13th November, 2009

Mon: Today we had a long wait for a local tradesman to come in and measure up for the woodstore we'll need if we get our woodpellet boiler. We're itching to get going with it but need a number of estimates before we can proceed to request funding. We also had an estimate for insulation, so it looks as if that stage can go ahead soon (making sure the building is as heat efficient as possible).We'll also need planning permission for the woodstore - hence the need to find out how big it needs to be.

Tues: Today English as a Second Language is teaching all day. They're also preparing for and HMI inspection next week, so lots of nervous tension floating around. However, they got a really good report last time, so hopefully they'll find their new premises in the Centre an asset. Adult literacy is also meeting today.

Wed: Today we had a surprise visit from Health and Safety inspectors. Fortunately they were generally pleased and sometimes even impressed by the way things are at the Centre. They did however uncover that a repair to the lift we thought had been done had not been completed. The workmen who came had done another job instead! Unfortunately that means another £700 for keeping the lift functioning, but it shouldn't take long to get the work done at least..

Thurs:Today was the annual Blythswood Christmas shoebox appeal. Volunteers from the local churches came and had a bring and share tea in the dining room then went upstairs to pack and label about 100 shoeboxes for Roumania. Afterwards the church/Centre liaison group met to discuss the proposed new heating and hot water system.

Fri: Today Crew 2000 (drug counselling) have arrived for the weekend. There's lots of laughter going on at coffee break. Dave, one of our "on call" chefs is cooking their main meals for them this weekend and taking into account some special diets too. Iain's been busy with a huge shopping list.

Sat: So, we're really busy this weekend looking after the group, sorting out any multi-media stuff they need, cooking top meals, keeping everything clean and pleasant, advising them where they can go to have fun in their free time and generally making sure they have everything they need. It will be an important time for them this weekend as they share, learn and relax together. Please pray for them.

Sun: Today the church will be using our premises for their children's work. Creche will meet in the reception lounge and Sunday Club will be in the TV lounge this week as Crew 2000 are using the main conference room upstairs. It might be a bit of a squash as some weeks they have had over 20 kids. We'll make the bottom of the dining room available to them too for their craft work. The teens group is meeting at a local cafe as the Centre is full this week.