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It has been an interesting week - storms, thunder and lightning, and a lot of wind. And that's just the politics! The weather has been a bit mixed too...
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It's Iain here writing the newsletter this week as Alister is on a well-earned holiday (or maybe he has just transferred one place of work for another). I see that John and Jim (and maybe others) have also been away this week. I hope you are all having a good break, and come back refreshed and re-energised.
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We had a useful visit from Tim Green, Development Officer from the SMSA, last Friday. He gave some good advice on engaging with all members and ensuring that we take account of everyone's views. We now intend to send out a survey to all members, so when we ask for your views, please reply fully and honestly. That's the best way to help to steer Pentlands Men's Shed in a direction that remains relevant to you.
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Tim also spoke at length about the role of Sheds in respect of our caring commitments to the community, and quite rightly pointed out that in the main, most Shed members are not trained or qualified to provide support to vulnerable persons. That's not to say that we can't help people - just that we can't commit to looking after individuals who need a carer to be able to function.
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One positive message from Tim was that with about 15 members attending on Friday, our Shed seems healthy. Some Sheds are getting by with only a handful of regular members, so we are doing well - although of course we must not be complacent. Hence the idea of the survey that we hope to issue later in the year.
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On a personal note, I have had some involvement with the emerging Livingston Community Shed (not a Men's Shed, as it won't focus primarily on Men's health and well-being). While this would be much more convenient for me than travelling to Currie, I have now decided that it isn't for me, and so I won't become "Iain 2 Sheds" at any time soon. Various reasons, not least of which is that I like the idea of a Men's Shed that focuses primarily on Men's issues. I also like the people I have met in our Shed... weird, I know. So you are stuck with me, guys, at least in the foreseeable future. I have, however, offered an open invitation to the Livingston people to visit us if they give us a bit of notice.
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Finally, we spoke a couple of weeks ago about getting some guest speakers either from within the Shed, or from the community. I potentially have a couple of speakers for later in the year, but I need to confirm their availability before I give any more details. However, can I remind you that if you have anyone in mind to give a talk, or if you would be prepared to start the ball rolling on any other activities or events, please let one of the Trustees know and we can get it into the calendar.
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