Platinum Clubhouse - January 2007 Newsletter

The community of Platinum Clubhouse use this opportunity to whish every staff member and member of the Clubhouse a prosperous New Year. Platinum Clubhouse celebrated every member’s achievements by organizing an Award Ceremony in recognition of their educational achievements throughout the year. The award was presented by staff members and a representative from the Literacy Department of the Adult Education Centre. As the first and only accredited Clubhouse in Ireland, the Clubhouse ,over the years has continued to facilitate inclusiveness and integrations of all its members within society. The clubhouse use this opportunity to thank ever y staff member & members for their contributions. Happy new year!

To recognise and celebrate the vast achievements and accomplishments made by members of Platinum Clubhouse in 2006 an award ceremony was held on the 6th of December 2006. A large crowd attended and there was a great atmosphere as the guests gathered around the brightly light Christmas tree in the dinning room. Members had worked very hard during the year and the large amount of certificates awarded reflected this. Certificates were given in the following area; Basic Computers, Literacy, PD Courses, Advanced Microsoft Word, Health and Safety, and Art. The variety of different certificates gained by the members reflects the uniqueness and individuality of the members. In total there were 26 certificates awarded. Platinum Clubhouse received a ‘Make it Happen’ Award from The Nationalist Newspaper Group and were given a cheque in Feb 2006. Platinum Clubhouse also received a 3 year Certification from the ICCD in March 2006. This is and achievement that both members and staff members are very proud of. In addition to the many certificates received by the members of Platinum Clubhouse, awards and trophies were also given to members who took part in the bowling competition run by the Social Club Department in Platinum Clubhouse. During the award ceremony the two students on their work placements had their contribution to the Clubhouse acknowledged. They were given watches from Newbridge Silverware as a token of appreciation from the staff members and members of the Clubhouse. A lunch of finger food was prepared and was enjoyed by all in attendance. Due to the huge success of this years Award Ceremony it is hoped that it will become an annual event in the Clubhouse.

Moorefield bridged a gap of 25 years by winning the Leinster Club Championship at windswept Portlaoise on Sunday last. The last Kildare Club team to raise the trophy was Raheens in 1982. The victory goes some way to restoring pride in Kildare football after a number of years of abysmal performances of the Kildare county team in the All Ireland Championship. Moorefield’s victory was based on a solid team performance by each member of the team, particularly by the back line which repelled most of the Rhode attacks. Playing against gale force wind in the opening half Moorefield knuckled down and won two penalties, expertly converted by ‘man of the match’ Ronan Sweeney. That was the platform on which victory was based and Moorefield held out for a comfortable victory.

I feel very honoured to be invited to Platinum Clubhouse for my work placement and to be given this opportunity to share my experience with the members. I find Platinum Clubhouse to be one happy family with unique individual abilities. The warm unconditional receptive environment removed all the tensions I had, prior to starting the work placement. Every member has contributed immensely to making this experience a pleasant one for me. The staff members and the member’s level of co-operation is indicative of the therapeutic, environment that exists within the Clubhouse. I noticed that everyone is treated with uttermost respect and the ‘open door’ policy of the Clubhouse is phenomenal. I think other Care Centres should follow the Platinum model of care, because the society is incomplete without Centres like Platinum Clubhouse providing these wonderful services. At the end of my work placement, I am expected to submit a written report to the college. You all have made this assignment very easy for me, because everyone has been very open and entertained my questions. I want to use this opportunity to thank the staff members and the members for giving me this great opportunity. Oh! Least I forget, I hope after my work placement, I am still invited to have that lovely lunch.

I recently joined the Art and Oil Painting Class in St Conleths’ School in Newbridge. I did nine classes and I have to say I didn’t know much about Oil Painting before I joined. But I learned fast and developed new skills. Now you cannot stop me from painting. I enjoy working with oil but it can be very expensive. Oil painting is easy to work with and I find it more user friendly. My paintings are bright and colourful and one can achieve almost any effect with oil paint. I would encourage any person who has a desire for Art to take up an art course.

A surprise Social in January [Look at the February issue for report]
Wed Social 10th January Platinum Clubhouse
Saturday social 20th January Platinum Clubhouse
Employment Dinner Friday 26th January 2007 Kilcullen

Poems

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
Cob 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 away free

Swans of white silken feathers glow
On a dismal pond a family
Soon take flight so far away
Gone forever to be free

Receipes

Apple and Walnut Squares

Ingredients:
275g / 10 oz Self Raising Flour
1 teaspoon of Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
175g / 6oz Light Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
150ml / 1/4 pint Sunflower Oil
3 Apples (peeled, cored and grated)
100g pack of Chopped Walnuts

Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas 4. Grease a roasting tin or oblong container 23 cm x 34 cm / 3” x 9” approx in size. Place the flour, baking power, cinnamon and brown sugar into a bowl and mix the ingredients together. In a jug, beat the eggs and oil and add the dry ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are well blended Finally, stir in the grated apples and chopped walnuts. Poor mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for about 50 minutes until golden brown and ‘set’. Turn onto a wire tray to cool a little; then cut into squares. Serve hot of cold with whipped cream or crème fraiche.

Handy Tips

Health/Safety - If food or liquid is spilt clean it up immediately so you don’t slip in it.

Any articles, items or pictures in this newsletter may only be reproduced following permission from Platinum Clubhouse.