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August 2005 Newsletter
Editorial
HI! Hope everyone is enjoying our lovely summer
weather. The countryside looks beautiful and our flowers and roses
are blooming exceptionally well this year. Holidays at Platinum
are in full swing at present. Heading the posse is our manager Carmel,
who returns from her two week trip to Ibiza next week, no doubt
sporting a golden tan to die for. And Ian goes to Prague– no less!
There is a great air of anticipation too among some of our members.
Patricia goes to Sligo, Lydia to Galway, Michael T. to London, Patrick
to Wales, Damien to Tramore and last but certainly not least, two
of our most eligible bachelors; Michael and Philip head to Waterford.
Waterford mothers, “lock up your daughters!”. Speaking of Tramore
and Waterford, we spent a very enjoyable summer outing there this
year. Members and staff, eighteen in total, travelled there on the
30th of June.
If anyone has any articles or comments they would
like to submit please e-mail them to us at: platinumclubhouse@eircom.net
Championship Update
A month is a long time in the Football and Hurling
Championship. In that time, we have seen Kildare lose to Laois,
and then fall out the back door, thanks to Sligo. As the woman in
the TV ad says, “Would you like to use the bathroom?”. The same
was said by the Sligo woman to the Kildare Footballer, and down
the cellar we went. Also down the cellar in the past month went
Wicklow, Carlow, and Westmeath. So you may ask who will win Sam
this year. I myself narrow it down to four teams, Kerry, last years
winners, Armagh, Galway and Dublin. I am going to stick my neck
out, and tip Armagh to win the All Ireland in September. In the
Hurling Championship, it is my belief that either Cork, or Kilkenny,
will win the final. However, Wexford may yet surprise some people.
Finally, I must say I am sorry to say that Kildare, and Round Towers
star Glen Ryan is out with a broken jaw. However, there is no truth
in the rumour that Breda is a suspect in the Ryan assault. I am
pleased to say that Breda has a good alibi for the day concerned,
she was out on a picnic with Paudi O’ Shea.
Philip
Summer Outing
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside! We really
had a luxurious summer outing and even as far as Tramore beat the
rain to it. The first luxury for the long journey was a luxury bus
to ourselves with plenty of free seats for bags or stretching out.
Our first stop was in Leighlinbridge where in lavish surround beside
the river we had a lovely cuppa and bun in The Lord Bagnel Inn.
We at no stage rushed which was a good idea as part of the relaxing
element of the outing. We had a good look around Waterford City
docks and shops and then a full meal in the luxury of the Granville
Hotel—a well known and renowned hotel right in the centre of the
city. We then went to Tramore and it was not as crassly commercialised
as I remembered. The gift shops were within reason for prices and
content. Just Brid and I ventured into the sea and enjoyed a good
wave. It was a bit rough to avail of my underwater camera as there
was a lot of turbulence. The water was warm enough but the wind
a little cold afterwards. The beach was very clean– the only sad
bit was that Tramore does not have a blue flag. We thought we wouldn’t
have enough time there but again were lucky in that just when we
were getting tired light rain started and we returned in good time
for the bus. The final treat was a stop just before Carlow on the
way back in the Dolmen Hotel for a sandwich or sausage and chips
—we couldn’t say we weren’t treated along the way. All and all it
was a full and very enjoyable summer outing for all and those who
didn’t show certainly missed a treat .
Lydia
When I caught wind a fortnight ago from the powers
that be that I would be working in Platinum Clubhouse, Newbridge,
I was only delighted as Robbie had nothing but good reports for
me about you all. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Clubhouse
and he was delighted to hear that I would have an opportunity to
experience the same warmth and good humour as he did. He said that
the members and staff members would be very welcoming and friendly
and indeed, he was not wrong. I nearly died when Breda told me on
my first day that I would be working in the Catering Area. My mother
still can’t believe that you are all still alive! I must say I could
not have done it without the help of all the members and of course
the staff members. Thank you! I love the kind, relaxed atmosphere
of the Clubhouse that each of you create and I have noticed the
huge difference it makes when more members come in and contribute
to the everyday running of the Clubhouse. Keep it up! I hope to
remain here with you in the Clubhouse for some time. If not, regards
to you all for making my time here most enjoyable.
Sarah
A pious lady had this parrot and being pious she
was hoping that it would say holy things. However, much to her disappointment
all the parrot would say was, “Hi Honey, I’m a swinger.” Well the
poor woman was in an awful state especially as the annoying bird
would say this to everyone who came into her house. Eventually,
like any good Catholic she decided to consult her pastor on the
matter who immediately consoled her by assuring her that all her
problems were at an end. “Just bring your parrot over to my house
and I’ll introduce it to my two parrots which I have taught to say
the rosary”. So over she takes her bird to the priest’s house and
of course the first thing it says on entering is :
”Hi Honey, I’m a swinger.” As soon as the two religious parrots
heard this one of them said to the other, “Quick, drop the beads.
Our prayers are answered!”
Bible Breakables
A woman was posting a well-wrapped
bible as a gift to a friend. The post office clerk asked the woman
if there was anything breakable inside. “Only the Ten Commandments”,
she replied.
The 13th International Seminar
Held in Helsinki, Finland
From June 18th to June 23rd, the worldwide clubhouse
community gathered for its 13th International Seminar in Helsinki,
Finland. More than 400 people from 22 countries came together to
learn from one another, to inspire one another, and to celebrate
our ever-growing international clubhouse community.
The Seminar was co-hosted by Helsingin Klubitalo and the ICCD. The
workshops and plenary sessions were held in the beautiful Finlandia
Hall, in the heart of downtown Helsinki. The plenary sessions included:
“Clubhouse Development Around the World”; “Clubhouses: Changing
the World For People With Mental Illness”; “The Clubhouse Journey
to Recovery”; “Enhancing the Clubhouse Work Day with Enriching and
Innovative Opportunities”; “Research/Youth Projects/Advocacy”; “Employment”;
and “The Important Role of Clubhouse Boards."
Workshops covered a wide range of clubhouse topics, including round
table discussions about several of the proposals currently being
reviewed for Standards revisions. As always, our workshop and plenary
speakers included both members and staff of clubhouses, as well
as board members, local dignitaries, and employers. Seminar participants
who evaluated the event rated the program as excellent.
Helsingin Klubitalo graciously offered tours of their beautiful
clubhouse for all interested Seminar participants. Helsingin Klubitalo
also organized a lovely social event, a ‘Mid-Summer Night Party,’
held in the Finnish countryside. The evening included music, dinner,
and dancing. As always, the last night’s Gala Banquet was a rousing
and joyous party. Only in the clubhouse world would you find clubhouse
members, staff, board members, and friends, all having a grand time
dancing together into the wee hours of the morning
The Seminar ended with our traditional open mike session, in which
Seminar participants have the opportunity to express their thoughts,
feelings, and opinions about what they have experienced throughout
the week. As always, the comments were very moving. Clearly, our
Seminar is more than a typical conference. Participants in our international
seminars always seem to come away inspired, motivated, and grateful
to be part of such a wonderful international community of kindred
spirits.
See you at 14IS!
Socials in August
Saturday 6th August- BBQ in Platinum
Evening social
Wednesday 17th August– Adventure Trip
Employment dinner Friday 26th August–
Town House, Naas
O’ time of Summer to await its return
To brighten up the gloom of winter past
While at night smell the campfire burn
To lay my body down and rest at last easy
Lazy days of laughter and of fun
To swim in lakes and rivers free and wild
O’ you my Summer life has begun
A great feeling of comfort since a child.
Paddy
Handy Tips
Gooseberries have a freezer life of 6 months.
The fruit should be washed, top and tail them, dry and freeze
packed into plastic bags.
Announcements:
Our Accreditation has been confirmed for 27th– 30th
of September 2005. For those who don't remember our last accreditation
this is when we are assessed to decide if we are functioning as
a proper Clubhouse. It would be great to see as many members in,
as possible before, during and after the Accreditation.
Get Well wishes to: David and Simon
Birthday Wishes:Eamonn,
Gerry, James, Cathy, Simon, Nuala, Annette, Bernard, David, Mary,
Michael, Martyn, Margureite, Robert, Tim.
Welcome to our new members:
Wesley & Sean
Congratulations: To
Lydia on her successful Art Exhibition in Athy
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and beliefs
expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of Platinum
Clubhouse
Contributors: Patrick, Philip, Paddy, Robert,
Patricia, Breda, Eileen, Sarah.
Editorial team: Breda,
Tom, Lydia, Ian
Any articles, items or pictures in this newsletter
may only be reproduced following permission from Platinum Clubhouse.
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