December News
Daily Local News in brief, and suggestions of what to do locally.
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Get in touch if you have something to share with our Community
First and Last Snow of the Year
A flurry of snow covers the ground this morning and we're sure it'll raise the spirits of everyone's inner child.
Remember the Big Snow of 2018?
Things to do within 5km
Recent travel restrictions mean that you need to know your 5km boundary. In October we highlighted a dozen things to see and do within 5km of Johnstown.
Level 5
It's not unexpected that we now return to tougher Level 5 restrictions.
Take a Stroll
Is it time to clear your head and get some fresh air?
Local resident Rafal Wojcicki photography captured some scenes along the River Boyne Ramparts Walk.
Merry Christmas
Anticipation of Santa's arrival is causing excitement.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
A Wonderful Gesture
"A big thank you to the business who provided these Super gift boxes with both goodies and practical items for Navans rough sleepers.
And they didn't want their name mentioned but I think our homeless will be delighted and will find them of great valu."
Christmas CleanUp
This full bag of litter was collected from Bothar Sion by Johnstown Tidy Towns on Christmas Eve.
If they didn't pick up the litter it would easily have found its way into the River Boyne.
Don't Drop Litter
Navan Silver Band
Normally playing at the 6pm Christmas Eve Mass this year they play a virtual rendition of Silent Night.
If you can support the band visit their gofundme Page
A wonderful trail is closer than you thought.
Local Businesses Dig Deep to Donate
Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Group received a large consignment of Potatoes from Higgins Potatoes and €300 SuperValu Vouchers from staff at SportsDirect.com Navan.
This will help support those living rough on the streets and families living in food poverty.
Navan Lights
For those who could not return home this Christmas Navan & District Historical Society took a walk through town to capture some of the lights.
Longest Night
Gavan Becton from the Meath Chronicle caught up with volunteers from Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Group offering a helping hand to the rough sleepers of Navan.
Ribbon Tree
The Rotary Club of Navan have their annual Christmas Tree of Remembrance in the Johnstown Shopping Centre.
This year you can also donate online http://navanrotaryclub.org/ and the proceeds will help many local groups such as The Alzheimer’s Society, St Mary's Special School, Women’s Refuge, Autism, St Vincent de Paul, Tabor House and more.
Feed them and they'll enliven your garden.
Fundraising Appeals
We've added a new section to our What's On Page to include 'very' local appeals for support from our Community.
See what you can do to help Fundraising Appeals.
Solstice Christmas Star
On Monday 21st the planets Jupiter and Saturn are due to make a spectacular sight as they appear together as one to shine brightly like a star in the night sky.
It's worth looking low in the South West sky just after sunset to catch a glimpse since they've not appeared like this for 100s of years.
Making Plans
We all know that our Community needs more facilities so when a popular club is threatened with imminent homelessness we need the community to rally to support it.
One year ago the Athlumney Centre was approved for demolition to construct 42 Apartments which will leave Johnstown ABC Boxing Club without a home. It's not the first time that their club has been forced to relocate and in keeping with their ethos they're not going down without a fight.
A fund raiser has started with the aim of creating a new 'Forever Home'. We hope you'll give what you can to ensure that Johnstown retains its clubs and facilities and does not take a step backwards.
We ask that you take a look and offer your support.
Shine Your Light
On the eve of the winter solstice, Sunday 20th, RTÉ in association with the Creative Ireland Programme will shine illuminations on landmarks across the country.
From 8.30pm on RTÉ http://www.rte.ie/player and then from 9pm we're encouraged to shine our own lights in solidarity during these unprecedented times and to mark important milestones for the nation.
Welcome to Pantoland - The Movie
Since we can't go to the local Panto this Christmas we're delighted to see it's coming to everyone TONIGHT !!!.
Welcome to Pantoland - The Movie has been made locally during lockdown and we're looking forward to getting into the Christmas Spirit and shouting at the tv 'He's Behind You' as we tune in this evening at 8pm via YouTube https://youtu.be/cVfLpEds3aw
Hosted by Patrick Fox, Ultan O'Cinnéide and Keith Russell here's their show description from the YouTube channel:
OH YES IT IS! A Panto like none other! A Panto MOVIE boys and girls!
The people of Pantoland always live Happily Ever After. Sure, the Baddies like to cause a little trouble, but the goodies always find a way to win the day and spoil their parties. But that’s until a new Baddie comes to town and tries to take over as ruler of all Pantoland. How will the goodies find their way to saving the land this time?
“Welcome to Pantoland” is a Pantomime Movie that was written, produced, directed, recorded, edited, and starred people living in Meath during the easing of restrictions over the summer of 2020, COVID year!
UK Driving Licences due to expire
An Garda Síochána remind us that residents with UK / NI driving licences have until the end of the year to exchange them for Irish licences before they become invalid.
Apply online via the National Driving Licence Service.
‘Ireland Lights Up’
During these dark evenings clubs across Ireland are being encouraged to turn on their floodlights to create a safe walking environment for community members.
The popular walking initiative returns in January 2021 in partnership with the GAA, Operation Transformation, and Get Ireland Walking.
RTE's Operation Transformation returns to our screens each Wednesday from Jan 6th until Feb 24th.
Communication Boards
Meath County Council announce than 20 playgrounds across the county are to have communication boards to benefit children or adults who are either pre-verbal or non-verbal and/or have communication difficulties.
More about these boards via www.wexfordcoco.ie
See our guide to Meath Playgrounds.
Get Meath On Track Public Meeting
Hosted by Meath on Track live on Dec 15th via their Facebook Page
Watch it Here
Eat, Sleep, Work and BUY locally
New Navan Town Bus
From Sunday Dec 20th five busses will operate two new routes running every 30mins from early morning to 11:30PM, 7 days a week, incl Public Holidays.
Route N1 will operate between Commons Rd and Johnstown via the Town Centre. (N1 Timetable Link)
Route N2 will operate between Commons Rd and Blackcastle via the Town Centre. (N2 Timetable Link)
This service replaces the 110A, B & C.
Navan Cycling Initiative point out that we're missing an opportunity to include cycle holders.
Future Winter Lights
The Johnstown Tidy Towns Feature Lights on the Bailis Downs Green has been well received by local people. With the intention of adding some sparkle to our dark winter evenings they are looking for your feedback to tell them where else in Johnstown could be lit next year.
Contact Johnstown Tidy Towns with your ideas.
Virtual 2k Turkey Trot
Meath and Louth Local Sports Partnerships host the inaugural Virtual Event with all proceeds to benefit the local SVP areas in Louth & Meath.
Saturday 2nd Jan
7am to 10pm
Extra 30min
No free parking in Navan over the Christmas Period but Pay for 1 hour and get 1 hour free PLUS 30 minutes after the ticket expires.
Valid December 12th to 25th
If you're not feeling Ok then Help is there.
Winter Tree Lights
With the help of Residents from Bailis Downs Johnstown Tidy Towns added some sparkle to the dark evenings with their very first Winter Tree Lighting feature on Metges Rd.
Next year they'll look to fund raise and have a series of lighting features throughout Johnstown.
SantaBox Donation
Niall Guinan, Local Resident and Secretary of Bohermeen Celtic Football Club, presented Johnstown Tidy Towns with gifts for the #SantaBoxAppeal collected during their youth team awards day.
These donations will help families in less fortunate circumstances to enjoy the special Christmas we'd like them to have.
Christmas Supplies
Volunteers of Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Service deliver 65 Food Hampers to Families in Need.
Provided by Athboy's People Who Share Care Group the hampers were delivered to families locally in Navan together with a few to Kells, Ashbourne, Duleek, Dunshaughlin, and Trim.
Surprise Visit
To delight local children Santa found time in his busy schedule to stop at Spire View this evening.
Your chance to help make a difference
Slow Down
Our roads are not race tracks and as part of their Christmas campaign to improve road safety An Garda Síochána are conducting a 24hr National Speed Enforcement Operation
7am today to 7am on Saturday 12th December.
"Slow Down”
Don't become an accident statistic
National Christmas Jumper Day
To help raise funds and support sick children in CHI at Crumlin.
It’s National Christmas Jumper Day – time to put on your favourite Christmas jumper and do something really extraordinary for some of Ireland’s sickest children.
Upcycled Decorations
Well done to the 2nd years involved in creating an Upcycled Christmas tree out of old cable spools.
Supported by their Year head Máistir Byrne with assistance from Máistir Dave and Máistir Robbie the tree was created over a number of lunch breaks and now proudly sits at the school entrance.
Waste Bin Collection
AES advise customers of the Christmas and New Year collection changes for the following collection days:
December
- Mon 21st 👉Sat 19th
- Wed 23rd 👉Mon 21st
- Fri 25th 👉Wed 23rd
January
- Fri 1st 👉Sat 2nd
Take a stroll along the Boyne
Make Over
During Lockdown the Newgrange Hotel in Navan has been busy revamping their Club Lounge and launching a New Menu.
Break the Tradition
The Men who would traditionally shop on Christmas Eve are strongly advised to
SHOP NOW!
It's the last few days to order online in time for delivery but don't leave it till the last day to visit shops. If you're a stickler for tradition you can still leave the wrapping to the last minute!
Support our Local Shops
Community Support
A reminder from Meath County Council that the Community Call Support Line is still available to those who need any assistance during this time.
1800 808 809 (Freephone)
Monday to Sunday between 9.00am and 5.00pm
Icy Roads
Our first notification came at 8:15 with a vehicle collision on the M3 southbound before Dunshaughlin.
By 10am Meath Crime Prevention reported that Garda had attended 13 road accidents and ask the public to 'Slow Down'.
Ramparts in Fog and Frost
Even on the coldest of days the Ramparts offers a chance for exercise and to clear your head.
Retro Drive-in Movies
Tayto Park plays host to Drive in Movies on December 18th- 20th
The Santa Clause
Home Alone
The Polar Express
Jack Frost
Not only is it freezing cold but a Status Yellow - Fog warning issued by Met Eire until 10am Monday.
Pay Parking by Phone
Meath County Council announce that Pay Parking by phone is now available in Navan, Trim and Kells.
Your need to Register online at www.apcoaconnect.ie or download the APCOA Connect App.
Find a route through our Neighbourhood
AGM
Walterstown Gfc will host their Annual General Meeting 21st December. More details will be forthcoming on their Website and Facebook Page
International Volunteer Day 2020.
A big thank you to all the amazing volunteers who have given to their communities over the last year.
Christmas Experiences
You can Search for Santa at Causey Farm, see the Magical Lighting at Loughcrew Gardens or enjoy Christmas Events at Navan Adventure Centre.
Winter Solstice
Sunrise at the Newgrange winter solstice is set to be live streamed via OPW this year since the passage tomb remains closed.
The Hill of Tara may also have it's events curtailed by Covid Restrictions.
On 21st December, our shortest day, sunrise locally is due at 8:42am and sunset at 4:08pm.
Community Wellbeing Awards
The initiative organised by Meath County Council recognises the amazing work undertaken by community groups in direct response to supporting their communities physical and mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 health crisis.
The categories and Winners for the Meath Municipal District, announced by Mayor Cllr Francis Deane, are;
Social Inclusion (youth, age friendly, people with disabilities) - Core Meath
Wellbeing project (physical and mental) - Youth Work Ireland
Entertainment (e.g. bingo nights, quiz nights) - Clonmaggaden Fort Residents Association
Innovative project - Irish Wheelchair Association
See the full Awards Ceremony here https://youtu.be/WBYtex5jzwc
Fine Dining from Friday
In line with Government Regulations indoor dining facilities can reopen their doors from Friday December 4th:
👉 Food must be purchased in order to have a beer.
👉 No booking of multiple tables.
👉 Masks to be worn on arrival.
👉 There is a time limit on tables.
👉 Maximum of 6 people per table.
👉 Social distancing must be observed.
The Streets Are Cold
Your help together with Support from Meath County Council is allowing Johnstown Tidy Town's Community Support Service to provide warm food, clothing, bedding and compassion to those sleeping rough on our streets.
If you can offer winter clothing and sleeping bags for the homeless contact Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Service.
Five-a-Side Football
Walterstown Gfc Official are offering their 3 astro pitches for hire to locals who wish to have a kick about with their mates.
Playground and lit loop walk
New Scents Shop
We won't see the Navan Christmas Craft Market at the Newgrange Hotel this year but we're delighted to see local resident and Crafts Market Organisers open their own Navan store this week.
KM Aroma sell candles and aromatherapy products from No.1 Metges Lane (behind the AIB Bank).
"It's all about the scent"
We'd like to wish them the very best with the new store and online shop www.kmaroma.com
Smith's SuperValu Christmas Opening Hours
See their Facebook Page for the Opening Hours
New Website
Walterstown Gfc Official have recreated their website with new features and you can also play the Club's Lotto.
Level 3 Returns
With shops set to reopen today you can expect queues so allow extra time.
Please Shop Locally and Maintain Your Social Distance.
We don't know what we have around us.
SantaBox Appeal
The annual appeal to provide presents to families in difficult circumstances has been hit badly by Covid restrictions and people are limiting their shopping visits.
Children in less fortunate circumstances look forward to Christmas and we ask you to help them to have presents to open. ICHH appeal now has an online gift donation page to ensure they have these gifts and that it is a safe way for you to shop.
Donate via their page www.ichhsantabox.online
You can also donate your own gifts in person through Navan's Santa Box Appeal before Dec 9th via these Local Drop Offs:
👉 Farrellys Centra, 8 Abbey Crescent, Abbeyland, Navan, Co. Meath
👉15 Boyneview, Johnstown, Navan, Co.Meath
👉NUYU Hair & Beauty, Medges Lane, Navan
Give your free time a goal.
Chocolate
Lir Chocolates have announced that the IDA factory shop will NOT be open to the public this year.
You can still visit their Lir Factory Shop website for great deals.
Air Quality
Navan Cycling Initiative provide a review of the air quality as published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Unfortunately for us the nearest sensor is at the Navan Fire Station and idling cars is one of the worst offenders.
We wonder how Johnstown would score during rush hour?
What's On?
A roundup of Christmas Events, Prize Draws, Weekly & One Off activities, events for Teenagers and more.
Look Who's Back
There's loads of ideas online to help you add a bit of fun on these dark mornings.
If you have News, Reviews or suggestions for Articles and Local Guides then we'd love to hear from you.