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April 2005 Newsletter
Editorial
Hi all Imagine we are into April
now and I hope April Fools Day doesn’t catch you off guard, since
we have had so many holidays and Bank Holidays in the past few
weeks. We are now preparing for our accreditation and have a post
site visit from Kevin and Peter from Genesis Clubhouse, where
we went on training last September. This will take place from
9th to 15th of May. We look forward to seeing all members around
at that time, as we need as much input as possible. Now, as we
look out our windows, the evenings have stretched and we have
more sunshine. This is the ideal time to make the decision to
spend more time in the Clubhouse. We will be soon preparing for
our annual Summer outing and could do with suggestions on where
we will go and what we will do this year. If anyone has suggestions
please let us know.
platinumclubhouse@eircom.net
April Fool's Day
After doing some research into how
and when April Fool’s Day originated, it transpires that there
is still a little uncertainty surrounding it. The closest point
in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition
was in 16th century France. The start of the new year was observed
on April 1st and celebrated in much the same way as it is today,
with parties and dancing into the late-and early-hours. Then,
in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian
world, and the new year fell on January 1st. However communications
being what they were in the days when news travelled by foot,
many people did not receive the news for several years. Others,
the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and
continued to celebrate the new year on April 1st. These backward
folk were labelled as “fools” by the general populace. They were
subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on “fool’s errands
“ or were made the butt of other practical jokes.
Swan
Mother hen with head stern Cygnets flow merrily
along Little creatures much to learn Guided constantly with chirpy
song Sunshine days water ripple free Guide loved ones on their
way Gob swan stern eyes see Giving family as safe a day Lovingly
nurturing all their own In safe a conduct as can be One day soon
be fully grown Such a grace fly a free Swans of white silken feather
glow On a dismal pond a family Soon take flight to far away Gone
forever to be
Patrick
Employment News
The Work Ordered Day is an in-house
prevocational programme which consists of various work. A member
can choose with whom they work and how they utilise the Clubhouse.
The Social Programme Regular office hours are taken up with the
business of running the Clubhouse, so any social activities take
place in the evenings and /or weekends. The focus of the social
programme is to offer a range of supports to help members to access
facilities in the community. Transitional Employment Programme (TEP)
A major component of the Clubhouse is Transitional Employment Programme
(TEP). TEP offers each member the chance to go to work in a paid,
part-time entry level job and to stay in that job for approximately
six months. Members chose the level of support and involvement they
want from the Clubhouse.
Helicopters
My older brother Bill is a helicopter
pilot in Weston airport. I am also interested in the places he flies
to and the people he goes with. Bill goes to every place from Galway
to England where he gets the helicopter serviced. He also completed
an instructor course there. This qualification allows him to train
young men and women to be pilots. He has taken a range of people
to different destinations; at the moment property developers are
doing aerial photographers over a new site. The bird’s eye view
is very necessary for completion of buildings. I must say the feeling
and sensation you get from hovering above the ground and shooting
up in to the air is the closest you get to flying. The head phones
you wear allow you to communicate with one another, and this interaction
is helpful when you get excited. The weather plays a major part
in helicopter flights. I hope it is sunny and no wind this week
because I want to go up again.
Robert
Announcement
Get well wishes to: All are
members who are unwell.
Birthday Wishes: Michael T. , Pierce , James , Fred, Irene
, John, Stephen
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions and beliefs expressed in this newsletter are not
necessarily the views of Platinum Clubhouse. Any articles, items or
pictures in this newsletter may only be reproduced following permission
from Platinum Clubhouse.
Contributors:Tom, Paddy, Lydia, ICCD, Robert
C., Clive, Eileen, Carmel, Philip.
Editorial Team:: Philip, Eileen D, Carmel.
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