Platinum Clubhouse - 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.

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

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.

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.

Get well wishes to: All are members who are unwell.
Birthday Wishes: Michael T. , Pierce , James , Fred, Irene , John, Stephen

Contributors:Tom, Paddy, Lydia, ICCD, Robert C., Clive, Eileen, Carmel, Philip.