A very interesting talk on St John’s Lighthouse beckons the people of County Down to Newcastle.
On Monday 3 February 2014, a Down District Council sports’ officer, Pat Power in association with Autism NI, will be presenting “The History of St John’s Point Lighthouse and the SS Great Britain“. This will include the experiences of ex-lighthouse keeper, William Power, father of Pat who tended lighthouses from 1952-97. They both worked for Irish Lights often located on some of the most remote and rugged islands off our shores.
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If the hat fits! Father and son, William and Pat Power, who both served with Irish Lights as lighthouse keepers, are looking forward to their talk on the history of St John’s Point Lighthouse and the SS Great Britain in Newcastle pm Monday 3 February. Included is Autism NI officer, Rachel Gribben.[/caption]
The event is being held in the Newcastle Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co Down (028 4372 5034).
Pat Power said: “The doors will be open from 7pm with the presentation commencing at 7.30 pm. Booking is not required, you can just pay at the door on the night. The evening will also include a raffle for some very generous prizes donated by the following (and a variety of other prizes):
The Burrendale Hotel – Sunday Lunch for Two
Down Leisure Centre – Swim Ticket 20 Junior Swims
The Canal Court Hotel – Carvery Lunch for Two
Delamont Country Park – Annual Season Pass
Shandon Park Golf Club – Four Ball (For Auction)
“The £5 per person entry fee, which includes tea/coffee and other additional proceeds collected will be donated in Aid of Autism. Those who do not wish to attend the evening but would like to show their support for this very worthy cause can purchase raffle tickets (£1 each) directly from Pat Power (pat.power@downdc.gov.uk or 07934692351).”
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with Autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Around 30% of children with Autism have an accompanying learning difficulty. The term ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD), is used to acknowledge that Autism varies in its impact across the IQ range.
Autism NI currently works for all those affected by Autism in Northern Ireland, estimated to be 22,500 individuals and their families. Approximately 300 children born each year in Northern Ireland will be diagnosed with Autism, a staggering 400% increase in the diagnosis rate in the last 5 years. Autism affects more people in Northern Ireland than the total number of those affected by Down’s Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease and MS.
The charity now supports a network of 23 branches and local support groups across Northern Ireland and provides support, information and training for individuals with Autism and their families. For further news and information on Autism please visit:
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