection, creativity, and making a difference – wish us luck! 🤞 💚#UKShedoftheYear #MensSheds #ShedAwards2024 #Menshealthmatters #ShouldertoShoulder #Community

Petersfield Men’s Shed shortlisted for Men’s Shed of the Year

On 19 November, which is International Men’s Day, Petersfield Men’s Shed will visit Parliament for the UK National Men’s Shed Association awards hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons. One of three shortlisted (out of 1100 Men’s Sheds in the country) for ‘Men’s Shed of the Year.’ 

Chair Nick Broom spoke to Mike Waddington about being shortlisted for the ‘prestigious’ award.

Listen to the Shine Radio recording here:

He also speaks about current projects in the community (and they are open to further approaches if their help is needed), they are always open to new members – and they are giving away free firewood!

They say – “Please come along for tea, coffee, biscuits & a chat or to use the workshop & facilities. Find us in the Festival Hall car park at: 16 Heath Road, Petersfield, GU31 4DU” or see Petersfield Men’s Shed – A space for men to connect, converse and create. (petersfieldmensshed.org.uk) 

A Tree-mendous Addition to Herne Junior School

We’re thrilled to announce that the Petersfield Men’s Shed has successfully created and installed two stunning wooden trees into Herne Junior School. These unique structures are sure to spark creativity and imagination in the young minds of the school’s students.

Listen to the Shine Radio recording here:

The trees, crafted with care and skill by our talented members, add a touch of nature and wonder to the school environment. Their designs and sturdy construction make them both visually appealing and practical for use as display shelves.

We hope these beautiful creations will inspire the students to explore their love of reading and learning.

Thank you to the dedicated members of the Petersfield Men’s Shed for their hard work and dedication to this project.

Saving The Starling

Petersfield Men’s Shed is really proud to have been featured in the Alton Herald on Thursday 13th June 2024.

The members of the men’s shed are helping to make 40 Starling boxes that will be installed on houses around Newton Valence. “The startling is one of England’s most romantic birds but is now on the list of endangered species as their population has plummeted by 53%”


Petersfield handymen ticking the right boxes to save treasured bird

By Paul Ferguson 

13th June 2024

Nick Broom and Rob Brailey of Petersfield Men’s Shed with the first batch of Starling nest boxes heading to Newton Valence. (Petersfield Men’s Shed)

A group of East Hampshire handymen is boxing clever in the bid to save a treasured bird from extinction.

The importance of saving the Starling is being hammered home by the Petersfield Men’s Shed as they’ve received an order for 40 nest boxes.

The custom-made boxes will be installed on houses around Newton Valence this autumn under the close supervision of ornithologist Dr Francis Buner.

It’s part of a plan by the Newton Valence Nature Group to create a “great new Starling murmuration” in the skies above the village between Selborne and the A32.

The Starling is one of England’s most romantic birds having inspired a Hans Holbein portrait, a Mozart Piano Concerto and a Tennyson poem.

But this treasured species is now on the IUCN Red List of endangered species as its population has plummeted by 53 per cent by 1995.

“In Newton Valence we are lucky to hear them ‘clapping their tiny castanets’ as they roost in our chimney pots,” said a spokesperson for the NVNG.

“We have a unique opportunity to create a new constellation in the skies above our parish, by providing the nest boxes our endangered Starlings need to safely raise their broods year after year.”

The village is fast becoming one of the county’s most ecologically important areas as efforts to protect and boost the toad population have also been recognised.

Its pond has been designed a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in recognition of its significant toad population by the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre.

Hullam Lane – an ancient sunken lane and an important toad migration route – has also been designated a Road Verge of Ecological Importance by the same group.

The designations will help the efforts of Toad Patrol, working alongside the pond committee, to protect and enhance the habitat for biodiversity.


Accessible Backgammon Boards

Stephen Allberry from Petersfield Men’s Shed used his skill to construct two new Accessible Backgammon Boards for the Petersfield u3a.

These Backgammon Boards were specifically designed to make the game accessible to players who are visually, or dexterity challenged. The board incorporates colour contrasted zones (replacing the traditional points) to allow the counters to stand out against the background, and ridges between zones to prevent accidental knocking of counters between zones. Note also the use of an iPad to automatically generate random dice throws. One of these boards has been trialled over a few weeks and has been welcomed by players who are novices, experienced, able bodied and most importantly the target audience those with visual or dexterity issues.

Novices are welcome to contact the u3a to become a member and then receive instruction on how to play this ancient game of skill and luck. They meet every Monday at 10am, attending every week is not expected. Contact the Backgammon Group on the Petersfield u3a website: https://petersfield.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/backgammon-friendly/

Pilot Cookery Class

On Friday the 19th January 2024, we ran a pilot cookery class to teach some basic cookery skills.

In conjunction with local charities Age Concern and Winton House, five men (including John Liddall and Roland Goodbody from the Men’s Shed) prepared spaghetti bolognaise together and then enjoyed an early supper with a well-earned glass of red wine.

Supported by Winton House volunteer cooks, Marion and Jenny with Steven, the 5 participants were taken through the recipe steps stage by stage, resulting in a delicious meal enjoyed by all.

We plan to run more classes, now we know the format works and the facilities at Winton House can cope. The support and input by everyone at Winton House has made this possible, proving collaboration really works to benefit local people.

Member Update – August 23

Welcome to the second PMS Latest News. Its aim is to ensure all PMS members are up to date with the workings of the management committee, news from individual activity groups, future events and general news from members themselves. So, if you would like to include a note in future editions, please drop me an email.

Whinge!

Unfortunately, this month’s News starts with a whinge. I think every member will agree that the effort, input, and results to get us this far of mostly those on the management committee, Trustees and a few wonderful members has been amazing. However, we cannot keep relying on these few to keep the Shed operational, forward thinking and vibrant for all of us to enjoy.

We have nearly 90 members and not only do we need more members to volunteer some time and effort for vital aspects of the Shed, but we would also like to see more of you simply coming along. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and some Wednesday evenings and starting next week, Saturdays from 10am to 1pm, so plenty of opportunities to visit.

This is “your” Shed, please help and support it.

We Need You!

Currently, we are looking for member volunteers to take on the Membership Secretary role, Social Organiser and Site Manager.

The Membership Secretary is the first contact if someone wants to join, mostly by email. They must be organised and a good record keeper using a small, secure data base. There is no requirement to join the MC or be a Trustee so probably involves no more than a few hours a week maximum.

The Social Organiser will suggest, and lead organise and publicise social events, visits, talks, etc. They are not expected to do this on their own but with each event having a small team of members who will “make it happen”. Suggestions so far are a pizza lunch, curry night, walks, BBQ, invite the partners, trips to places of interest and museums, interesting speakers, film afternoon, etc, etc. You must be organised, sociable and able to get things done. Again, no requirement to join the MC or be a Trustee.

The Site Manager will ensure the Shed is clean, tidy and any maintenance issues are raised with the MC. Through the various workshop leaders, rostered Shed Supervisors and MC members, they will organise various working groups from time to time to ensure the Shed is always presentable and functioning as it should. A local, physical on-site presence will be essential. Again, no requirement to join the MC or be a Trustee.

If you wish to discuss any of the above roles, please email me.

Garden Group

Last month, I asked members interested in gardening to email me. To say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. Therefore, I have decided that I will start by asking if any members wish to join me on Friday the 18th August at 10am (as long as it’s not raining), with gloves and their favourite garden tools, we shall spend at least the morning gardening. And bring a packed lunch so we can sit in the garden to enjoy our labours.

The great news is that the Town Council has awarded us a £750 grant which the MC has decided will go towards the garden, so over lunch, we can discuss design plans for the raised beds and spend the grant. What fun!

Metal Working Shed

The “Small” Shed now has its electrics and is ready to be converted to metal work. Nick, Malcolm and Martin are now working on plans to equip it ready for operation. If there are avid metal workers who wish to input, please contact them directly.

Bike Shed

The Bike Shed now has its electrics and the Cycle Reclamation Group regularly meets on Wednesday mornings. If interested please drop in and speak to Michael, Mark or any of the group.

Community Projects

We are now starting to receive a steady stream of community project requests, from bat boxes in the South Downs, shelving at the Scot Hut and flower boxes for Petersfield in Bloom to the Physic Garden back gate. We have just received a request to erect a garden shed for a local sheltered housing which will require a cement base. As it’s a big job, before we respond and possibly agree to this request, we shall need confirmed volunteers who have the skills and time; please email me if you have.

Sale of spare tools

We still have some surplus tools for members to buy, so when you are next at the Shed, please take a look. Some are brand new, and all are PAT tested. All proceeds will go towards our future running costs.

Stall Day

We shall have a stall at the PECAN Boot Sale on the Avenue Playing Field on Sunday 20th August. Nick and Peter are organising, but any additional volunteer helpers will be welcome.

We also plan to set up a stall at the back gates to the Shed on Sunday 27th August, which is Petersfield Festival Weekend. Again, volunteer helpers please.

And don’t forget…

  • The guitar group meet on Friday mornings (contact Ray Vogt).

I hope you enjoyed this, second Latest News. If you want to put a note in future editions or are interested in starting an interest group, please email me. And please consider taking an active role and join in the various groups and activities mentioned above. The Shed will only work with everyone doing their bit.

Steven Watts

Chairman

[email protected]

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