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TWO SAINTS PATRICK HOUSE PARTY

by Francoise Welch

On 2nd of June , this year , we were invited to a BBQ at the Patrick House workshop , to celebrate its 10 years of service to Society. Some of us at the T.A.S. know Patrick House for its picture framing workshop. However, there is a lot more happening at the House. The workshop is a Friendly Society with charitable status and any profit made goes back into the shop to purchase equipment and material for all the volunteers. There are approximately 60 people who frequently using the workshop; they are either residents, ex-residents of Two Saints, people referred by other agencies or people who have benefited from the workshop in the past. Any of them can attend at any time, and they can practice welding, metalwork, carpentry, picture framing and other craft. Charlie Wright, the workshop manager, is available for support and guidance. Everyone leaves with something, whether it is a new skill or new friends or simply having found a bit of peace or respite from life's hardship! The crafted goods are exhibited and for sale at various fairs around the County and farther afield, all profits used by the workshop.

So on 2 June a new, smart sign was fixed at the entrance of the house and the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Damani, officially unveiled the sign to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the workshop. She praised Patrick House's Manager and his team of volunteers for the worthwhile service they give to people in difficult times in their lives. After the official opening of the workshop, the numerous guests were invited to view the House and the objects created in its workshop. Then we were invited to a sumptuous BBQ in the back garden where the atmosphere was relaxed and jovial, the food was plentiful and succulent, even the sun attended the party! What a lovely party for such a worthwhile enterprise! Long live Patrick House, its residents, its attendants and staff.