Gidday lads.More activities from The Shed @ Stringers
Mud Kitchens were made for Sorrento PS and St Joseph’s PS

Marcus and Paddy completing a Mud Kitchen

Paddy, Lael and Laurie
Terry also reports that the Schools Community Fete was so well supported, very busy from opening time. An amazing array of stalls at both schools. Our “Buddy Benches” very much appreciated by the stall holders.  

A “Thank You” to the PNMS team from the Sorrento PreSchool staff for the “Buddy Bench” and the updated “Sand Cranes”. Our support is very much appreciated.

Entrance to The Shed

How good is this? We are very grateful to Jane Byrne from St Joseph’s for making our mosaic. She did a fabulous job on our tile. John Stevo made the tray to complete a perfect display.

Sorrento Portsea RSL Project

Terry has advised that the last of the commemorative mosaics have been installed at the Sorrento  Portsea RSL. The grey tile now sports a memory of the Navy in WW2. Congratulations and thanks to the staff and kids at St Joseph’s, the RSL management and the guys from the Shed. Something quite unique has been created just in time for the RSL AGM and the Anzac Day activities.

ANZAC Day Request for assistance
We have been approached by the Sorrento Portsea RSL as they are currently preparing the rosters for their sites to sell ANZAC badges for fundraising.
1.     Outside IGA Blairgowrie IGA
2.     Outside Sorrento Newsagency Post Office
 
They are looking for more volunteers to operate our street stalls at these sites. It is done in 2 hour shifts and it is a great way to meet people and catch up with friends and neighbours etc. Full training is given and help is always available.
 
Please contact 0493 572 224 (Sorrento-Portsea RSL admin) and your details will be passed on to Pam / Mike who are organisers.

The Caravan Group Excursion
Warren told us that some of the Group ventured to the Grampians for the Autumn 2023 caravan and camping trip. The adventurers comprised; Richard & Caroline Fyffe, Greg & Fay Wilkinson, Russell & Bev Darbyshire, Darrell & Jen Mackay, Pamela Glasgow & Warren Dickins. They all stayed at the Hall Gap Lakeside Caravan Park which suited their needs very well.  Great amenities and they had more than their fair use of the BBQs
 
Highlights included a visit to the Murtoa Stick Shed, Bests & Seppelt wineries, Grampians Olive Co., walk to McKenzie Falls, and the Balconies lookout.
 
Many thanks to Richard Fyffe for organising the trip.



Spirit of Sorrento News
As you maybe aware, the PNMSA is a member of the Spirit of Sorrento group which comprises many of the local groups. President John is our representative with this organisation.The following request has come to us – so please resond directly if you can assist.

The Sorrento Writers Festival.

(1)  Festival volunteers: We are seeking local volunteers over the four days Thursday April 27-30 to join our team. We have a raft of roles, including ushering at events, checking tickets at each venue’s ticket box, driving authors, acting as author “babysitters” in case they need assistance, a lift, where’s a good coffee suggestions, a doctor etc. If any colleagues in your organisations would like to learn more, they can visit sorrentowritersfestival.com.au to enrol. Even if it’s just one three-hour stint at a couple of panel sessions (which our volunteers, of course, can join free of charge) – everything is a huge help. Plus: our volunteers receive access to those events they are manning (plus a couple of extra tix) AND our beautiful blue volunteers t-shirt.

 Sorrento Visitors Centre
Kera Zaltsberg, Marketing Coordinator, is seeking more volunteers to assist at the Visitors Centre. If you are interested please contact them directly on the corner of George St & Ocean Beach Rd Sorrento.
p –   03 5984 0065
e –   info@sorrentobeachsidetourism.com.au
w –  www.sorrentobeachsidetourism.com.au

MPSC News of Interest
The Mornington Peninsula Shire is looking to partner with the Continence Foundation to trial the delivery of the Bins 4 Blokes initiative in local Men’s Shed toilet facilities.

 Men may feel reluctant to talk about their health issues and concerns, even though over one million men around Australia live with incontinence. It is important to know that incontinence is not just an older person’s issue, nor is it an inevitable part of ageing. Indeed, the Continence Foundation’s National Continence Helpline has recently received a notable increase in calls from young men with incontinence concerns. These are often related to workplace stressors, weightlifting, and sporting pressure.

 The initiative aims to place sanitary bins in men’s toilets, particularly for men experiencing incontinence or related health issues. The Shire sees significant value in trialling this initiative to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of our community and ensure everyone can feel supported and uphold dignity when participating in community life.

 The Shire is keen to hear from local men about the initiative and to identify two to three local Men’s Sheds for the trial. We encourage you to share your thoughts with us using the survey provided. Survey responses are anonymous.

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Bins4Blokes

 f you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Shire’s Positive Ageing Team Tel: 5950 1978 or E: positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au

A request from our Secretary
John Crough asks that if you have had any recent changes to your contact details e.g. address or phone number please notify him by email on secretary.ptnepeanmensshed@gmail.com

A report from our Treasurer
Richard Fyffe reports the following:-
Financial Report for Non-Accountants 31 March 2023
The main items of income for the quarter were the Rye house clearance and a donation from Rotary for The Shed Men band playing at the Australia Day celebrations. On the expense side, there were a couple of once-a-year expenses – insurance and rent for both sites, which has led to a loss of $2,697 for the quarter. However, we have made a surplus $14,378 for the year to date. We also received a grant from the JT Reid Foundation to install solar panels at Stringer Road. In the meantime, the Council have agreed to add electricity to the site, and we are negotiating with the Foundation to use the grant for another purpose. Our bank account remains strong.
If anybody would like a copy of the accounts, please let me know.
Richard Fyffe
Treasurer

Phew – that’s all folks.
GG