"What is that noise?
"That clanging, bongo-ing and scratching?
"It's enough to wake the dead!"
We were walking along Cemetery Road, a motley group of men, women and Peppa the Pig (dog). There was a bongo drum, indeed. Maracas, tambourines (we had a Salvos connection). And the infamous scratchy ball instrument played by our leader and Helensburgh Men's Shed Health Officer Ron Balderston.
Why were we walking, on this starlit Friday evening of June 16, turning left onto Walker Street and causing the local doggos to howl and woof?
We were walking to save our men and your men. Walking to keep ourselves active and healthy. Celebrating Men's Health Week by walking for those lost to prostate cancer, a mental health issue, or poor life decisions. Walking for those we don't want to lose.
And as we traipsed through the business district, people carrying their takeaway or shopping read our banner, "Helensburgh Walk for Prostate Cancer".
Along for the walk was a lady whose uncle had died, as this disease progressed into liver problems.
Another lady, who had lost two relatives and two friends.
There was a man who lost a good mate, 'too busy' to get a simple test done, and then it was too late.
And a survivor who just wanted to help get the message out.
As we turned the corner into Helensburgh Thistles soccer club, there, burning brightly, were three lovely fire pits ready to toast our bottoms and hands. And later, marshmallows! And just over there, a gleam from treasured guitars bronzing their whiskery cheeks, were two musical larrikins. David Oliphant, a local who loves repairing old guitars to gift to young music students, who’s been there and done that, even given Jimi Hendrix a few tips. And alongside him, in the blue Casey Jones hat, sat Dennis Aubrey, street player and busker of the world, who "hasn't had a real job in 50 years". (Enjoy him and his band at this year's Lions Country Fair in October.)
Ron got the crew together for a few piccies, and then – the soup was ready! No Soup Nazi here! We trooped into the Thistles lovely meeting room to grab a hot cup of goodness – roast chicken, pea and ham, pumpkin (with artisan bread) and veggies from the lovely Nic. Not forgetting the potato and leek! YUMMO.
One of your Men's Shed's sponsors is Equilibrium Healthcare. It was great to hear Dr Trevor Kemper speak about guarding against the traps that befall men (and women), which can wreck their health. Drink more water. Less (or no) alcohol. More exercise. Social interaction. Talk with someone who will listen. Good nutrition (i.e., soup). Regular health check-ups. It was all there in his little speech.
We tried another cup of soup. A bit more bread. Then marshmallows on sticks came around. It was almost like camping, but with soccer humming along on the pitch, where the Thistles were playing against the top-of-the-table team.
Steve Carlisle is a big chap. He looks like a friendly bouncer. And when he does something, he goes at it all or nothing. So, when he decides to exercise, it's straight into the half marathon. Training? Who needs training. And then the next day…. ooh, ahh, ooh. But Steve knows we all need to keep ourselves healthy in spirit, soul and body, and he shared some good words with us.
Several players and other club members popped along. They had a yarn around the fires about their lives, mates, and health experiences. We talked with a chap and his wife who do the Prostate Foundation Rally Adventure each year, travelling through the Outback to bring the message to towns and stations they pass through.
The Friday evening walk, capping off Men's Health Week, will become an Annual Event in the town, bringing messages of hope to those who need it. This year we raised almost $2000 with the help of the Prostate Foundation's main sponsors, Tyrepower, Hire a Hubby and Tabcorp.
Men – go and get the blood test done; it's easy and will make your family happy. Go on! Do it! PSA doesn't stand for Prevaricating Silly Ass; it's Prostate-Specific Antigen. Please, do it for yourself.
Our heartfelt thanks to those who made this evening a success: Dr Trevor Kemper, Coles, Deb Loveday and Helensburgh Thistles soccer club, David Oliphant, Dennis Aubrey, the soup-makers, the fire-maker, Rod Gruggen for the musical instruments, and Steve Carlisle.