Archive for December, 2021
Christmas wishes 2021
What a year it has been for all of us! The ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic has ensured that we have not strayed much further than Dublin or Port Laoise in the last twelve months. We did have a one-day excursion to Cork city in the summer and we are sure that we will be returning to visit that city more when we are able.
We didn’t manage to get our Christmas cards written again this year. We have joked in the last few years that we do not have a month of November but one of Second October as so often something bad happens during that month. This year, we suddenly had to move from Portarlington and we now live in Monasterevin across the county boundary in Co. Kildare. Unfortunately, we had to move at the point in the year when the cards were to have been written — and we have not had a chance since we moved to do so.
Both Andrew and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that we will be able to travel more easily in 2022 and see more of our friends than in 2021.
Just completed “Introduction to Children First” training
Being involved with both Scouting Ireland and St John Ambulance Ireland as a volunteer, and also a member of the Select Vestry of the local parish of the Church of Ireland. In all of these roles it is important for me to be up to date with the latest training about the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Therefore, this afternoon, I have completed the “Introduction to Children First” programme from Tusla – the Child and Family Agency. I then completed the online assessment, passed it, and received my certificate. On Tuesday evening coming, I will be completing the Child Protection and Safeguarding training from St John Ambulance Ireland.
Looking after the children in our society is important to me. As I live in the Republic of Ireland, and volunteer with organisations both here and in the United Kingdom, it means I need to be trained in both systems. The principles are, I am glad to say, rather similar.
I highly recommend the course to anyone working in Ireland who may come into contact with children. You can find the course at https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-first-e-learning-programme/
