Newsletters

Newsletter

27^th February 2019

MENTORING AND BEFRIENDING PROJECT:

We are pleased to let you know that Tom Crichton will be joining us as a Project Worker.

Tom will start work on Monday 11^th March and will be in the office Monday to Thursday.

You can speak to Tom about benefit issues, advocacy, mentoring, befriending, volunteering or any other aspect of the work we do at Sutherland House.   Either call in to see Tom or phone - 266121.   We are hoping Tom will be able to help us get more members and also to help us find some new volunteers.  

KILT WALK:

We understand from the ACE group that ENABLE SCOTLAND are looking for people to take part in the Kilt Walk.   We feel it is important that our members understand that any money raised from this does not come to Sutherland House but goes directly to the Head Office at ENABLE SCOTLAND.   Sutherland House is not involved in anyone taking part in this walk and all the organisation and risk assessments will be prepared and organised by ENABLE SCOTLAND.

ACE:         Next meeting 6p.m. on Tuesday 5^th March.

CLUBS:     There will be no swimming on Friday 8^th March.   

Coffee Buddies:   is on every second Thursday at Sainsburys.  We are “buddies” who meet for coffee and chat – everyone buys their own – we would really like you to join us – please come - we would be delighted to see you.    Our next dates are 7^th and 21^st March.

60^th Anniversary Memories:      Our first group of people have nearly finished their individual memory books and are meeting on Monday 4^th March from 2-4 p.m. to complete these.   We would now like to start another group of up to eight people.  If you would like to give this a try please let us know – we will try to get a day and time to suit anyone interested.   We are also still continuing to work on detailing the 60 years of Sutherland House.   We have lots of photos to let you see.   If you are interested please speak to Elizabeth, Frances or Ian.  

Help Group:   We have three volunteers, Isobel, Jim and Jim, who have been coming to Sutherland House every Thursday between 10 – 12.      If you have anything you would like help with, please do come along.    They can talk to you privately.   If you wish more information, please speak to Elizabeth.

Pool:      For anyone wishing to practice or play pool - for the next few weeks the pool room will open on Thursdays between 11.30 and 1.30 p.m.

TARDIS:   Our new group for people aged between 16-25 – meets on Mondays between 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. 

Newsletter

7^th November 2018

Clubs:    There will be no swimming this Friday – 9^th November.  Our last night for this club will be 7^th December.

Coffee Buddies is on every second Thursday at Sainsburys.  We are “buddies” who meet for coffee and chat – everyone buys their own – this is your invitation to join us – please come - we would be delighted to see you.    Our next dates  15^th and 29^th November and 13^th December .

60^th Anniversary Memories:  We are still continuing to work on detailing the 60 years of Sutherland House along with completing individual books for eight of our members.   If you are interested in hearing more about this please speak to Elizabeth, Frances or Ian, or just come along to our next meeting on Monday 12^th November  from 2 – 4 p.m. in Sutherland House.

Drama Group – are holding their annual panto on Thursday 6^th December

ACE    are holding their Christmas Party in Sutherland House on 7^th December  1 – 4 pm

SUBSCRIPTION AND MEDICAL FORMS Thank you to everyone who has returned these forms to us.   It helps very much when we receive them quickly.   However, there are still a few outstanding.   If you have not returned yours – can you please now return them along with your subscription.

DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS:  You were also given  a “Keeping in touch” letter and an Image and Consent form because we must have your consent before we can contact you or use your photo.   There are boxes for “yes“ if you agree to this, and “no” if you do not agree.  Please complete these forms and return to us. Please sign the “Keeping in Touch” letter – sorry no option was given for this.   

CHRISTMAS DANCE  our annual dinner/dance this  year is on 12^th December at the Savoy Park Hotel, 16 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UT.  There is no cost for this to the Wednesday and Swimming Club members who have paid their annual subscriptions.   For everyone else the cost will be £30.  This includes a non-alcoholic drink on arrival, options on three course dinner, followed by tea or coffee.   These forms have been out for a month.  If you wish to attend please complete the attached slip and return it to us with your payment (if required) now   . 

The choices are:

Homemade Lentil and Bacon Soup (G), Prawn and Apple Cocktail (G), Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate (G), Honeydew & Watermelon Fruit platter (G,V)

Traditional Roast Turkey (G), Grilled Scottish Salmon (G), Braised Feather Blade Steak (G),

Cauliflower Tartlet (V)

Salted Caramel & Oreo Cheesecake, Eton Mess Sundae (G), Christmas Crumble 

          V – Vegetarian                   G – Gluten free

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE                              For the attention of Susan Given

SAVOY PARK HOTEL                                         Wednesday 12^th December 2018

I wish to come to                                            I require                           places

I am unable to come

I enclose £……………….

Name……………………………………………………………………………….

Dietary requirements:

Telephone (Answering Machine) 01292-266121                                           

Elizabeth Mobile 07763231269                                                                                

SUTHERLAND HOUSE 

Email:  enq@enableayr.org.uk  

7th February 2018

60^th anniversary

As mentioned in our last newsletter during this year we are looking at putting together our shared history of Sutherland House.  We really need your memories, stories and photographs.   We would like to invite anyone who is interested in helping us to do this to join us for tea/coffee on Thursday 15^th February from 10.30 – 12.30 in Sutherland House.

Ian Holland has put together a large range of old photos and during this time we will be running these as a slide show.

We are also hoping to help people put booklets together detailing their own life.

Please do come – we hope this will be a fun time when we can share great memories – we will all have different ones!

   Hot off the Press: we have just received funding to help with this

Mentoring Project

A number of volunteers have now completed two days training in Mentoring.   In order to progress with this work we are looking to partner them with some of our members.    Elizabeth and John have been trying to speak to as many people as possible and Christine will be getting in touch with anyone who said they were interested.     If you wish to get help from one of our volunteer mentors or simply need more information, please speak to Christine, our Project Manager, who is usually in the office from 9 – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday – 01292-266121, or speak to Elizabeth at the clubs.

When we conducted our feasibility study to help us get funding for this project two volunteers were available in Sutherland House to talk to anyone who felt they needed help.    This was very successful and we are delighted that Isobel and Jim have agreed to do this again.   They are available every Thursday morning 10 – 12 noon in Sutherland House to talk with anyone who feels they wish someone to talk to or need some help.

Prospects group

Many of you will have met Anne and Frances  who have been in Sutherland House on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and also at coffee buddies.    They are setting up a local group of Prospects at Riverside Church on the 3^rd Sunday of every month from 1.15 – 2.45.    The group will start on Sunday 18^th March and will begin with home-made soup and bread, followed by songs, sharing news, bible reading, drama and crafts.  There is a cost of £2 per session.  You will be most welcome at this new venture.

Coffee Buddies

21 people attended last week at Sainsbury’s.  We meet every second week from 2 – 3 p.m.  in the café at Sainsbury, we buy or own drinks and we enjoy each other’s company.    If you’ve not been please do come along – you will receive a very warm welcome.   Our next dates are   15^th February, 1^st, 15^th and 29^th March.   

Newsletter

10^th January 2018

                         HAPPY NEW YEAR – we do hope you all had a good Christmas break  

We had a really good finale to 2017 with our annual Dinner-Dance at Western House where 173 people celebrated the 60th year anniversary of the beginning of our branch.    Many thanks to Jane Hunter who organised the venue, cake, DJ with his photo booth, piper, photographer, table gifts, etc. and to Christine McMillan who very ably supported her with all the admin required making it such a wonderful occasion for so many people.  The ladies also organised for a congratulation letter from Her Majesty the Queen to be read out by The Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald.  We were delighted to have such a wide range of guests including volunteers who are no longer able to attend.  Irene Macdonald and Ian Holland are still looking good cutting the cake!

The Theatre Group had two enjoyable outings to the A Choired Taste GLOW with guests, Dalmellington Brass Band, at the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock and to the Ayr Gaiety Pantomime.  

Our Drama Group also gave an excellent production to finish off our activities for the year.

 Many thanks to all our great volunteers -

 we appreciate their continued involvement

The Clubs have and are re-starting this week as follows:

Pool and learning group -               started last night  

Wednesday Club -                        starts tonight 

Drama Group -                            11^th January 2018

Swimming -                                12^th January 2018

Please also remember Coffee Buddies which takes place every 2^nd Thursday in Sainsbury’s Coffee

Shop between 2.00pm - 3.00pm.   Our next meetings are on 18^th January and 1^st February.

Please come along and join us if you can – the group varies but there is always a warm welcome. 

During 2018 we are looking to put together the history of Sutherland House with your memories, stories and photographs.   We are proposing having some get-togethers in Sutherland House and will have the dates very soon.

We were very saddened to hear that Stuart Love died on New Year’s Day.   His sister Jeanette said he enjoyed a lovely family Christmas and wishes us to pass on her thanks to everyone at Sutherland House who over the many years have been a part of Stuart’s life.  His funeral is taking place on Friday 19^th January at 11.15 at the Ayr Crematorium then at Piersland House Hotel, Troon.  If you wish to go and need transport please speak to Ian or Elizabeth.

Mentoring Project

Christine, the Project Manager, has now attended the Mentoring Leadership course and nine volunteers start their course in the next couple of weeks.  If you are interested in being involved as a mentor, wish a mentor to help you or in finding out more about this project, please either contact Christine who will usually be in the office from 9 – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday – 01292-266121, or speak to Elizabeth at the clubs.

Newsletter

15^th November 2017

Clubs

Please note there will be no swimming on Friday 24^th November.

Please also remember Coffee Buddies which takes place every 2^nd Thursday in Sainsbury’s Coffee Shop at a new time of 2.00pm - 3.00pm.   Our next meetings are on 16^th and 30^th November.

Please come along and join us if you can – the group varies but there is always a warm welcome. 

There will be a performance by the Drama Group on Thursday 14^th December at 8 p.m.

31 members of the Theatre Group will be attending the Ayr Gaiety Panto – Cinderella – on Tuesday 19^th December, having a meal together first.    Members of this group are also going to the A Choired Taste GLOW with guests, Dalmellington Brass Band, at the Grand Hall, Kilmarnock on Saturday 9^th December.  The group are now looking at shows for 2018 including Sunshine on Leith on 23^rd June

Th ACE Christmas Party and Kiltwalk celebration is being held in Sutherland House on Thursday 7^th December – 1 – 4 p.m.

The Clubs will close and re-start as follows:

Pool and learning group -     (last night in hall)      12^th December                    9^th January 2018

Wednesday Club -              (last night in hall)      6^th   December                   10^th January 2018

Drama Group -                                               14^th December                   11^th January 2018

Swimming                                                      8^th   December                   12^th January 2018

                  

Mentoring Project

This project is moving along.   Christine, the Project Manager, will be attending a course on Mentoring Leadership in December, with the first of our volunteers hopefully starting their courses in January.   If you are interested in finding out more about this project, please either contact Christine who will usually be in the office from 9 – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday  – 01292-266121, or speak to Elizabeth at the clubs.

Membership and medical Forms

Thank you to everyone who has returned their forms.    We have a few which have still not been returned.  If you do not have these forms they can be obtained from Susan or Elizabeth at our reception desk.   Membership cards for this year have now been given out.

Forthcoming Events

Our Annual Christmas Dance is being held on the actual “60^th Anniversary” of the start of the branch now known as ENABLE Ayr and District SCIO at Sutherland House.  This is an amazing achievement and owes a great deal to the many volunteers who have given their time over all these years.    If you haven’t yet returned the reply slip which came with your invitation, could you please do so.  This will allow us to confirm the numbers going to the hotel.

Newsletter

11^th October 2017

Clubs

The group who saw Hairspray at the Kings Theatre last Saturday thoroughly enjoyed the show.  We have another group of ten people going to see The Addams Family this Saturday.     

Please note there will be no swimming on Friday 20^th October.

Please also remember Coffee Buddies which takes place every 2^nd Thursday in Sainsbury’s Coffee Shop at a new time of 2.00pm - 3.00pm.   Our next meetings will be on 19^th October and 2^nd November.

Please come along and join us if you can – the group varies but there is always a warm welcome. 

Mentoring Project

Our Mentoring Awareness Meeting took place yesterday.    We are delighted to have enough people interested in taking part in our first training sessions.    These will take place over two days and we hope to have the first one organised soon.     This will be the start of a series of mentoring training and if you are interested in finding out more about this project, please either contact Christine in our office – 01292-266121, or speak to Elizabeth at the clubs.

Membership and medical Forms

Thank you to everyone who has returned their forms.    We have a few which have still not been returned.  As the membership fee is now due, if you have not paid could you please complete the form and return it with your £10.   We also need to have completed medical forms returned please.   If you do not have these forms they can be obtained from Susan or Elizabeth at our reception desk.

Membership cards for this year should be with you soon.

Forthcoming Events

Annual General Meeting – will be held in Sutherland House on 9^th November at 7.30 p.m.  You are invited to attend this meeting and the Committee would be delighted to have a good turnout of our members.

Our Annual Christmas Dance is being held on the actual “60^th Anniversary” of the start of the branch now known as ENABLE Ayr and District SCIO at Sutherland House.  This is an amazing achievement and owes a great deal to the many volunteers who have given their time over all these years.   We have asked Jane Hunter who helped us with our feasibility study last year to help us make this a really special occasion.  

The venue has changed and this event is now being held in Western House Hotel on Wednesday, 13 December.   Christine is preparing invitations for this very special event and they will be distributed very soon.

Newsletter 14th June 2017

Dates for your diary:

Tomorrow, 15^th June, Drama group are giving a small presentation, starting at 8 p.m.

Next Wednesday, 21^st June, we will be having a bar-b-cue in Sutherland House.

Pool Group will be holding their annual Awards Presentation at Willie Wastles on their last night for this session, Tuesday, 27^th June.   We will meet there are 7 p.m. and everyone will need money to pay for their own dinner and drinks.

Theatre Group               15 people going to Dirty Dancing, Kings Theatre, 23^rd June

Pool Group                    15 people returning to Bridlington for holiday 10-13^th August

                                                                                                                                                              Close             Return

Tuesday: Pool and Learning Group               27^th June               5^th September

Wednesday Club                                        28^th June               6^th September

Drama Group                                            22^nd June              7^th September

Swimming Group                                                                  15^th September

Coffee Buddies                                  Meet at Sainsbury – everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                               This Thursday 15^th and 29^th June

                                                          NO MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST

Ace Group Meetings                         Tuesdays 4^th July and 1^st August   

Sutherland House 6-8 p.m.

26^th June – 7.30                                 We have invited people who were advocates for CASS to join us to learn about our new mentoring project.   If you are interested, we would be delighted to see you.

 We launched our new Facebook page with photos of our Wednesday Club volunteers receiving their Volunteer Week certificates.  All our other volunteers will be receiving theirs soon and we give a big thank you to each and everyone of them for their help and assistance over the year.   ENABLE Ayr and District is what you should look for.   Please make sure to like and share our page.

We are very pleased to say that we have been offered funding to help with some new equipment, refurbishment of the disabled toilet, which will include a changing area, and help with our new mentoring project and daytime activities.

NEWSLETTER 13TH DECEMBER 2016

                  Merry Christmas Sutherland House

        14^th December - Dinner Menu – 7 for 7.30 – finishing at 11 p.m.

    Traditional Perthshire Turkey, Winter Root Vegetables, Sage Stuffing and Bread Sauce

    Dark Chocolate Marquise, Passion Fruit Sorbet and Cardamom Pineapple

                                  Coffee and Mince Pies

                                                   Enterkine House Hotel, By Annbank, Ayr KA6 5AL.        

Our Wonderful Volunteers:    Thank you so much to all who give their time and skills every week to ensure our clubs keep running – we have no paid staff.

Tuesdays:           Roy Agnew, Bill Alexander, Peter Cahir, Elizabeth Fyall, Ian Hammond,

Bill McCartney, Jacqui McCurdie and Frances MacNeil

Wednesdays:      Bill Alexander, Agnes Cahir, Eddie Cameron, Marion Cope, Ruth Crate, Elizabeth Fyall, Susan Given, Stuart Hamilton, Anna Hart, Ian Holland, Ian Hammond, Stuart Hyslop, Bill McCartney, Karen Macdonald,

Sarah Macdonald, Bill Mackie, Margaret Thomson, Scott Wardrop

From Boys Brigade:  Murray Bone, Niall Lamberton, Lewis McDowall, and Nicholas Martin

Thursdays:         Joanne Gibson and Douglas McEwan – Drama Group

                        Bill McCartney – Pool

Fridays:              Tom Carmichael, John Gibson, Ian Holland, Yvonne Holland

Our Committee:   Douglas McEwan - Chairperson,   Ronnie Peat - Treasurer,

                            Elizabeth Fyall - Secretary, Charmaine Dickson, Ian Holland,                                                Yvonne Sproat

Clubs:     Drama Group - Once again, an extremely entertaining performance last Thursday.    Many thanks to Beth and Collette and our very talented club members.

1.  Clubs restart :               Pool and Computer Group:    Tuesday 10^th January 2017

                                        Wednesday Club:                  Wednesday 11^th January

                                        Drama Group                      Thursday 12^th January

                                        Swimming                          Friday 13^th January

2. Theatre Group               This Saturday - 10th December - A Choired Taste – for those with tickets bus leave Sutherland House at 6.45.

20^th December - 23 tickets for 6.30 Gaiety Panto.  Eating first at Boswells at 4.30 – please bring money for meal

3.  Every Wednesday         Friendsheep Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

     2.30 – 4 p.m.                Please feel free to drop in and try – help is always at hand.        

4.  Every 2nd Thursday       Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

     1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                    December 15^th            January 12^th / 26^th 2017

5.  ACE Group                    Tuesdays 6–8 p.m.               January 10^th 2017

Courses:   Sign Language Course:  Thank you very much to Bernadette Marr and

Olivia Jordan – a very successful four week course enjoyed by everyone who attended.    

Healthy Eating:  The dates had to be cancelled.  We are very sorry that Morag Hamil has been unwell – we sincerely hope her health improves and that we see her soon.

Computing Course:  Also many thanks to Alison MacPherson who volunteered to help with this course – a successful outcome – and we hope to run it again next year.

Many thanks to Jim Fenton and Isobel Mullarkey – who have helped people with their concerns. 

A Fundraising Ceilidh is being held on Saturday 31^st December in the Monkton and Prestwick Church Hall.  Tickets are £5 each.   Please speak to Elizabeth or Scott if you are interested.

             Hope you all enjoy a good Christmas break – see you in 2017

26th October 2016

Dates for your diaries:    

1.  Every Wednesday         Friendsheep Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

     2.30 – 4 p.m.                Please feel free to drop in and try – help is always at hand

2.  Every Thursday – November                                  3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th

     11 – 1 p.m.                    You will be able to play pool, use and get help with our computers, or just meet with your friends.   We will also have someone available to talk to anyone who wishes to discuss any problems or concerns they may have.         

3.  Every 2nd Thursday       Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

     1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                    November 3^rd / 17^th        December 1^st / 15th

4.  ACE Group                    Tuesdays 6–8 p.m.               December 6^th

     Please Note that Bobby Milroy has cancelled the November ACE meeting

5.  A.G.M.                          Our Annual General Meeting will be held in Sutherland House on Thursday 17^th November at 7.30 – all welcome

6. Theatre Group               10th December - A Choired Taste, Kilmarnock – 19 tickets

7. Christmas Dance            14^th December    7 – 11 p.m.               Enterkine House Hotel

8. Theatre Group               20^th December-23 tickets purchased for 6.30 Gaiety Panto  

9. Drama Group                 Performance in progress – date to be notified

   

Christmas Dance:   This year at Enterkine House Hotel, By Annbank, Ayr KA6 5AL.   Festive cocktail on arrival, two course dinner, coffee and mince pies.  There is no cost for our regular Wednesday Club Members who have paid their 2016/2017 membership.   Otherwise the cost is £30 each.    Please complete the attached slip and return with any monies due as soon as possible if you wish to come.   

Subscriptions:  Thank you to everyone who has returned their forms and money for this year.   We are having to give further forms to people who have not paid and now require these memberships to be paid.

Courses:         MAKATON Sign Language Course has been organised and is being run by Bernadette Marr and Olivia Jordan.   It has now been agreed that this will be a “Taster Course” and will be in Sutherland House on four Thursdays in November – 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th between 12 and 1.    Delighted that all places have been filled.

Healthy Eating: Six people from this group were at Monkton and Prestwick North Church on Sunday and received their food handling certificates – well done everyone.

We have had to cancel the meeting for this course next Monday 31^st October.

Computing Course also starting a “Taster Course” on 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th November. Help will be available for people to improve their reading, writing and number skills.    

Equal People:  We are still looking at the possibility of running this course.

Places still available on Computing or Equal People courses please let Elizabeth or Frances know if you are interested.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the attention of Susan Given                                    Christmas Dinner-Dance          Enterkine House Hotel                                                                                     Wednesday 14^th December 2016          7 – 11 p.m.

I wish               places

I attach money due of    £ ________________

NAME _______________________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th October 2016

Dates for your diaries:    

Sunday 23^rd October  Presentation of Food Handling and Hygiene Certificates at

                                Monkton and Prestwick North Church – service begins at 11 a.m.

followed by tea/coffee and “goodies” made by our eight members who completed the Healthy Eating Course.

                                Anyone wishing to come along will be made most welcome

Every Wednesday      Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                     Please feel free to drop in and try – help is always at hand

Every 2nd Thursday   Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                 October 6^th / 20^th             November 3^rd / 17^th

ACE Group                Tuesdays 6–8 p.m.               November1^st / December 6^th

14^th December            Christmas Dinner-Dance    Enterkine House Hotel

CHRISTMAS DANCE   Our dance will be held this year at Enterkine House Hotel, By Annbank, Ayr KA6 5AL.   We will have a festive cocktail on arrival, and two course dinner followed by coffee and mince pies.  There is no cost for our regular Wednesday Club Members who have paid their 2016/2017 membership.   Otherwise the cost is £30 per person.    Please complete the attached slip and return it to us with any monies due as soon as possible if you wish to come.  The times are 7.00 for 7.30 finishing at 11.00.

SUBSCRIPTION FORMS:  Thank you to everyone who has returned their forms and money for this year.   It makes a big difference to us to get this money in on time.    We are still a few short – if you have not returned your form and £10 membership could you please do so now.   We have not been informed of any changes to anyone’s medical forms.   If you have any changes - address, medication, etc. please let us know – this is really important for all our safety.

Sutherland House will be open between 11 and 1 p.m. on four Thursdays in November – 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th.   You will be able to play pool or meet with your friends.   We will also have people available to talk to anyone who wishes to discuss any problems or concerns they may have.         

Courses:

MAKATON Sign Language Course has been organised and is being run by Bernadette Marr and Olivia Jordan.   It has now been agreed that this will be a “Taster Course” and will be in Sutherland House on four Thursdays in November – 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th between 12 and 1.  Please let Elizabeth or Frances know if you are interested in a place.

Computing Course also on the above dates in November we have a tutor who can help people to improve their reading, writing and number skills.

Healthy Eating – meet at Sutherland House on Monday17th for “goodie” making, and  31^st October, and 28^th November for a follow on “sweet making” course run by Morag.       

Equal People – We are still looking at the possibility of running this course - please let Elizabeth or Frances know if you are interested in a place.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the attention of Susan Given                                                Christmas Dance – Enterkine House Hotel -           

                                                                                                Wednesday 14^th December 2016      7 – 11 p.m.

I wish               places

I attach money due of    £ ________________

NAME _______________________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7th September 2016

Do hope you’ve all enjoyed a good summer – and are happy to be back at our activities.

Thanks: to Mr Ron Beretti for allowing use of his garden at the end of June, to Bill Alexander, Eddie Cameron, Ian Holland and Jane Hunter who cooked, moved tables and organised. Also really important to thank all our club helpers who give their time freely, coming week after week (often without having had time for dinner)  – they are absolutely essential to the running of the clubs and  do not receive any payment.  Many thanks to all who donated for the Hospice Open Day – Mr Beretti was delighted and we have received a letter of thanks from the Hospice – it is good we can give back and help others.    

CLUBS:

Pool & Learning Groups:  There will be no groups next Tuesday  – 13^th September

Drama:                         Starts tomorrow - 8^th September

Swimming:                    Starts on Friday 16^th September

                            There will be no swimming on 30^th September and 7^th October

Dates for your diaries:    

Every Wednesday            Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m                    Please feel free to drop in and try – help is always at hand

Every 2nd Thursday         Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.            September 8^th / 22^nd         October 6^th / 20^th

ACE Group meetings        Tuesdays 6–8 p.m.   October 4^th/November1^st/December 6^th

Feasibility Study:  Jane Hunter has been acting as our consultant to help with our business plan to hopefully allow us to provide much needed daytime activities.  Thanks to those who helped us complete questionnaires.   We are still short of numbers and if you have not completed a questionnaire we would ask you to help us by doing so.

SUBSCRIPTION FORMS:  Attached forms for this year and would ask that these are returned with your £10 as soon as possible and certainly before Wednesday 5^th October.   We will continue to use last year’s completed medical forms but if you have any changes - address, medication, etc. please let us know – this is really important for all our safety.

Courses:

MAKATON Sign Language Course has been organised and is being run by Bernadette Marr and Olivia Jordan.   This will take place in Sutherland House on Thursdays between 12 and 1 and will run for 9 weeks from 6^th October.   There are restricted numbers for this course and they will be on a first-come basis.   Please let Elizabeth or Frances know if you are interested in a place.

Healthy Eating – we are unable to offer a new course but are still looking at the possibility.   The eight people who took part in the first course are invited to the Monkton and Prestwick Church Hall on Mondays – 26^th September, 31^st October, and 28^th November for a follow on “sweet making” course which will be run by Morag Hamil.

Also certificates gained by this group on their food handling course will be presented during the church service on Sunday 23^rd October.    Everyone is most welcome to attend this service.

Equal People – this course will also be running for 9 weeks from 6^th October – again please let Elizabeth or Frances know if you are interested in a place.

-
25th May 2016

We were very sorry to hear that Pamela Watt died on 19^th May.  Her funeral will take place at Masonhill Crematorium on Tuesday 31^st May at 12 o’clock.   The family also wish to invite anyone attending to accompany them to the Carlton Hotel afterwards.    Pamela attended our Wednesday Club for a great number of years travelling on our Troon Bus.  We last saw Pamela at our Christmas Dance in 2014 when looking radiant, she travelled by pink limo.  If you’d like to attend and require transport please speak to Ian or Elizabeth who will try to arrange this.

Wednesday – 29^th June 2016

We have very kindly been offered the use of the garden at 7 Bellevale Avenue, Ayr, by the owner to host our last night for this session.   At this Garden Party we will have a bar-b-cue, drinks, cakes, music and the opportunity to dress up in your best summer gear.   There is a marquee if it rains and like all good garden parties - port-a-loos!   Mr Beretti, the owner, is not charging for the use of his garden but would be grateful for any donations of bottles, etc. for the Hospice Open Day.  We will be there for our usual times of 7 – 9.30 p.m.   Our two buses will take people there and back home. As usual and there will be no charge for this evening.  If anyone has any difficulty with transport to this address, please speak to Ian or Elizabeth.   There is no parking at this property and we would ask that you do not park outside the property to allow people to be dropped off. Also as this is a residential area anyone travelling by car should not block driveways.  Some parking will be available on Monument Road.

Dates for your diaries:    

Sutherland House will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May.   

Mondays                           Only until 6th June will Sutherland House be open to allow 

11 – 2 p.m.                        you to join our Discussion Group, meet friends, play pool, board games, use the computers (help will be given if required) and our volunteer advocacy service.

Every Wednesday              Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                     Very friendly group - beginners really welcome.

Every Thursday         Only until Thursday 9^th June – for pool, computing, 

11 – 1 p.m                         meeting friends, and our volunteer advocacy service.       

Every 2nd Thursday           Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                         June 2^nd  /16^th    / 30^th    

July 14^th / 28^th                   August 11^th / 25^th

ACE Group meetings          Tuesdays 6 – 8 p.m.             June 7^th        September 6^th

Saturday 11^th June            A Choired Taste – Songs’n’Sax  – 7.30 Grand Hall, Kilmarnock – tickets £7

CLOSING AND RE-OPENING DATES:

Tuesday Pool and Learning Groups          28^th June            6^th September

        Pool Presentation – Carlton Hotel           5^th July

        Wednesday Club                                  29^th June            7^th September

        Drama                                               23^rd June            8^th September

        Swimming                                          27^th May             TO BE NOTIFIED

18th May 2016

Jane Hunter will be continuing this feasibility study until Thursday 9^th June. Thank you very much to all the volunteers who have helped make this possible since the beginning of February.    We will close on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May.   On Thursdays we have Jim Fenton, a retired Social Worker, who is holding a one to one support service at Sutherland House.  Jim will try to help our members with a wide range of issues that may be causing concern.    If you don’t do anything on Mondays or Thursdays or have any concerns you need help with please do come along – you will be very welcome.  

We are now in the next stage of this development and are trying to get funding for regular day time activities in Sutherland House – we will keep you informed.

Dates for your diaries:      

Mondays                           Only until 6th June will Sutherland House be open to allow 

11 – 2 p.m.                        you to join our Discussion Group, meet friends, play pool, board games, use the computers (help will be given if required) and our volunteer advocacy service.

Every Wednesday              Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                     Very friendly group - beginners really welcome.

Every Thursday         Only until Thursday 9^th June – for pool, computing, 

11 – 1 p.m                         meeting friends, and our volunteer advocacy service.       

Every 2nd Thursday           Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                         May 19^th                     June 2^nd /16^th / 30^th    

July 14^th / 28^th                   August 11^th / 25^th

ACE Group meetings          Tuesdays 6 – 8 p.m.             June 7^th        September 6^th

  

CLOSING AND RE-OPENING DATES:

        Tuesday Pool and Learning Groups          28^th June            6^th September

        Pool Presentation – Carlton Hotel           5^th July

        Wednesday Club                                  29^th June            7^th September

        Drama                                               23^rd June            8^th September

        Swimming                                          27^th May             TO BE NOTIFIED

We are hoping to have a Garden Party / bar-b-cue for our last Wednesday night on 29^th June.   Arrangements for the venue for this are still being finalised.

RE-CYCLING:  As from Monday 23^rd May, we are required by law to recycle as much as possible.   We have two bins for re-cycling in the main hall.   Please put your EMPTY cans, bottles and paper in these bins.   If there is still juice left in your cans or bottles please hand them in at the shop counter so that they can be emptied.   Food waste can be put in a special bin in the kitchen.    All other waste should go into the small open bins.    WE NEED YOU TO HELP US TO MEET THESE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS.

First Aid Training for Volunteers:  Could any of our volunteers who have not returned these forms and wish to take part, please let us have them now.  We are trying to finalise dates for this.  

       

 13th April 2016

Jane Hunter will be continuing this feasibility study until Monday 6^th June with the help of volunteers.     We will close on Bank Holiday Monday 2^nd May.  If you wish to eat during this time we would ask that you please bring your own packed lunch.    On Mondays we have started a very successful discussion group and next week the discussion will be on Voting.

On Thursdays we have Jim Fenton, a retired Social Worker, who is holding a one to one support service at Sutherland House.  Jim will try to help our members with a wide range of issues that may be causing concern.   These could be housing, budgeting, family difficulties or any other problems.  If Jim is unable to help directly he will try and point people in the direction of somebody who would be in a position to help. 

If you don’t do anything on Mondays or Thurdays or have any concerns you need help with please do come along – you will be made very welcome.

Dates for your diaries:      

Mondays                           Till 6th June Sutherland House will be open to allow  

11 – 2 p.m.                        you to join our Discussion Group, meet friends, play pool, board games, use the computers (help will be given if required) and our volunteer advocacy service.

Every Wednesday             Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                     Very friendly group - beginners really welcome.

Every Thursday                 Till Thursday 9^th June – for pool, computing, 

11 – 1 p.m                         meeting friends, and our volunteer advocacy service.       

Every 2nd Thursday         Coffee Buddies–Meet at Sainsbury–everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                 April  21^st        May 5^th /  19th

ACE Group meetings         May 3^rd           June 7^th        Tuesdays - 6 – 8 p.m. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

First Aid Training for Volunteers:  We are trying to organise training and have been offered several courses – the most basic course Emergency First Aid at Work takes six hours of training time (one full day or two evenings), 2 day course Activity First Aid covers much more including Epilepsy and seizures and 3 day First Aid at Work which is a QA Level 3 Award.      These can be organised on weekdays, Saturday or Tuesday and Thursday evenings.   We need 12 people to run a course and 6 people for the 3 day training course.   Could you please complete the attached slip and return it to Elizabeth in order that we can try to arrange the best times and course to suit everyone involved.  

Name     ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

I am not interested              I am interested – 1 day           2 day           3 day

 

I am available on Saturdays      Yes                   No

 

I am available on Tuesday evening                  Thursday evenings

 

I am available on weekdays        Yes                  No

Days I am available      ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

            

9th March 2016

Following on the successful opening of Sutherland House on Mondays and Thursdays, Jane Hunter will be continuing this feasibility study until Monday 9^th May with the help of volunteers. We will close on Easter Monday 28^th March & Bank Holiday 2^nd May.    

This Monday coming will be the last time we will provide food and if you wish to eat during this time we would ask that you please bring your own packed lunch. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped us fill out our questionnaires.   This is really helpful in giving the evidence we need to look for funding to provide this as a regular service.   During this feasibility study it will not be possible to offer this same range of supports but we are delighted that several ex-CASS volunteer advocates will be on hand on Mondays.  They are Alice, Isobel, Robert and Roy.  Also Jim Fenton, a retired Social Worker, has agreed to run a one to one support service at Sutherland House every Thursday between 11 and 1 p.m.   Jim will try to help our members with a wide range of issues that may be causing concern.   These could be housing, budgeting, family difficulties or any other problems.  If Jim is unable to help directly he will try and point people in the direction of somebody who would be in a position to help.  If you have any concerns or need help we do hope you will be able to come along on a Monday or a Thursday to seek help and support.

Dates for your diaries:      

Mondays                           Till 9^th May Sutherland House will be open to allow  

11 – 2 p.m.                        you to meet friends, play pool, board games, use the computers (help will be given if required) and our volunteer advocacy service.

Every Wednesday             Knitting Group–Monkton & Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                     Very friendly group - beginners really welcome.

Every Thursday                 Till Thursday 5^th May – for pool, computing, 

11 – 1 p.m                         meeting friends, and our volunteer advocacy service.       

Every 2nd Thursday         Coffee Buddies – Meet at Sainsbury – everyone  

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                 buy their own - March 10^th / 24^th    April  7^th / 21^st   

ACE Group meetings         5^th April                      3^rd May  

6 – 8 p.m.                           

Clubs:  Further to the “David Bowie Tribute Night” organised by our DJ’s they would like your feedback.  They were disappointed that people left early.   Could you please tick the appropriate box and hand it back.   Thank you for your help. 

 

Did you enjoy the Tribute Night:              Yes                      No

Would you like any of the following special nights?  

 

Rock Night         Rave Night         ABBA night                 Queen Night

 

Scottish Night               Number 1’s Night               Old School 50s, 60s, 70s

27th January 2016

CLUBS:   All our clubs up and running again – and it’s already nearly the end of January 2016 !

Due to our volunteers not being available, there will be no swimming this Friday – 29^th January.

 

Our DJ’s from the Wednesday Club decided at one of their meetings to have a “David Bowie Tribute Night” – this will take place on Wednesday 24^th February with appropriate music for the occasion.  

Following on the closure of CASS (the advocacy group which worked from our front room) – four of the Directors - Charmaine Dickson, Elizabeth Fyall, Ronnie Peat and Douglas McEwan have had several meetings with the people who volunteered for this organisation.    Along with Jane Hunter who was the CASS Outreach Worker, we have agreed that we will have some-one in Sutherland House for six Mondays starting on 8^th February from 11 – 2 p.m. for anyone wishing to play pool, use our computers, or just looking for somewhere to have a coffee and chat.

Please speak to Elizabeth if you are interested in coming.     

Sutherland House will also be open for these activities on Thursdays from 11^th February for six weeks from 11 – 1 p.m. and someone will be in the front office if anyone is looking for some help.

This is a new idea – we hope it will work and that enough people will be interested.    We are also hoping to have some questionnaires regarding the type of things people would like to see in their lives and would be very pleased if you are able to help us with these. 

Dates for your diaries:      

Every Monday                                   From 8^th February for six weeks Sutherland House will be open

11 – 2 p.m.                                          for pool.  

Every Wednesday                             Knitting Group – Monkton and Prestwick North Church

2.30 – 4 p.m.                                       Very friendly group - beginners particularly welcome.

Every Thursday                                From 11^th February for six weeks Sutherland House will be open

11 – 1 p.m

Every second Thursday                    Coffee Buddies – Meet at Sainsbury – everyone buy their own

1.30 – 2.30 p.m.                                              28^th January / 11^th and 25^th February

ACE Group meetings                       2^nd February  /             1^st March   /   

6 – 8 p.m.                                            5^th April    /                  3^rd May