more importantthan ever! can achievegreatthings. As wemoveinto2017this willbe that thededicatedteam workofourstaff atalllevelsofSOL Our consistentlyhighCareInspectorate scoresindicate we willcontinuetodothatintothenext year. experienced bythewholesocialcaresector thisyear, and able toworkinacreativewaymeetthe challenges our localauthoritypartners,hasmeant that wehavebeen A positive approach, andstrongpartnershipworkingwith Singer shows. lives ofthepeopleweworkfor, asthisissueof The SOL and challenges,butafirmfocushasalwaysbeenonthe It’s beenanotherverybusyyearinSOL,fullofhighlights visit our websitewww.forliving.org M A E T

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Issue 12 Another busy year in SOL! Archie is top of It’s been another fabulous year in SOL and a privilege for me to be part of all the amazing things we have been doing. the class... Pictured is a proud Archie who recently Although we’ve had challenges along the way, we have always received his Certificate in Adult Literacy and ensured the people we work for are the focus of everything we do. Numeracy from North Lanarkshire Council. Donna Thompson This edition of The SOL Singer is packed full with stories of the Archie attended classes every Tuesday evening, fabulous things people are doing in their life, and that is what we are all about. This is only from January until June, at his local community made possible by the wonderful people who work for SOL. We are so lucky to have the centre. staff that we do. Archie has felt a real benefit from the course and I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to all of our staff for their hard would highly recommend it to other people. work and commitment to SOL and the people we work for over the past year. Your effort and loyalty is very much appreciated. Working hard with the Wee Enterprizers We’ve been running our ‘Wee Enterprizers’ Charlie enjoys a break away in Perth group, in partnership with Social Care Ideas Factory (SCIF). Charlie recently visited one of his favourite places, Perth, for a little break away. Sara from SCIF has been working with Liam, Charlie loves going for a drive, and although they stayed in Perth, Terry took Charlie all Marion, Kyle, John and Amy looking at either around Perthshire and up to some parts of Aberdeenshire as well. trying to develop their entrepreneurial ideas, As part of their trip, Charlie and Terry paid a visit to Brechin Castle. Whilst there they by starting up their own businesses, or looking The Wee Enterprizers visited Brechin Castle Centre which was added in the 1990s which includes the Pictavia at what their dream job would be and working hard at work Visitor Centre, an interactive museum showing the culture and history of the Picts. There towards making these jobs a reality! was also lots of wildlife to see and the guys had a great time. SCIF have been working in partnership with Charlie loves his food, especially going for a cup of tea and a other organisations, exploring how social wee scone, so there were lots of restaurants visited while they enterprise opportunities can benefit people were away. receiving support. This is the first time a Wee Enterprizers group has been set up in SOL and The lads stayed in the Best Western Queens Hotel in Perth. the guy’s are absolutely loving it!. The hotel was really nice and Charlie loved his Scottish breakfasts in the morning. So far Marion wants to work as a receptionist as she wants to build on the experience she gained Charlie and Terry even managed to fit in a trip to Oban, where at college, Amy wants to be a singer and Kyle they had great fish and chips, and they also visited the House wants to be an impressionist or comedian. of Bruar at Blair Atholl. Liam told us that he’s enjoying meeting new There were lots of miles clocked up during Charlie’s break, people, discussing different ideas and getting In association with and he loved all the beautiful scenery that Perthshire and his opinion across. Aberdeenshire has to offer. He is already looking forward to Charlie enjoying a visiting the area again. cup of tea Keep up the good work guys! p.2 p.3 Davie and Derek enjoying breaks away in Craig Tara!

Davie recently spent Derek and Pat also 5 days at Craig Tara recently had a five-day Caravan Park near Ayr break, from the Monday with Karen. to the Friday, at Craig Tara Caravan Park in Davie loved his caravan Ayrshire. and enjoyed watching the world go by from his The guys managed to do a window. fair bit of travelling around during their stay and spent The amusements were days in Prestwick, Girvan, excellent with Davie Davie enjoying his break away Alloway and Dunure enjoying the 2 penny push Village. machines (the smaller Derek having version of TV’s ‘Tipping Derek loved going out for fun in the Point’). He even had a go lunch to a different place amusements at playing bingo, although each day and going round unfortunately, he didn’t win! all the shops. The guys also really enjoyed the The scenery is stunning on-site entertainment on the Ayrshire coast, and provided each evening. Davie took it all in on his daily trip round the site, There was no better way which he really enjoyed. for Derek to chill out and He also loved eating out relax than enjoying a walk and on one occasion, around the site, before one plateful was so big, going back to the caravan Karen said he wouldn’t for a wee nap, and then out finish it. That sounded for dinner in the evening. like a challenge to Davie, a challenge he had no One of the highlights of problem in achieving as he the trip was Prestwick, managed to polish it off no especially the shops and problem at all. walking along the beach.

Davie enjoyed his wee We’re glad that both Davie break away and is looking and Derek enjoyed their forward to the next one. trips away! Derek settling into his caravan p.4 p.5 Dougie and Archie love their food and in Vegas they ‘ate their way around the world’ with all the various restaurants to choose from. They took a trip to Santa Monica and had lunch on the pier which they really enjoyed. They also loved the lunch cruise on Lake Mead.

There was even a French touch as they went up the ‘Eiffel Tower’, and although it is only half the height of the original in Paris, from the observation deck at 460 feet you can see the entire valley and get a great view of the International Airport and the city lights. Another awesome view.

The lads also enjoyed their visit to Fremont Street in the historic casino district. They Dougie and Archie, enjoyed a wee refreshment outside whilst listening to the along with Charlene and music. They also managed to Joe, had an amazing trip to Las visit most of the famous hotels Vegas recently. and had a wee nosey round their casinos. They guys flew direct from Glasgow and stayed in The Mirage Hotel for 11 nights. All in all, the lads had a brilliant time and came back They took in loads during their stay, a Las laden with lots of souvenirs to Vegas tour, a Michael Jackson tribute remind of their amazing trip. show, the Cirque de Soleil Beatles show (which had a lot of audience participation Where to next lads? Dougie and that they enjoyed), a visit to the Hoover Archie enjoying Dam where Archie walked to the edge to the sights! look over and the Grand Canyon. There was also lots of amazing scenery.

A trip to Hollywood was also on the cards, where they saw the famous ‘Hollywood’ Sign and the Chinese Theatre on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame where you can walk all over the stars.

One evening they dined in the famous ‘Top of the World’ restaurant in the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower. The restaurant has the best view of the city as the tower revolves 360 degrees, every 80 minutes, and sits 800 feet above the city. Now that’s what you call a view! p.6 p.7 It’s Glory, Glory for Liam as he visits Man United!

Old Trafford, home to the mighty In fact, everything about it was a Manchester United, was the highlight from seeing the ice bath, destination of a three-day trip getting to feel the ice, the trophy for Liam, Ross and Iain. The lads room, the FA cup, all the staff being so set off from Glasgow Central friendly and stopping Liam for a chat, on Tuesday and arrived for a the awesome stadium. The whole experience was, in Liam’s words, two night stay in the Holiday ‘top notch, just awesome”. These Inn East, a hotel the guys were thoughts were echoed by Ross and extremely impressed with. Iain. You certainly do not have to be a Manchester United fan to enjoy the On the first night the guys went for a experience. Chinese buffet and had an early night so they could conserve their energy After the excitement of the stadium the for the following day. lads then went to the Trafford Centre to do a bit of shopping. Being a fan of Wednesday morning saw the guys Manchester City, Iain treated himself to up early for breakfast, then a taxi a new top (you can imagine the banter took them to Old Trafford. Liam is a between Liam and Iain that day). massive Manchester United fan and Liam at ‘The he had always wanted to United Trinity’ monument, After shopping the guys grabbed a bite visit the ground, so to say to eat at MacDonalds then headed he was excited was an just outside the stadium back to the hotel. Liam was still understatement. buzzing after his day at Old Trafford. The guys had an absolute ball that Liam behind The guys had a VIP day! the scenes at tour with their guide Old Trafford Richard, who they can’t After breakfast, the next day, the guys praise highly enough. Richard knew headed to the train station to start their everything there was to know and journey home. They all agreed it was kept the lads entertained the whole an excellent trip and one that Liam time. won’t forget.

When asked what the highlights were Liam is looking forward to booking his Liam said going down the tunnel next trip to London. Hopefully, he will and onto the pitch to the sound of enjoy it as much as he enjoyed his “Welcome to the home of Manchester ‘Manchester’ experience. United” and being in the ‘home’ dressing room. p.8 p.9 It’s thrills and spills for Martin! Martin loves theme parks so he was in his element recently when he managed to Tracey takes do a couple of trips to Alton Towers, at Stoke-on-Trent, and Flamingo Land near Scarborough. Martin and Chris travelled by train, via Crewe and the reins! Uttoxeter, to Alton Towers and stayed at the Splash Landings Hotel for four nights. Every day, after Tracey was featured in the last edition of the SOL breakfast, they would go round the theme park and Singer, as she loves going to the salon to get her try some of the park’s attractions. Martin’s favourite nails done. rides were ‘The Smiler’ (which he enjoyed so much he went on it three times), ‘Oblivion’ (which he did The other thing that Tracey loves is horses. Tracey has twice) and a new ride called ‘Thirteen’. always wanted to work with horses. Tracey’s cousin used to own a riding school so she has always been They had booked bed, breakfast and evening meal involved with them. Whether it is mucking them out, from the hotel they were staying in and they weren’t grooming them or going for a ride, Tracey just loves disappointed! The hotel was lovely and served everything involved with them. really good food. Tracey is pictured here with one of her favourite horses, Martin also managed to get a trip away to Flamingo Ryan, and she will be attending a new riding school in Land with Theresa. They travelled down by train the near future. from Glasgow and stayed in a caravan on the site. When Martin was asked what his favourite rides were at Flamingo Land his answer was “all of them”. Martin had a great time at Flamingo Land as well and gave both theme parks a big 10 out of 10.

Tracey hard at work p.10 p.11 Steven takes Having fun at Music Motion The 31st August saw the launch night of ‘Music Motion’ which was organised by Practice Leaders Liz Smith and Kerry Gallacher. a trip to Perth Instruments were kindly provided by Liz, Kerry, some of Kerry’s friends and Steven and Dennis had two day trip to Perth recently. Gail Collins. This was Steven’s first trip to Perth and he had a great time. The lads stayed at the Mercure Hotel and There have been a few had diner, bed and breakfast. The breakfast was all Music Motion nights held you can eat and the lads thoroughly enjoyed it. now and we caught up with Elizabeth who attended Steven and Dennis travelled up to Perth by train and the last event. Elizabeth enjoyed the scenic route. Once settled in their hotel the said “I like the singing and lads were quick to find the nice cafes that Steven enjoys playing the instruments Elizabeth attended visiting and there were plenty of them. They also enjoyed and meeting my friends. the last Music Motion walks along the banks of the Tay, or the ‘Silvery Tay’ as My favourite instrument is it is known. Steven loved the scenery, especially the old the xylophone.” Victorian bridge. SOL’s Gerry Donnelly also Steven is a big music fan so of course a CD had to be attended the last Music purchased to remind him of his time spent in Perth. Motion and commented “I was asked along to All too soon Steven’s 2-night stay came to an end and take some pictures of the Eddie drove up to pick the lads up and bring them home. night, and my favourite Steven had a great trip to Perth and is looking forward to memory of it was being in a his next trip away. Steven enjoying room with loads of people the sights in enjoying themselves and Perth having a cracking sing- song... it was brilliant!” Music Motion is held on the last Wednesday of the month at the SOL office and costs just £2.00 which covers the cost of snacks and keeping them replenished. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there. p.12 p.13 Archie’s TV and The answers to our quiz Quiz Corner questions or on the Film Reviews back page. 1 In the twelve days of Christmas song how Good luck in trying to many dancing ladies are there? get the correct answers. 2 Who sang the song ‘Thinking out Loud’? Archie picks a couple of classic action 3 What are the surnames of ‘The Two adventure movies to get your pulse racing Ronnies? over the winter months! 4 What soap opera has the characters Moira Captain Blood Barton, Ashley Thomas, Paddy Kirk and Victoria Sugden? In England in the 1600s, Dr. Peter Blood (Errol Flynn) treats the wounds of a man who had been injured 5 Who starred as Kris Kringle in the1994 in a rebellion against King James II, for which he remake of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ Christmas Winners of the Lucky is convicted of treason and sold into slavery in the movie? Stars lottery over the Caribbean colony of Port Royal, Jamaica. Despite the past few months are: kindnesses of his new owner, Arabella Bishop (Olivia de What comedy show’s main characters are 6 August winners: Havilland), Blood and his fellow slaves escape to begin Sheldon, Howard, Penny and Raj? 1st prize - Claire McIndoe a life of high-seas piracy. Archie 10 2nd prize - Margaret McIndoe gives it: 7 Who did ‘Simple Simon’ meet going to the Archie’s verdict: 10 fair? September winners: This is a great film, with Errol Flynn at his best. The 1st prize - Karen Boyle action scenes are brilliant. 8 What is the capital of Portugal? 2nd prize - Ian MacKinnon

9 Who was born Robert Zimmerman? October winners: The Professionals 1st prize - Valerie Thorley 10 When is St Patrick’s day? 2nd prize - Liz Smith Four soldiers of fortune are hired by a wealthy rancher to rescue his beautiful young wife who has been kidnapped 11 In December 2016 who was ranked number November winners: by a villainous Mexican bandit. When they finally find her, one in the male tennis rankings? 1st prize - Sharon Vrinceanu after fighting their way across deserts and mountains, 2nd prize - Claire McIndoe they discover she is not being held against her will. This What is the name of Winnie the Pooh’s 12 December winners: causes friction within the band as to whether they should donkey friend? honour their agreement. 1st prize - Rosemary Hawkins 2nd prize - Ashleigh Niven 13 What school did Harry Potter go to? Archie’s verdict: Archie The overall plot of this film is good with plenty of 7 To join the Lucky Stars Lottery 14 Where is the London home of the Prime contact Donna Bruce in the western action scenes and a love interest as well gives it: 10 Minister? SOL office on 01698 276206 (I wasn’t too fussed about that bit!) p.14 p.15

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