Hi happy Badly Dressed folk, please note the Leisure Centre is closed Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th December , & for the rest of that week will open from 7am to 4pm. On Monday 2nd January the Centre is also open 7am to 4pm, with regular hours re-commencing on Tuesday 3rd.
The Club will not meet to play Tuesday 27th, otherwise it's cocks as usual. I guess there may be a social breakfast or pub option between individual members on 27th, I suggest you ram your ear against the grapevine (or ask Neil if that's easier!)
Have a good'un...
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Badly Dressed Christmas Curry
... mmmmmm! We can hardly wait for the Big Christmas Club Nosh Down: Neil will be booking a large table at the Dilshad for Tuesday 20th December, so get in touch with him to confirm your attendance asap - family & friends of members are of course welcome (again, confirm anyone who wishes to come along with Neil).
Gotta be some of the best Festive Fare in the area... so, don't be bashful - get in touch, get it booked!
See you at the tinselly-trough...
Monday, 14 November 2016
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK 2016: Online abuse & bullying hugely increase...
... in recent years kids as young as 7yrs have told ChildLine counsellors of online abuse & torment. As an adult, someone not brought up in this digital, social media age, it can be very difficult to appreciate how young people are 'locked in' to the demands & effects of mobile / internet contact: we simply had a front door, & everything that happened behind that was down to our parents... how times have changed!
This is Anti-Bullying Week & in 2016 the NSPCC identifies online bullying as becoming the main reason youngsters contact ChildLine, with 33% calls relating to being 'picked on' via social media & gaming sites: 24/7 access & trolling is fast becoming a 'twist to the bullies knife', with children feeling they cannot escape the negative impact by simply being at home.
Simon Leggett, research director, ChildWise, says: “Over the last 5 years, children’s access to internet-connected portable devices has increased rapidly, along with wider access to the internet out & about & in their own rooms. Their use of social media has likewise increased, exposing them to more potential online dangers.”
There is some very useful information on the NSPCC website about Bullying & Cyber-bullying. Indeed, they have launched a youtube video aimed at helping kids help friends they suspect are being bullied.
This is Anti-Bullying Week & in 2016 the NSPCC identifies online bullying as becoming the main reason youngsters contact ChildLine, with 33% calls relating to being 'picked on' via social media & gaming sites: 24/7 access & trolling is fast becoming a 'twist to the bullies knife', with children feeling they cannot escape the negative impact by simply being at home.
NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless says: “Online bullying is one of the biggest child protections challenges of this generation... a problem intensified by the ever-increasing presence of the internet. Years ago a child could escape their bullies when they left the playground and get some respite in the safety of their home, now the 24/7 nature of the internet means that a child can be targeted around the clock. Bullying, regardless of whether it occurs online or in person can have a devastating impact on a young person, affecting their self-worth, leave them feeling isolated and potentially being a trigger for depression.
In the worst case scenarios, bullying has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.”
One young girl told ChildLine she woke scared to go to school everyday, about the comments people made & about walking home: “Then I get in & log on to my social networking site & there are horrible messages everywhere... It’s like there is no escaping the bullies. I’m struggling to cope with how upset I feel so sometimes I cut myself just to have a release but it’s not enough. I can’t go on like this.”Simon Leggett, research director, ChildWise, says: “Over the last 5 years, children’s access to internet-connected portable devices has increased rapidly, along with wider access to the internet out & about & in their own rooms. Their use of social media has likewise increased, exposing them to more potential online dangers.”
There is some very useful information on the NSPCC website about Bullying & Cyber-bullying. Indeed, they have launched a youtube video aimed at helping kids help friends they suspect are being bullied.
Nick Harrop, Campaigns Manager, YoungMinds, says: “Because of social media, young people feel under pressure to live their lives in public, to present a personal ‘brand’ from a young age, & seek reassurance in the form of likes & shares. Trolling & cyberbullying have also become a fact of life for many, & can have a devastating effect on self-esteem... But it’s important to remember the online world also offers huge emotional benefits, & many young people with mental health conditions see social media as an essential way to reach out for support.”
The advice for children & young people experiencing bullying includes:- Tell an adult you can trust; a parent, relative, or teacher
- Call ChildLine for advice & support on 0800 1111
- If online, don’t be afraid to block & report any person you feel might be bullying you
- Don’t react, show bullies you don’t care (even if you do) & they will often get bored & lose interest
NSPCC’s Childline website has an area dedicated to online abuse / bullying www.childline.org.uk for young folk to share experiences & give support to their peers through message boards.
Children & young people can contact ChildLine for free, confidential support & advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk
Friday, 11 November 2016
Badly Dressed Christmas Lunch
Booked it, all you lot gotta do is turn up & eat it...
Thursday 8th December, midday, Taylors
(talk to Neil or Terry if you haven't confirmed)
(talk to Neil or Terry if you haven't confirmed)
Christmas is coming... be afraid... be very afraid!
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
World Mental Health Day walk
... we actually walked on Thursday 13th, however, we were worldly & striving to optimise our mental health - together!
We were few, just 7 walkers & 2 supporters, as a number of members dropped out last minute due to family caring responsibilities. It started a dreich day, but as we left Cannock Leisure Centre & crossed the golf course a breeze cleared & the sun came out & everyone cheered.
It was muddy & sucky underfoot as we trolled through Cavan's Wood, not helped by a brambly undergrowth that has thickly developed in the last couple of years as the wood is less used. Paths were blocked & skin got scratched... we even had to backtrack, which got Terry all grumpy! Never especially difficult mind...
Enjoying the fantastic western views across Huntington, many miles to the Wrekin & Wenlock Edge - did Jason's death-defying (he got dizzy & almost fell) panoramic photo come out well? - we got to the telecom tower. But, no Rob or Linda, who were to meet us for the next leg. Turns out they'd set off early, got to Marquis Drive Visitor Centre, & rang to let us know as they scarfed down bacon butties!
In a fine addition to our endeavours, Gill & Ade had 'offered themselves' (is that right Ade?) as a mobile support team; Gill providing warmth, tea, & scran in a well-appointed but dinky mobile shed (not big enough to call mobile home); Ade being an historically knowledgeable taxi service.
The wind picked up as we walked through the remains of Brindley Village & down the Valley. It's an interesting corner of Cannock Chase, the western edge of the Fives colliery & a Great War military hospital site that, in 1924, devolved to West Cannock Colliery Company who upgraded the huts for use by miners & their families. Brindley Village was a thriving community for some 30 years, having it's own shop, school, club, even 'cinema'. Many folk from the village worked at RAF Hednesford, which provided basic training to many thousands of National Servicemen up to 1955.
The weather continued to grey & blow & chill; Rhys, seemingly dressed for a summer social & recently back from Cyprus, did well to avoid hypothermia, so we took to the woods for the last mile or so. In the Visitor Centre carpark, we found an enclave of warm & wonderful - the pervasive scent of cooking bacon, the clink of a teacup... smiles returned to the faces of the intrepid five (especially Neil, who love the bacon!)
We'd had the best of the day; enjoyed a good stretch of the legs; been warmly hosted with tea & well-earned bacon sarnies; could look forward to being taxied back to civilisation... it is most important we do not lose sight of the ideas that drive WMHD 2016:
We were few, just 7 walkers & 2 supporters, as a number of members dropped out last minute due to family caring responsibilities. It started a dreich day, but as we left Cannock Leisure Centre & crossed the golf course a breeze cleared & the sun came out & everyone cheered.It was muddy & sucky underfoot as we trolled through Cavan's Wood, not helped by a brambly undergrowth that has thickly developed in the last couple of years as the wood is less used. Paths were blocked & skin got scratched... we even had to backtrack, which got Terry all grumpy! Never especially difficult mind...
Enjoying the fantastic western views across Huntington, many miles to the Wrekin & Wenlock Edge - did Jason's death-defying (he got dizzy & almost fell) panoramic photo come out well? - we got to the telecom tower. But, no Rob or Linda, who were to meet us for the next leg. Turns out they'd set off early, got to Marquis Drive Visitor Centre, & rang to let us know as they scarfed down bacon butties!
In a fine addition to our endeavours, Gill & Ade had 'offered themselves' (is that right Ade?) as a mobile support team; Gill providing warmth, tea, & scran in a well-appointed but dinky mobile shed (not big enough to call mobile home); Ade being an historically knowledgeable taxi service.
The wind picked up as we walked through the remains of Brindley Village & down the Valley. It's an interesting corner of Cannock Chase, the western edge of the Fives colliery & a Great War military hospital site that, in 1924, devolved to West Cannock Colliery Company who upgraded the huts for use by miners & their families. Brindley Village was a thriving community for some 30 years, having it's own shop, school, club, even 'cinema'. Many folk from the village worked at RAF Hednesford, which provided basic training to many thousands of National Servicemen up to 1955. 
The weather continued to grey & blow & chill; Rhys, seemingly dressed for a summer social & recently back from Cyprus, did well to avoid hypothermia, so we took to the woods for the last mile or so. In the Visitor Centre carpark, we found an enclave of warm & wonderful - the pervasive scent of cooking bacon, the clink of a teacup... smiles returned to the faces of the intrepid five (especially Neil, who love the bacon!)We'd had the best of the day; enjoyed a good stretch of the legs; been warmly hosted with tea & well-earned bacon sarnies; could look forward to being taxied back to civilisation... it is most important we do not lose sight of the ideas that drive WMHD 2016:
Dignity in Mental Health - Psychological & Mental Health First Aid For All
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
World Mental Health Day: Badly Dressed Sponsored Walk
We're going on a Bear Hunt!
No, we're not. We are however going on our annual mental health walk in support of World Mental Health Day 2016.
Setting off from Cannock Leisure Centre on the morning of Thursday 13th October, we'll be walking across Cannock Park golf course, crossing the Stafford Road at The White Lion, through Cavan's Wood & Belt Wood to the Pye Green tower. From the tower we'll make our way to Cannock Chase Visitor Centre at Marquis Drive, to scarf down a packed lunch & have a nice rest. Some folk'll be making their way onwards to Hednesford bus station; the most intrepid (& showy-offy) may close the circle by walking back to Cannock Leisure Centre.
The route is structured so folk may do any or all of the walk, allowing us to include the full range of capacities & motivations. Some members will be seeking sponsorship for their efforts, monies collected will be added to Club funds to help pay for badminton, tennis, & other sports equipment; such monies may also be used in extending our activities & expanding our Club. So don't be mean if one of us waves a sponsor sheet at you...
No, we're not. We are however going on our annual mental health walk in support of World Mental Health Day 2016.
Setting off from Cannock Leisure Centre on the morning of Thursday 13th October, we'll be walking across Cannock Park golf course, crossing the Stafford Road at The White Lion, through Cavan's Wood & Belt Wood to the Pye Green tower. From the tower we'll make our way to Cannock Chase Visitor Centre at Marquis Drive, to scarf down a packed lunch & have a nice rest. Some folk'll be making their way onwards to Hednesford bus station; the most intrepid (& showy-offy) may close the circle by walking back to Cannock Leisure Centre.
The route is structured so folk may do any or all of the walk, allowing us to include the full range of capacities & motivations. Some members will be seeking sponsorship for their efforts, monies collected will be added to Club funds to help pay for badminton, tennis, & other sports equipment; such monies may also be used in extending our activities & expanding our Club. So don't be mean if one of us waves a sponsor sheet at you...
We had a great day, with fine weather, last year & have our fingers crossed for another cracker. If you want to come along, have a word with Neil or Linda. If you can't make it, sponsor some poor hoofer...
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