Polly Plea(d)s...

Regular readers of this blog will by now be aware of the fact that I love hats! In fact, I have so many hats that it's difficult to manage them all at times...
When I refer to hats, I mean metaphorical hats, you know the type that you wear at certain times of the week depending on which occupation you are following at the time. Examples of these would be chef's, cook's, night cap, hike hat, scout hat, gymnastic's hat and finally dyslexia group hat, not forgetting Mummy hat and chief bottle washer hat too!

Last year the Educational Building Society Community Fund donated funding to 150 worthy causes around the country. Two of my hats were the lucky beneficiaries, #1. The Offaly Dyslexia Group (aka The North Offaly Dyslexia Association) and #2. Tullamore Scouts. The point is that now is the time for me to take my hat off and hold it out to you for donations. Well, it's a bit simpler than that even! For my Irish reader's this will be of particular interest...

All members of The EBS are eligible to nominate one local charity for funding from the EBS Community Fund 2009. Applications may be downloaded from here and must be submitted by 5pm on the 5th June 2009 either by post or to your local branch office.

The reason for the speel about the hats is that I am too involved in each of my own volunteer groups to be able to choose which one to promote. Each of them is a worthy cause and each needs financial help as much as the other, to allow them to further their good deeds!

So Ladies and Gentlemen, this is where you come in; I am calling upon your good will to make the choice for me and to promote this fact to all your friends, relations and colleagues. Ask them if they have an EBS account and then suggest whichever of my favourite charities appeals to you the most, please? Pretty, please?

#1. Offaly Dyslexia Group

• We have recently formed, ie 2009.
  
• We are continuing to provide resources for the group.
  
• We run workshops to help children with Dyslexia learn how to read and how to interact with others.
  
• The workshops which we run are great for the kids self esteem as well as on a more practical level. Just knowing that they are NOT alone makes a tremendous difference.
• We provide support and advice for parents.
  

#2. LSG Supporter's Club

• We raise funds and support our coach in teaching children gymnastics.
  
• This is great for kids with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia as it improves their co-ordination, self esteem, concentration, social skills, etc.
• One of our ex-coaches/members Geoff Rellis was also a member of the national squad. He is now furthering his studies and working within the sport in Canada.
  
• Last year we had 7 medal winners at The Men's Irish Gymnastics Championships. This year we had none, because we didn't enter the competition. This is due to inadequate funding for this sport and the high cost of entering events such as this...
• We need equipment, coaches and a permanent base to call our own. At present the Irish Army is generously renting its gymnasium to us on a temporary basis. Storage and access can be problematic at times.
  

#3. Tullamore Scouts

• This is a VOLUNTARY youth group formed over one hundred years ago by Robert Baden-Powell. Scouting is a world wide activity.
• Funding is raised locally.
• Scouting helps in the development of young lives and provides children with life skills which will help them at times of crisis and in the work place.
  
• Scouting encourages young people to take responsibility and to help others.
• Activities can be expensive. Insurance is vital. Leaders are volunteers and pay for themselves.

Each of these organisations needs your help. Whether this be in terms of financial donations, nomination for the EBS Community Fund 2009 or in terms of time each of these groups does need your help badly. Please choose one to support, if you are unable to support all of them.

Please enlist the help of your spouse, children, co-workers, friends and family. If you are unable to help us yourself it is possible that someone you know can help us, it may be that they are one of the 440,000 EBS customers who is eligible to nominate one of my charitable groups. If you don't ask, you will never be able to tell them about this crazy woman who lives in a bog, makes cards and loves hats - or indeed her favourite charities!

Thank you for taking the time to read this most unusual post.

Polly Pierce

Polly Floats Coke

I'm afraid this is a bit of a cheat. On Sunday we celebrated the fact that LB walked away from the Men's National Gymnastics Championship sporting a Bronze Medal awarded for the U12 Level 3 category of gymnastics.

Not only did he do himself proud; but he also contributed to a total of eight medal's awarded to young gymnast's associated with Leonard's School of Gymnastics. This is a tribute to Leonard's fine gymnastic coaching skills and to the club generally.

Throughout the excitement I had hoped that LB would at least gain some recognition for his efforts; but I hardly dared hope that he'd get Bronze! Tee-hee! I am thrilled for him; a nice confidence boost never did anyone any harm...

What did worry me was the fact that almost immediately afterwards DG and I had a prior engagement at the RDS. Considering the price of the tickets I had no alternative but to go; not being a great fan of The BOSS I wasn't keen on going in the first place, let alone just after LB's triumphant performance at the Nationals.

So; how does one celebrate success and then disappear? Panic set in, until I remembered that we had to eat. A quick jaunt down to the shops and a look around for a pub, restaurant or cafe; I didn't really want to settle for a boring ice-cream out of the Centra on the corner.

My luck was in! The lovely restaurant beside the supermarket was about to open and were perfectly happy to serve us with whatever we wanted. I am sure they were surprised to be asked for three cappuccino's, a slice of chocolate torte (delicious by the way) and two Coke floats!
Nevertheless the serving staff welcomed us with open arms and the service was both friendly and efficient.

We had certainly fallen on our feet there! I'd love to share the good news with everyone and tell you all where to go but unfortunately I've forgotten the name of the establishment. Suffice to say that it is almost next to the Centra supermarket in Churchtown, Co Dublin. Let us know the name of it if you find it...

Meanwhile, just what is a Coke Float? Well;

Coke Float

• take one long hi-ball (or any tumbler) glass and fill it to within an inch or so of the rim with Coke, full-strength, full-cal variety and
• top it off with at least one scoop of vanilla ice-cream!

The result? Scrumptious! Especially when served with a long spoon for collecting the foam produced around the edges...

It has been described as looking like iced-coffee, Guinness and many other things; but it sure is tasty. I've no idea where the idea originated; but over here it's a bit of a novelty as we usually have to give the complicated directions to whoever is kind enough to humour us.

This idea can be adapted to use Orangeade, Lemonade or Cherryade or indeed any other fizzy drink which takes your fancy. Whichever you choose stick to vanilla ice-cream though, anything else is just gakky!!

Like I said; this post is a bit of a cheat, but I just had to boast about LB's success and how we celebrated it. That said, Coke Float's are lovely...!

LOL

Polly Peirce
Purveyor of Fine Irish Hand Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary

Polly's Championship

Sunday was a great big deal for our family. We had an early start; the boy's were up at 7.30am click-clopping around on the polished wooden floors of my friends’ home.

Their excitement was more to do with LB staying over at Jackamac's; he had lots of exploring to fit in before we set off for the competition. They had a great old time; meaning that Jackamacs’ and I parents were able to enjoy a full breakfast and chat over a large mug of tea.

It turns out that Pa is involved with the Scouts. This of course meant that we had loads to chat about which didn't involve gymnastics; essential for novice parents prior to a big competition. The conversation even spanned the deadly issues of money, politics and religion; although not necessarily in that order!

Now my friend Jean had posted a comment the other day about keeping me calm. At the time I thought it was mildly amusing. Having seen this type of over anxious mother on TV shows I knew that she couldn't possibly be referring to the REAL me…

All of a sudden; the relief of having found my way to the venue dissipated into a mass of writhing anxiety. Of course I hoped that he'd be lucky enough to attain some sort of recognition; preferably a bronze medal. Not once did I dare believe my wishes could actually come true.

My main concern for him was that he wouldn't be intimidated by the large audience and that his day would be worthwhile and enjoyable. As he's not renowned for his patience I was very concerned when I saw the schedule of the events which entailed a lot of waiting around. In LB's case this is not a good idea...

Of course my fears were soon forgotten as LB showed a steely determination to do his very best and ran off for a last minute pep talk. Meanwhile we found seats for the rest of the family.

Arriving later, they were greatly relieved to find denim jacket's, program's, books etc strewn around; gaily reserving their places – despite this we spent most of the day on our feet anyway!

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LB’s determination paid off. Having completed all four routines, ie high bar, parallel bar, vault and floor he was awarded the Bronze Medal for his category which is Men’s Under 12/Level 3.

Afterwards we were at a loss; how best to celebrate such an occasion? Time was short; DG and I would soon have to desert my victorious son due to a prior engagement…

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LB was wrecked from his exertions and just wanted to go home and rest; though he was angling for a trip to the cinema on the way. As he’d probably have fallen asleep within minutes of sitting down in a warm, darkened room this idea was promised for another day.

Instead it was off to find a restaurant, pub or cafe for a luscious coke float to celebrate with. For those of you unfamiliar with this particular delight you can pick up the recipe on Vinca's In Tha Kitchen! in a few minutes.

Reluctantly we said our goodbyes, goodnights and waved the boys off. By this time the guys had persuaded my Mom to abandon a celebratory trip to our favourite Chinese restaurant; in favour of the humble batter burger and a portion of chips each!

Yuketty Yuk, Yuk, Yuk!

Polly Peirce
Purveyor of Fine Irish Handmade Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary

Successful Business Woman

Since my eldest child; Biggest Boy started his secondary education at Tullamore College in August things at home have been dramatically calmer.

Littlest Boy appears to have found his own wings; he's started to 'fly' in school and appears to be finally settling into his own space; rather than in the shadow of BB. With very few exceptions homework has been tackled early & without trouble, rather than later. The whole pace of life has been that little bit slower.

Yes, the two boys still quarrel, from time to time they fight in the true sense of the word; ie physically; but all in all life has been so much nicer since the schools' reopened.

BB has fallen onto his feet and, despite an incident early on in the last month, seems happier and more settled. Most of the boys from his old school have gone to the supposedly more 'respectable' Christian Brother's; leaving my lad to get on and make his own way without any pressure.

Communications between BB & LB, myself & BB, LB & DG, etc have all improved and there is less disquiet in the house all round. I get one evening off a week; other than the weekends; and it is lovely.

Scouts on Monday, plus assorted requirements at weekends, Cubs on Tuesday, Gymnastics in Tullamore on Wednesday + Night-Class for me starting this week, Thursday - Recover from other three nights and on Friday Gymnastics in Curragh Camp Gym; for four hours!

This last weekend wasn't too bad. Unfortunately LB was unwell on Friday and so spared me the four hours waiting period on the Curragh; also the expense of coffees and buns in the Whitewater Centre, Newbridge!

Saturday I packed the two boys off to BJK for the day. I had an opening ceremony to attend at the new Scout Hostel up the mountains; aka The Slieve Blooms. I had to borrow a shirt and lend my camera to fellow scouter to record the grand affair.


Sunday; DG was suddenly working. LB had to stay with BJK again, while BB & I went on an early morning 5 mile hike with the scouts; 'up the mountains', over boglands and heath. It was jolly hard work; but at least the weather held off and none were injured. Afterwards we celebrated our success with ice-creams & tayto's!

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I recently read the Scouting Ireland Code of Good Practice. It's all above board and incredibly sensible;the thing is, that once having opened the first page; to reveal the table of contents, it makes me realise just how serious the business of interacting with other people's children is.

Within the HSE similar codes of good practice have applied, and sadly like most of my colleagues; I have been forced by society to view our charges with a slightly jaundiced eye. No longer can the teacher sit poor Sally on her knee to comfort her after a fall in the playground; no longer can we take photographs of our gymnastic hopes for the future and so on, and so on.

The application form for child members of the Scouting Ireland is very clever. In requesting the parent(s)/guardian(s) to sign that they give permission for their charges to participate in all scouting activities and to be photographed whilst doing so, such pressure is relieved.

It is a tragic shame that we can no longer enjoy the company of our children; without care or worry. Each act of kindness, while spontaneous and reciprocal has also to be weighed up; lest it be misinterpreted.

Often I have been threatened with a telephone call to Childline; reporting me for some imagined slight, and this by BB; my own offspring. I am afraid that such threats fall upon stony ground with me; as I generally offer to fetch him the telephone number. That somewhat defuses the situation.

We were lucky as children, we lived in an age of innocence. As adults we ventured out into the world, only to discover our naivety. Today it seems it is quite a different story. A little knowledge will protect our children from some of the evil that lies in wait.

Years ago we were expected to show a degree of respect 'for our elders and betters' and yet in a society which is so advanced respect appears to be a thing of the past.

The Scouting Ireland has contributed much to society during its one hundred years; it is one of the few remaining bastions of sanity. The boys and girls who grow up in the scouts are given a set of values based on respect for others; irrespective of their race, creed, colour or gender.

After a life time of caring for sick patients I now find myself in the strange position whereby I am one of the patients and no longer the carer. This is an unsettling situation to find oneself in and has been very difficult to come to terms with.

It has however given me opportunities that I would not have been able to avail of whilst working. First is the time I can now spend with the two boys, DG & BJK. I am much more relaxed and it seems that people actually like me now!

Secondly I am now making greeting cards; by hand and am enjoying the fact that I am doing something for other people to enjoy whilst enjoying it myself. In the near future things will look up for me and I will be a successful business woman, with an amazing & unique product that people can't wait to get their hands on!

Thirdly, through my relatively new involvement with Scouting Ireland I have an opportunity to give something back to the community; without making myself unwell. If I can pace myself, I'll be okay.

It is a great satisfaction to feel that the youngsters we deal with will hopefully have better things to do with their time than hang around street corners.

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The incident I referred to at the beginning was one of bullying. It was an unfortunate one off incident; which was dealt with efficiently, at the time by the school, who have been incredibly supportive since.

Some of the older boys; venture scouts, are also looking out for BB & helping him settle into his new school; which is a reflection of what scouting is all about.

Polly P x