TTRS Article Irish Examiner 04.12.09

This was a wonderful write up published in the Irish Examiner last December about the TTRS Touch typing course held in Wesgate Computer Centre which many children from CAN attended.  This course was designed for people with learning difficulties.  Not only did it teach typing, but it improved both reading and spelling skills.  The children who attended were motivated by the course and it built up their self esteem.

www.ttrs.co.uk has details of courses that are run nationwide.

To read the article, please click on it and it will enlarge in a new window.

Michael Farrelly Osteopath

Cottage Autism Network as a support group for families affected by autism are circulating this item for information purposes only. Any follow up action by anybody in relation to this circulated information is entirely their own decision and they should not infer from our issue of the information that the content is being endorsed by C.A.N.

Micheal Farrelly a classical Homeopath, spoke at our CAN meeting on tuesday night 19th January . He gave a very interesting talk about homeopathic remedies etc. He will come for consultations in Wexford if there are families interested in seeing him.  Please contact Michael at 086 1596119 or email at farrellym@hotmail.com

Fees €100 first consultation and €50 for follow up consultations.

Making Movies with Terence White

As part of the Cottage Autism Network’s siblings programme a film camp was organised with local film maker Terence White.

It was a small group of eight with ages ranging from 11 – 14. The ethos behind this particular group was to give the older siblings of families affected by autism a chance to meet others in a similar situation and because of the small group we could include kids that are on the spectrum who could then mix with others in their age group to gain valuable social practice.

The workshop ran for four consecutive days in July during which they produced and wrote their own film. The workshop then continued for a further three Saturdays in September, during which they produced a second film which this time had been written by Terence himself based on having met the group and gotten to know their interests and strengths.

We had a great diverse group who really seemed to work well together and who responded well to Terence’s way of working. The sheer amount of work involved in film making is sometimes overlooked. For example when having to re-shoot scenes up to 12 times the process can often be very tedious. The whole workshop was a great achievement for our group and it is a great credit to them to have worked so well.

Most of the kids in the group showed great interest and talent in the different areas of film making, from the technical aspect to the acting side. Even the kids who may not have had a particular interest in film production really seemed to enjoy the company that came with the workshop.

Overall it was a very fun and positive experience for all involved. We hope to continue organising more workshops such as this in the near future.

Ladies (& Gents) who lunch...

On Sunday 17th January, a distinguished looking group of Ladies and more than a handful of Gents spent a fine afternoon, wining and dining in the plush surroundings of the Ferrycarrig Hotel at a lunch hosted by the Soroptomist Association, who once again arranged the event and prizes in aid of Cottage Autism Network. There was entertainment galore and a huge turnout once again this year. The theme was "Red & Chic" and indeed, the guests obliged and there was no finer looking group of people dining on fine food in the Wexford area that day! Indeed, we ate, we drank and we were certainly merry!

Occupational unit to be dedicated to Aoife

Caroline Kennedy & Maclean Burke (Damien from Fair City)

Caroline Kennedy & Rosaline Moules

Wednesday December 09 2009

A SPECIALISED Occupational Therapy Unit at St. Senan's Primary School in Enniscorthy is to be dedicated to the memory of a young Carnew girl who tragically lost her life in a traffic accident in Carnew three years ago.

The parents of the late Aoife Kennedy set up a memorial fund in her honour and last week handed over the sum of €6,000 to the Cottage Autism Network (CAN).

The Aoife Kennedy Memorial Fund held a Halloween Fancy Dress night in Kenny's Pint Depot, Carnew, back in October, and €6,000 was raised for the Cottage Autism Network (CAN) and St. Senan's Primary School Autistic Unit in Enniscorthy.

The proceeds went towards the purchase of Occupational Therapy Equipment for children with Autism which is costing in the region of €26,000.

The hardworking parents at the school have been raising funds locally for the equipment, and they were delighted to receive the financial boost.

Accepting the cheque last week, Servaas Dobbier, Chairman and founder of Cottage Autism Network Wexford, stated that 'the generosity of people in the Wexford area has always been to the fore and we want to thank them for their continued support.'

Dr. Henry Goff, Principal of St. Senan's Primary School, Enniscorthy, acknowledged the work that has been done over the years by the Parents' Committee with all their fundraising efforts. In particular, he thanked Caroline and Matthew Kennedy, Ballyellis, Carnew, for their support and generosity through the Aoife Kennedy Memorial Fund, and for their wonderful donation.

The Kennedys thanked everyone for their help and support with the fundraiser and their hardworking committee of: Michael Dunbar, Gorey; Ailish and Mary Walsh, Donishall; Colm Moules; and all those who supported the venture and to all the businesses for their generosity.

Due to the phenomenal support it is hoped to make this an annual event in order to help other deserving children's charities and keep the memory of an 'Angel' alive.

The Parents Committee of the Autistic Unit of St. Senan's Primary School, Enniscorthy, presented Caroline and Matthew Kennedy with a special plaque in memory of Aoife, to acknowledge their fundraising efforts. The Occupational Therapy unit will be dedicated to her memory.

Duo present Autism Network with marathon proceeds of €18,000

Wednesday October 21 2009

WEXFORD'S COTTAGE Autism Network (CAN) recently received the proceeds of fundraising carried out by James and Paul O'Connor at a special presentation in Enniscorthy.

James and Paula raised €18,000 raised by running in the Oylegate Mini Marathon in June of this year. They have organised this event for the past few years and kindly donated the proceeds to Cottage Autism Network, a countywide support group for families living with autism.

On the night the CAN group also bade farewell to Occupational Therapist Claire Nicholl who had been recently employed by the group to offer occupation therapy to group members. She is wished well in her future endeavours.

Barndance fundraiser 09

On Saturday 25th July, crowds started to gather at a marquee in the centre of a farmyard. At first glance, you would do a double take as there appeared to be hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls and the occasional indian assembling at this unusual location... It was time for the annual "Barn Dance" in Cloneys Farm in Co. Wexford. For many years this has been a fantastically successful fundraising event with this years proceeds being divided between Wexford Mental Health Association and Cottage Autism Network, Wexford. In 2008, a staggering €65,000 was raised from the dance and it is hoped that this year was as successful!

The event was incredibly well run, with plenty of seating and tables for weary cowboys to rest their feet after dancing the night away. There was a fully serviced bar and the food served was fabulous. There was a hog roast, raffles, spot prizes and some incredible dancing exhibitions during the night. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces and parents letting their hair down. A fantastic night out and I for one am already looking forward to next years!

Date for the 6th annual barndance has been set for Saturday July 24th, 2010.