November News
Daily Local News in brief, and suggestions of what to do locally.
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Where Can Johnstown Sparkle?
The Late Late Toy Show signaled to many families that it's time to put up their Christmas Decorations. Navan has their Christmas Tree and street lights, Old Johnstown Village has a tree too but what could we have in Johnstown?
Where could we add a sparkle during these dark evenings?
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Great Start
Walterstown GFC Gaelic for Mother's & Others' clothing collection has got off to a great start and the ladies will be collecting again
Sunday 12 noon to 1pm and on
Monday and Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm
Navan Lights Turn On
Councillor Francis Dean switched on the Navan Christmas Tree lights and the street decorations will add some much needed cheer.
Hot Air or Action?
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has started their review of the 2016 – 2035 Transport Strategy and you can provide input.
The plan will affect how we travel to work, to schools, to friends and family. Johnstown is familiar with daily road congestion, Navan has its eyes set on a train line to Dublin and Navan Cycling Initiative want us out of our cars and on to our bikes.
Give the NTA your thoughts.
Searching for Santa
Causey Farm host a drive through experience where you get to drive around the farm meeting characters along the route leading up to an encounter with Santa himself.
Details on their website in the coming days when Bookings go live.
Helping Hands
Many hands make light work but often neighbouring groups need to support each other. Johnstown Tidy Towns helped The Orchard's Plan Bee to clear away overgrowth and enhance the space for wildlife within the entry of the Orchard Estate.
Pre Loved Clothes
Please don't throw old clothing into the waste bin when it can be recycled:
Walterstown GFC are currently collecting clothing to raise funds.
Cllr Alan Lawes, Boyne View, is collecting for the homeless and families in need.
A resident in Athlumney Abbey is collecting clothing for young children & infants to redistribute to local families.
There are several Navan charity shops who will be accepting clothing donations again soon.
Navan Recycling Centre has a collection point.
As a final, and very last resort, locate a clothing bin BUT please do not give to rouge traders calling door2door. Check the register and we've yet to find a flyer that's correctly listed with the National Waste Collection Permit Office.
See if there's something happening for you.
Helping the Vulnerable
Masks 4 All Meath have been providing free facemasks to frontline workers during Covid and have now widened their donations to include those in vulnerable situations ie. asthma, pensioners, people with disabilities, etc.
Message them directly to ask for facemasks.
Estate Support Groups
Do you know about and your neighbourhood residents group ?
Not only do they support estate maintenance but some also provide Neighbourhood Watch & Text Alert, Community Support and are a great source of local knowledge too.
See our Navan Guide and connect with your estate group.
Send us a message if you can help identify an online presence for the +60 other groups.
Christmas Raffle
Wilkinstown Community Centre Fundraising Events are hosting a huge prize draw on Dec 14th.
See their Facebook Post to enter.
More Prize Draws in our What's On Guide
School Steps Up To Support Local Food Aid
St Joseph's Mercy Secondary School Navan has asked students to help collect non-perishable food supplies and toiletries for Meath Food Bank.
Students can drop off donations at the Home Economics Kitchen before December 10th
Your chance to help make a difference
12 Days of Christmas Prizes
Enter now to win an array of high value prizes from Dec12th to 23rd.
Hosted by Ability Equine Assisted Therapy who provide therapeutic horse riding to adults/children with special needs including those from deprived social/financial backgrounds.
During Covid their service has been interrupted but they still have the expense of caring for their therapy horses.
Your support will generate some much needed funds.
See the Daily Prizes and to Buy Tickets
More Prize Draws in our What's On Guide
Thank You for Volunteering
Together with over 800 people nominated across Ireland I'm delighted to have been nominated in this year's Volunteer Ireland Awards for contributions to Community Support here with the magazine, with Johnstown Tidy Towns & Community Support Service, local Sports and fundraising for local charities.
We say a big 'Thank You' to all the Volunteers for doing a great job giving up their time to help others.
Race Around Ireland Competition
Coláiste na Mí TY Active Schools class launched a 'virtual' race around Ireland covering 1522km.
Over the next 4 weeks students of six classes in 1st Year will compete to be first across the line. Progress updates can be found HERE
Get Meath On Track Public Meeting
Hosted by Meath on Track
Feed them and they'll enliven your garden.
Community Call
A reminder that throughout Covid-19 you can Stay Connected via the Community Call Support for:
Delivery of Food, Medications, Fuel or Household Supplies.
Someone to talk to or keep in touch with.
Referral to reliable information and services.
FREE-PHONE 1800 808 809 9am to 5pm everyday
100 Touch Challenge Schools final
Operated by Meath GAA Games Development the School County Final takes place Saturday Dec 5th in Pairc Tailteann, Navan.
Walterstown GFC report that both Lismullen NS and St Stephen’s will be represented.
Give your free time a goal.
Raise Community Spirit
You might be waiting for the Late Late Toy Show on Nov 27th before putting up the Christmas tree but it'll lift Community Spirit during Level 5 on these darker evenings if we started to put up some external house lights.
Raising funds for Sosad
Ben Smith has generously directed all proceeds from the sale of his book to Sosad.
''A Zebra Named Zion'' aims to provoke discussion around mental health in primary school children.
Additionally, Ben is doing a shave or dye fundraiser in aid of SOSAD which you can support HERE.
Dublin by Train?
Put on the 'Long Finger' for so long, and effectively shelved since 2016, the National Transport Authority (NTA) have announced that they will appoint consultants to assess a business case analysis for the viability of connecting Navan to Dublin by train.
We've waited long enough.
Read our March review of the situation.
Meath On Track will host an online public meeting Dec 15th, 8pm.
Sports Survey
Meath Local Sports Partnership are developing their new “Active Meath 2020 – 2025” strategy.
Complete a short survey to capture your feedback and help them.
Answers are completely confidential!
Explore Navan on 2 wheels.
Monthly Clothing Appeal
These ongoing donations to Inner City Helping Homeless make a significant difference to homeless and families in need during the cold wet months.
You can continue to donate by messaging Johnstown Tidy Towns to coordinate donation drop offs during Covid restrictions.
New Business Advice
Meath Partnership are running another Free Online Start Your Own Business Course for those who are unemployed and interested in setting up their own Business in 2021.
Starts 📺 Tuesday 1st December.
More details contact Karen O'Reilly by Email or phone 0860457974
Rita and Robbie 5K
Claremont Stadium Navan announce that this year's Rita and Robbie 5K will be virtual.
Register on www.myrunresults.com with loads of added goodies this year and option to get extra sponsorship for your efforts.
Help financially support the Stadium since Covid-19 has had a significant impact on their income to provide Community Facilities.
Playground and lit loop walk
Elves to endure 14 day Quarantine
Parents can relax for 14 days since Level 5 restrictions require all the mischievous Elves to 'sElf Isolate' until Dec 1st.
Christmas at the Adventure Centre
Navan Adventure Centre announce their first ever Christmas Event with an action packed lineup of fun and much needed 2020 family memories!
👫 Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 & 23rd
Christmas Choir Competition
Walterstown Johnstown Community Games are participating in an online production of a Christmas song/songs in the format of a choir over Zoom with one Aldi Community Games child representing each of our Counties.
Causey Christmas Cookies
Causey Farm have an interactive virtual event to engage the little ones.
If you're not feeling Ok then Help is there.
'Socially Distant' Walking Group
Starting this coming week the Taylor's Chubby Chappies and Taylor's Pink Ladies are regrouping to walk off those 'Lockdown Calories' around the neighbourhood.
Contact Joe Adams for details.
Note: Staggered start and social distancing rules will apply.
Criminal Damage
Navan Gardai are investigating criminal damage at Navan rugby club where a small fire was started on the stand which faces the main pitch between 5pm Friday 13th to 9am Saturday 14th.
If anyone saw any suspicious activity or can help to identify the suspects please call the Garda Station on 0469036100.
Tara Views
Even in stormy weather the Hill of Tara offers amazing views over the counties.
Take your walking boots since the perimeter path through the woods is now extremely muddy.
Still Waiting
Soon a decade will have passed and the Johnstown School Campus still does not host new facilities for St Mary's Special School.
Senator Shane Cassells continues to keep it on the agenda at the Seanad.
Find a route through our Neighbourhood
Santa Box Appeal 2020
Inner City Helping Homeless not only help provide food to the Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Service in Co Meath but they also host an annual appeal for Christmas gift boxes. These support people who are living on the streets, in emergency accommodation and in direct provision.
These gifts and Christmas cards offer people who are struggling during the toughest time of year with a real boost.
Take a box and mark it man, woman, boy or girl (include age bracket for a young person).
Fill it with essential supplies: socks, underwear, hats, scarfs, gloves, toiletries, or gift vouchers, sweets and small toys / gifts.
If possible include a Christmas Card with a positive message.
Wrap the lid and box separately.
Contact Alan Lawes to donate your Santa Box 085 175 7216 or by dropping off at 15 Boyne View Johnstown Navan County Meath.
More drop off's posted on the Facebook Group Santa Box Appeal
Eat, Sleep, Work and BUY locally
Last Few
Despite the Covid restrictions preventing group sessions the Johnstown Tidy Towns volunteers have continued individually to plant 1500 spring bulbs. Today should see the last planting for Johnstown to bloom with colour in Spring.
Autumn Colours
The Ramparts is in full Autumn display but the weekends are proving a demand on the popular car park. Take the opportunity to cycle there and enjoy the path on 2 wheels.
Perfect Sentiments
This year's TV advert by SuperValu has hit the right note highlighting what's important and at the heart of every family.
Wherever you shop - keep it local.
We don't know what we have around us.
Park & Ride gains improvement suggestions
Navan Cycling Initiative have submitted observations to Meath County Council Planning Department regarding the provision for cyclists at the proposed N51 Park and Ride facility at Moatlands, Navan.
Closing date for observations is Dec 1st.
Still Going Strong
Only 2 sunflowers remain on the grassy bank outside Athlumney Hall on Metges Rd weeks after the others ended.
Later this month we'll get to see how many seeds Johnstown Tidy Towns generated for next years Sunflower Trail.
Welfare to Work
Meath Partnership host a Zoom Workshop for those who may need advice and support to verify their entitlements to social welfare payments.
📺 November 17th
Signs of Life
Wildflower seeds take quite a while to show signs of growth and those recently sown at the Bailis Downs fence line are starting to appear. It's hard to distinguish between grass, weeds and the intended flowers but only time will tell.
Johnstown Tidy Towns will carry out a further seed sowing in early Spring.
Take a stroll along the Boyne
New Navan Cycling Newsletter
Navan Cycling Initiative have published their first monthly newsletter to encourage more cycling in Navan.
Rough Sleepers Gain Support
Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Service have obtained the provisional support of Meath County Council and intend opening a food voucher account with Smith's SuperValu to support those sleeping rough on the streets of County Meath.
Food Donations
Meath Families are sometimes struggling to put food on their tables.
ALL the local collection and distribution groups are asking for your support to supply essential basics to local families and YOU could help.
Please locate your nearest drop off point and donate non perishable foods on a regular basis.
Meath Women's Refuge
The annual Christmas hampers created with gifts donated by the public can't go ahead this year due to Covid restrictions.
Debbie Ward is collecting donations of Shopping Centre vouchers that can be given to those availing of The Women's Refuge services this Christmas.
Contact Debbie via Private Message see Facebook Post
More information and other ways to help Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services
A wonderful trail is closer than you thought.
November Edition
Since we're all staying local and keeping within 5km we emphasise what you can do.
Shopping, Walking, Sports, Clubs, What's On, Helping Others and so much more.
Smooth Road
The potholes have gone from the Johnstown Shopping Centre and you no longer require any climbing equipment or a 4 wheel drive.
Improve our neighbourhood though planting
Magical Lighting
Loughcrew Historic Gardens have announced a 'Lightscape' event for December where their estate has been transformed into enchanted gardens illuminated with mystical surprises at night time.
Late Late Toy Show
December 7th 1974 saw the first show which has become the annual signal for Christmas Trees to go up in Irish homes.
This year it promises to be unique and not just because it will be the first without an in-theatre audience.
📺 November 27th
Feed the Homeless
On behalf of the Community we extend a huge Thank You to Smith's SuperValu for providing Cllr Alan Lawes and the Johnstown Tidy Towns Community Support Group with breakfasts to feed the Homeless in Navan.
Activities with something for everyone.
Soccer
The NEFL Committee have announced that there will be no fixtures for the remainder of 2020.
Adult group bookings at the MDL Grounds can resume after Dec 1st whilst U19's and under can continue training as per current guidelines on Covid restrictions.
Rugby
U6's to U18's can continue training at Navan RFC during Level 5 restrictions at their Balreask Old Ground.
A Day of Conversation, Insight & Support.
To celebrate all things food Boyne Valley Flavours, in partnership with Hinterland Festival Kells & kindly supported by Discover Boyne Valley host a FREE 'Virtual Samhain- Recovery Through Food' event.
📺 November 8th
12pm-5pm
Car Park Upgrade
Shop owners and shoppers will be delighted to hear that the Johnstown Shopping Centre is having a major car park upgrade.
The car park will close Friday 6th from 8pm and reopen Saturday 7th November at 8am.
€139k for Sports Clubs
118 clubs in Meath will benefit from a share of €139k obtained via Meath LSP on behalf of Sport Ireland to offset losses incurred by sports organisations during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Christmas Lights
Navan streets prepare for their annual decorations with Meath County Council advising that temporary street closures will take place 8pm to 6am on Nov 5th and 12th.
Movember
This month Movember Ireland are inviting the men to help raise awareness and funds to improve men's health.
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
By 2030, we aim to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.
See more on their Facebook Page
Zoom Biodiversity Workshop
📺 November 7th
10am -12pm
'The purpose of this workshop is to give attendees the tools to put the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan into practice.
Places are limited, so booking is necessary.'
If you have News, Reviews or suggestions for Articles and Local Guides then we'd love to hear from you.