August Newsletter 2025 Part One

1. Welcome to August’s newsletter. After the visit from the nurses from the AAA ‘Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm’. We are fortunate to welcome the team from NHS Free Health Checks on the 30th July. More about the visit in September’s edition. With many members suffering in various degrees with medical contitions it once again shows how Men’s Sheds can help men come to terms with their illness or bereavement. Just a chat over a cuppa can make all the difference so if you are experiencing difficulties come in just for a coffee and chat. There are many members who have been through or are going through various conditions who you can share your problems with, without any preset perceptions or embarrassment.

2. You will have been aware that HBC were considering making some car parks in within their boundaries Park & Ride. Padnell Road carpark, which is the one we use, was one of the seven being considered. This would have had major implications to our membership. After objection letters that were submitted by Pete Sanders and myself, laying out the impact this would have had on our ‘Shed’, we joined the HBC debate online 9th July to witness the council meeting. The case for not including Padnell Road was strongly put forward at the meeting and we came away hopeful that we had, along with our supporting councillors, done enough to reconsider P&D at the meeting. The following day I received the HBC News Release email (This is an extract) ‘Following suggestions from the council’s ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee’ the Cabinet did not agree to the recommendation to introduce charges at the car parks at Emsworth Recreation Ground and Padnell Road, Waterlooville.’ We are grateful to all concerned that we can now continue to enjoy the merits of being a member of our Shed and all its benefits

3. As this edition seems to have a leaning towards wellbeing. Here’s something I have discovered in the last six months, a relaxing massage. It was recommended by Hayden Davies who has also attended Mel’s sessions, to help me through my own situation. I have gained a great deal from the benefits of these sessions. I would really recommend it. I was initially dubious about signing up, but I certainly haven’t regretted one moment. I know we don’t normally put adverts in our newsletters but if members have been provided with a good service, then let me know to spread the word via our newsletter.