Tag: 2024

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.

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.

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) 

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.

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%”

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Petersfield handymen ticking the right boxes to save treasured bird

By Paul Ferguson 

13th June 2024

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.

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