July 2024 Newsletter Part two

2. 23rd June saw members man a W.M.S. stall at the Waterlooville Summer Fayre. We arrived early to set up two gazebos and the tables kindly supplied by John Skerratt to display our wares, which included,bird boxes, our unique bottle bird feeders and numerous hand tools. John Skerratt, Dave Sy, Pete Sanders, Phil Griffiths and myself covered the morning session. The weather was quite warm, but John’s portable cooker located in the back of his Landie provided tea/coffee and even a slice of cake, which was very much appreciated. Poor John brought everything apart from a spoon. The ever resorceful John was able to utilise a bevel edged chisel, which did the job admirably. Phil also treated the morning session group to a beef burger brunch, which again was very welcome. The morning was rather slow with sales however; we were visited by the Mayor and two councillors who showed great interest in what the Shed was all about. They came away with our information leaflets, which we hope will keep us in their forethoughts. During the afternoon, the number of visitors to the fayre increased dramatically and we became busier. This was a gift for Pete Sanders as he came in to his own with his sales patter for the bottle bird feeders. He high jacked unsuspecting visitors in to buying bottle bird feeders they didn’t know they needed! I asked myself if he had gone to the same sales school as Aunty Wainwright from Last of the Summer wine, but he proved expert in clearing the stock of these unique products. The afternoon session, with John S, Phil and myself were joined by John Bowden and Chris Weeks to continue raising people’s knowledge of what a Men’s Shed is about. We managed to clear most of the stock we brought along and at the end of the day we realised £177:00 in donations for our goods leaving very little to take back to the Shed. On walking round the other stalls I had a chat with the ladies on the Berewood WI, who we have a joint meeting with later this year. They are looking forward to hosting us again. Work is in hand with the arrangements for the evening so please, if you haven’t offered your expertise for the evening yet it isn’t too late. Just let me know.

3. We had an unexpected visitor outside our building recently. There had been a bad road accident on the London Road by the Spotted Cow, which required the services of the Air Ambulance. On landing the paramedics had to make their way along Padnell Road with their equipment. Paul Turner sprung in to action and ferried them to the incident in his car to save time. Maybe he can now apply for a blue light for his car. Well Done Paul for your quick reactions helping the paramedics. The helicopter crew enjoyed the hospitality of the Shed whilst they waited. An unusual and rare situation to be in but well done all concerned.