JANNICE Kinnear welcomed members to the meeting of the Phoenix Club on Wednesday, September 13. Jannice was pleased to welcome the speaker John Gall, from Emmaus, who began his talk with a moving account of part of his life living on the streets and as an

JANNICE Kinnear welcomed members to the meeting of the Phoenix Club on Wednesday, September 13. Jannice was pleased to welcome the speaker John Gall, from Emmaus, who began his talk with a moving account of part of his life living on the streets and as an alcoholic.

Emmaus came to his rescue seven years ago and John has worked very hard to make a new life with the Emmaus community, and has also remarried.

John continued his talk about Emmaus, its history going back to 1949 in France when a Catholic priest Abbe` Pierre wanted to provide a place for homeless people, and those shunned by society could find safety and a sense of worth by living and working together.

Over the past 15 years, the community has gone from strength-to-strength becoming fully self supporting through the hard work of the companions, the name they give to the staff and those living in the community.

Emmaus is not an easy option. On joining the community companions commit to working 40 hours a week, sign off state benefits and everyone lives by the principle of helping others to live, grow and find dignity through sharing, work and self respect.

Jannice thanked John on behalf of everyone. Readings were given by Jannice, and Jill Powley organised the raffle.

Members were reminded of the forthcoming Macmillan coffee morning on Tuesday, September 26 at the home of Sheila Snowey. The next meeting is on October 11 and will be a wine tasting.