JUST JORDAN
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JUST Jordan
Sun 1 Oct IN THIS ISSUE
Introduction Hello everyone and welcome to my Spooktastic Oct edition of “Just Jordan”. I’ve chosen a Halloween theme for my cover photo as it falls at the end of Oct. Again am elated with the response about my “JUST Jordan” group and newsletter, so thank you all from the bottom of my heart! It’s been wonderful having so many of you asking to feature various topics and responding with such wonderful feedback too, thank you. I’ve continued with a similar layout but please do share any suggestions for next
month’s! As always please do keep your feedback and messages coming, it’s a pleasure hearing from each and everyone of you! I’ve worked very hard on this Newsletter and I hope that you will enjoy and tell all your friends & family about “JUST Jordan”. You will find information on my “JUST Jordan” Facebook/Twitter page and how to contact me details are also enclosed. As alway’s I look forward to your feedback, submissions and questions for The November edition. P.S: Don’t forget to bank all your old £1 coins!!!
See ya,
Jordan Fernando xx
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Page 2
Tubing
Art Corner
“ “JUST Jordan” Poet – Kerry McGinn
Kids Zone
…..and much more!
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Tubing is such FUN!!
As the October school break is fast approaching I thought I’d share some fun activities with you all. I’ve been pushing my safety barriers and trying new things, some were just too much for me with the added pressures of sensory overload but other activities and trips I’ve really enjoyed. My parents have always encouraged (not forced) try new things and if I them I liked them, if then I’d move on to something else. I do sometimes get a bit though if I’ve enjoy something and even got a bit myself, but we everything we try
me to liked not
upset thought I’d and didn’t angry at can’t like right?
Snow tubing or dry slope tubing has to be one of the most exciting, sports ever invented as not only are you having the time of your life but your burning off loads of calories and toning at the same time. I do like to keep fit and particularly enjoy long walks on the beach but am often looking for other active things to do that I will enjoy and tubing is definately one of them!
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I'd say it's great for all ages, whether you’re a brownie group, out on a hen party, celebrating a birthday or just looking for fun things to do in your area! There are no lessons needed as each session includes a safety briefing and introduction so no matter what your skill level in other sports,
you’ll soon be gliding down the slope in style........well I say style but sometimes you have to get a wee bit creative and think of fun ways to slide, my favourite was sliding backwards! The tube you use to slide is a specially made rubber tube with a hard base which you sit in (or in my case lie on) to give you a cushioned ride as you slide/get pushed/get spun down the slope, depending on the thrill you are seeking! And if you’re scared of heights, the fully trained supervisors are able to start you at a lower level and you can progress up as/when you feel comfortable. The minimum age for tubing is 4 years but no upper age limit meaning that it is a great family activity and one that a lot of older relatives share with the youngsters…so it doesn't matter if your 4 or 84 your sure to have a great time!!
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Mum took my best friend Kerry and I along to the Newmilns Snow & Sports Complex where we spent an hour of fun and excitement on the slopes while Mum took some excellent photos of us. I think the photos are self explanatory as the look on our faces says it all really! So if your looking for a fun activity throughout the October break that isn't too expensive then why not give it a try.....you'll love it! https://www.facebook.com/NewmilnsSki/
You will find other activities including Halloween events available throughout October in the ‘What’s On’ section.
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Glow to the Castle
The Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society recently organised a fantastic event called 'Glow to the Castle'. We thoroughly enjoyed an evening of lantern making sessions, circus workshops and took part in the glowing procession with our handmade lanterns complete with the Ardrossan Castle all lit up, it was just magical!
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Check this photo out taken by the wonderfully talented Scott Ledingham-Park. Can anyone work out what it is? I’ll share it on my Facebook page and you can submit your ideas!! You can see more of his photography here: https://www.facebook.com/scott.ledinghampark
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With over 2,000 votes recently, Ardrossan Castle was crowned as one of Scotland’s six most spectacular Hidden Gems as part of Scotland’s Year of History Heritage and Archaeology. Glow to the Castle was a celebration of this victory with an evening of free activities and entertainment. This is me watching the night sky holding my handmade lantern, the stars were amazing too.
I really hope this is the start of something special and Ardrossan continues to provide us with these wonderful events. https://www.facebook.com/ArdrossanCastle/
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Mum decided to style her hair with the glow sticks, I think it looks awesome!
My Mum, bestie Kerry and me in front of the Castle all lit up in pink. As an Aspie I’ve always loved colourful sensory lights so this was a fab night! Do send me your pics and what you got up to over the October break and I’ll try my best to feature them in next month’s edition!!
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Ardrossan Music Festival
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Ardrossan really has been the place to be recently with the wonderful events laid on by both the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society and the Ardrossan Music Experience. My bestie Kerry and I enjoyed a 'free' evening of live music on Southbeach called Sound on the Sand complete with the Castle all lit up again too.
We were a bit worried about the noise and crowds but we stood near the back and still had a brilliant view of the stage, the acts and we were able to dance our wee socks off too. I loved the shape of the stage as it reminded me of the Opera house in Sydney, Australia and as we arrived in the evening the stage was all lit up in different coloured lighting which made it all that much more enjoyable.
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The bands included: The Pale Kids (opening act) - 12noon to 12.30pm Foggy City Orphan - 12.55pm to 1.25pm Losing Ground - 1.50pm to 2.20pm Simon Brett Band - 2.45pm to 3.15pm Lemonhaze - 3.40pm to 4.10pm The Colin Kennedy Band - 4.35pm to 5.05pm Adam Holmes & The Embers - 5.35pm to 6.10pm JJ Gilmour & Band - 6.50pm to 7.35pm Ending with the headline act....’The Skids’ who were brilliant and so full of energy, amazing, oh and not forgetting one very important fact...it was all FREE!
A massive well done to everyone on organizing a really great event, can’t wait until the next one! https://www.facebook.com/ardrossanmusicexperience/
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Kids Zone by Jordan Fernando
More in the Kids Zone next month!
Please do feel free to comment on my JUST Jordan Facebook page or twitter account. https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016
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Art Corner We have a wonderful drawing this month submitted by Carolyn Walker from Kilwinning. Carolyn is doing an hnd course in Applied Arts and the theme is Colliding Contrasts. She has been exploring different ways to meet the brief and explains here how she made her submitted artwork: " What I did here was I put blobs of acrylic paint in a vertical line, then I folded the paper in half and spread my hands over the paper. I have no control of the outcome and I loved how it appears as if two people are supporting each other".
Please do keep your drawings coming and I’ll do my best to feature them in next months edition of JUST Jordan. To submit your entries please send me a pm on FB or email to : Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
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Our regular JUST Jordan poem submitted by Autist Kerry McGinn 20, Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
Halloween Halloween is a fun holiday, isn’t it? Dressing up and getting sweets It’s fun when you’re a kid But some adults still find Halloween quite neat Even as an adult I still love Halloween Especially the tradition of fancy dress You could be anything, a werewolf or pirate A witch or even a princess The other tradition of Halloween Is trick or treating Knocking on doors and getting sweets So basically for the kids, it’s non stop eating Some people like to do Halloween pranks Some are funny and some bizarre But sometimes you get people who like to do scary pranks Some may find them funny but sometimes they can take a bit too far So for any kids reading, if you’re going trick or treating on Halloween And you don’t want it to be a fright Make sure you stay together as a group or at least have a grown up So that you will have a safe and fun night
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Review Time Look out for special reviews next month right here in “JUST Jordan”. MCM Comic Con Glasgow SEC By Aidan Macdonald
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT A COMIC CON. Ah, conventions. Easily the cornerstone of everything wrong with our society today. No wait, that’s clubbing. Anyway, this is being typed on September 26th 2017, meaning MCM Scotland’s just come and gone. Now for those who are thinking of going to their first comic con in the near future, here’s some helpful tips to ensure the maximum chance of pure enjoyment. For convention veterans, it’s not a bad thing to look at this list. Anyway, let’s just get on with it:
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5: FRESHEN UP – It goes without saying, you’re going to be at a day-long event (regardless of how long you stay, you could be in the convention hall for just 5 minutes and this will still matter), there’s going to be a lot of people and more often than not you’ll find yourself in a tight crowd (much like the Tube), and NOBODY likes being right next to someone who reeks. Shower/Bathe for an hour, brush your teeth for 10 minutes, and use 40 cans of deodorant (and take 10 with you). Granted, all of that was exaggeration, but still, bring some deodorant with you – be a good Samaritan and help someone out who probably hasn’t seen a list like this.
4: BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHER PEOPLE’S INTERESTS – As in, it’s fair enough to have opinions regarding a web series or an anime that might differ with the opinions of others, but don’t be outspoken and constantly shut someone down if they decide to dress up in a costume inspired by whatever they feel like. The general point of quite a large number of conventions is for people who may be a tad introverted to meet other likeminded folk and make friends. Join them!
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3: SAVE YOUR WALLET –
Conventions tend to be quite pricey in certain (usually ALL) areas, so you’re going to want to learn the tricks of the trade. Basically, when saving up for a convention, save as if you’re going to buy 10 Nintendo Switches. From CeX. And even then, try and not spend that much. Don’t do what I did and buy all your food for the day/weekend there. Pack some stuff, like Nutella sandwiches and maybe some 7up. Do your research on what you want to do while you’re there – if you’re after Pocky, try and go around every stall that sells them and then buy from the cheapest, don’t buy it when you first see it. If you’re going to buy a plushie, aim for 2 at most, preferably a dog plush to give to that special someone to fawn over it 24/7, plus a Cosmog/Nebby plushie from Pokémon so you can make your own “Get in the bag” memes. As for everything else, only go for pictures with celebrities, and even then, limit yourself. If you want to buy anything else at the convention, don’t. Union Street in Glasgow sells literally everything else available.
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2: TO COSPLAY, OR NOT TO COSPLAY,
THAT IS THE QUESTION –
And here’s the answer; Whatever floats your boat. Whether you want to join the ever-present community of Deadpools, go with whatever’s relevant (Harley Quinn in 2016, Pennywise in 2018, perhaps Samus when Metroid Prime 4 gets released), or just dress up as Pink Dress Ciel from Black Butler, just go with whatever you’re interested in, it’s a great way to make friends if you cosplay as something you’re a fan of.
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1: HAVE FUN – It’s literally the entire point of going to a comic con, regardless of whichever one you choose to go to. Follow these (kinda) simple suggestions and suddenly you’ll find yourself wanting to never leave the community surrounding it. You’ll find yourself going again and again, and you might end up going to a convention in another city just to see what it’s like. As for where to start going to conventions, I’d recommend your local MCM, it’s the best place to start. For those wanting the best convention experience in the UK, go to MCM London, take it from me, it’s up there with San Diego.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcmcomiccon/ https://www.facebook.com/events/1678802352170190/
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Dear Jordan…… Ask me anything and I’ll be as frank with my views as Coleen is on Loose Women!! I can be your straightesttalking agony aunt, giving advice on relationships, bullying, early diagnosis and any life problems you may have…..xx Huge thanks to everyone who submitted questions for “Dear Jordan”
“Dear Jordan: ** Why does my autistic 7 year old daughter read the same book over and over again?** Many young people have intense interests and these may change over time. It is important to recognise how much they mean to someone and do not remove them unless they are unsafe. Give her time and space to enjoy them. You can find more information in relation to obsessions and routines from the National Autistic Society website on http://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/obsessions-repetitive-routines.aspx This is a great little video that explains more about autism http://www.understandautism.org/what-is-autism-video/ Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx
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“Dear Jordan”: ** What are your views on these new fidget toys. Are they safe?** People have lots of different views on fidget spinners and I know that they must be extremely distracting in classrooms for example. What I would say is that every behaviour has a function and it is up to us to understand the function of the behaviour before reacting to it and this includes using a fidget spinner. You can read a little more about behaviour on the link below http://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/guidelines.aspx Hope this helps ! Love Jordan xxx
“Dear Jordan”: ** I heard that sensory brushing can help calm my autistic child but what else can I try that will help when he has a meltdown?** There are lots of really good hints and tips on the National Autistic society's website and the link in the first answer will link you to sensory input. You may wish to read the following book by C Gillingham Autism : handle with care!: understanding and managing behavior of children and adults with autism. Scottish autisms right click programme may assist you and the online workshop starts on 25 October. You can register for the course onhttp://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/support-families/right-click-onlinesupport/right-click-programmes#Young%20Child%20Programme
POLL: What would you like to read about in “JUST Jordan”? Let us know by contacting us via email: jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
HOW TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE. If you would like to submit an article, picture, ask a question or offer support in next month’s newsletter please contact me via email: jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk or suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk
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What’s On in Ayrshire
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The National Autistic Society's Autism Hour!! Simple steps to an autism-friendly world: For autistic people, the world can seem full of too much information - and too little understanding. That's why The National Autistic Society has launched the Too Much Information campaign to challenge the myths, misconceptions and stereotypes that contribute to 79% of autistic people feeling socially isolated and 64% of autistic people avoiding going to the shops. More than 1 in 100 of the population have been diagnosed with autism. Along with their families, that's over 3 million customers waiting to be welcomed into your business. Over 99% of people have heard of autism, but only 16% of autistic people feel the public understand them. So, as part of the Too Much Information campaign and with the support of shopping centre owner intu, in the week of 2 October JUST Jordan is helping the charity by asking shops and businesses to organise a National Autistic Society Autism Hour and take simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world:
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Turning down music and other noise: Overwhelming noise is a common barrier to autistic people accessing shops. Where possible, in-store tannoy announcements and other controllable noise should be reduced.
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Dimming the lights: Lighting, particularly fluorescent strip lighting, can be overwhelming for autistic people. Wherever possible, whilst maintaining a safe premises, lights should be dimmed or switched off.
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Sharing information about autism with employees: We don't expect everyone to be an autism expert but we believe everyone should understand autism. We'll provide information about autism to help your staff make your customers' experience a positive one.
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Sharing information about our Too Much Information campaign: In the week of October 2 we ask that you help increase the public's understanding of autism by sharing our Too Much Information campaign with customers.
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Taking part in The National Autistic Society's Autism Hour is straightforward but the changes shops and businesses make will have a big impact for autistic people and their families. And in turn the support and loyalty of this new customer base could really benefit businesses too. So, sign up for The National Autistic Society Autism Hour and access resources to help make a lasting difference for autistic people, their families and businesses.
http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/autismhour.aspx?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic_post&utm_campaign=autism_hour
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476315025910707/ or https://www.facebook.com/VintageRoseTherapies.co.uk/
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So proud of my Cancer Survivor Mum Suzanne opposite and all the charity work she has done in and around Ayrshire over the past 15 years! Mums off to the Scottish Parliament again and this time with Jo’s Cervical Cancer trust to help raise more awareness. Will let you all know how her visit goes in next month’s edition of “JUST Jordan”. Love her so very much xx
https://www.facebook.com/1Cervical/ https://twitter.com/1Cervical
I got my HPV jab at School. Have you had yours yet? Please don’t delay get your HPV jab or smear booked today!
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Autism Carers Group Largs Fri 14th Oct 10-12 Largs Library 26 Allanpark Street, KA30 9AG Largs
‘Reach For The Stars’ The Mobile Cinema will be hosting an event as part the United Nations World Space Week. Taking place over two days Friday 6th October and Saturday 7th October. There's informative talks, great stuff about space exploration and astronomy from the people who know. A fully functioning Planetarium and movies from The Mobile Cinema. A unique, fun and informative weekend, your launch pad is at the Church of the Nazarene Ardrossan. Check out the programme here https://itslocal.news/events/food-bank-reach-for-the-stars/ Friday, October 6 at 4 PM Ardrossan Church of the Nazarene 150a Glasgow Street, KA22 8EU Ardrossan Free Making Extravaganza Day o the Deid Making Extravaganza is a free week long event and your opportunity to work with various artists to make props for the Day o the Deid Procession which takes place on Sunday 29th October, 3.45pm leaving from Arran Mall. We are so lucky to have a Mexican artist working with us making tradition Mexican puppets, Ian McNicol will be designing and making large banners using pressprint techniques, Joy Bain will be making a giant Pinata and giant Tunnocks TeaCake Skulls, Gillian Beech will be making a giant papier mache Mouse and I will be making papier mache skeletons and decorating their coffins!! Come along and join in - all ages welcome, young & older, but children under 12 must be accompanied. October 16 – October 20 Ayr Town Hall - 20 New Bridge Street, KA7 1JX Ayr https://www.facebook.com/events/902436083241112/
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The Addams Family | King's Theatre October 10 – October 14 Oct 10 at 7:30 PM to Oct 14 at 7:30 PM Everyone's favourite kooky family are now on stage in the UK premiere of this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She's fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences? Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist! Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary original score The Addams Family is sure to entertain whether you are 12 or 312! Starring Samantha Womack as Morticia, Les Dennis as Uncle Fester, and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Wednesday, don't miss everyone's favourite kooky family. Book tickets via http://tidd.ly/486e0901
https://www.facebook.com/Dinosaur-Scotland-262927164164214/
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Halloween Fright Night Party Join us, if you dare, at our annual Halloween Fright Night- Scotland’s biggest and best family Halloween Party. There’s no pass the parcel at this party but there will be plenty of tricks (and some treats) in store. Polish your fangs, dust off your cobweb coat and dress to impress as there are fang-tastic prizes to be won! Whats On -Mould a Monster – mould a monster to take home -Journey to the Underworld - join us in the planetarium as you journey to the underworld. What horrors lurk in the darkness? Fun but scary - parental discretion suggested -Goooo! Zone – get hands on and messy with goo in our free play cornflour goo -Frightful Feelers- what creatures lurk within these frightful boxes? Are you brave enough to find out? -Monster Science – join our Monster scientists for a hideous and hilarious experiments show -Potions Class – eye of newt, spawn of frog, what will you mix in your witches’ grog? How do witches know when their potion is ready? Explore the spellbinding science that happens in cauldrons! -Frankenstein Autopsy – real dissections, not for the faint hearted-parental discretion suggested -Spooky Shadows- make a spooky shadow puppet for our haunted house -Under Pressure- do you have what it takes to keep your cool whilst under pressure We will monitor your heart rate whilst exposing you to some stressful situations -Escape Room- work together to solve the puzzles to help you escape...before its too late. Tickets cost £6.50 per skull with under 3s go free. This event sells out every year so get your tickets quick! https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/whats-on/halloween-fright-night Friday, October 27 at 6 PM - 9:30 PM Glasgow Science Centre 50 Pacific Quay, G51 1EA Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Halloween Tea Party Join us for our Halloween Afternoon Tea Party and be entertained by ghosts and ghouls with party games, face painting and balloon modelling. Enjoy some spooky sandwiches, scary scones, spider biscuits and green ghoul jelly shots all washed down with never ending juice and tea and coffee for the grown ups! Dressing up encouraged! Please note children must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday 28 October - 12pm - 1.30pm Saturday 28 October - 3.00pm - 4.30pm Sunday 29 October - 12pm - 1.30pm Sunday 29 October - 3.00-4.30pm Adults £10 Children £7 *If you have booked separately from friends but wish to sit together, please email burns@nts.org.uk to let us know and we can arrange that for you* https://nts.cloudvenue.co.uk//halloweenteaparty October 28 – October 29 Oct 28 at 12 PM to Oct 29 at 4:30 PM Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Murdoch's Lone, Alloway, KA7 4PQ Ayr
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“JUST Jordan” Copyright of Miss Jordan Fernando Jfernando_1997@hotmail.co.uk suzfernando@yahoo.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/213071952427706/ @JustJordan2016 https://issuu.com/justjordan19/ Disclaimer: All articles and information in this newsletter are of the writers own personal experiences and opinions.