2016 ST JOHNSTON AND CARRIGANS COMMUNITY NOTES ARCHIVE

Uganda Collection: St Baithin’s Conference, The St Vincent de Paul Society for the St Johnston and Carrigans held the special annual collection for Uganda at the weekend at St Baithin’s Church, St Johnston. The amount raised was €229.33. All proceeds will fund educational and agricultural projects. The conference wishes to say a huge thank you for the support.

Request: Jennifer Smith from Columbus, Ohio writes, “I'm looking for any information on the Smiths from St Johnston and Raphoe areas! My great grandfather came to the US in the 1880's but he left a huge family behind. I would love to reconnect with any of them in the area! I am able to find headstone inscriptions at the Old Graveyard, St. Johnston, Taughboyne Parish, Co Donegal online for some deceased Smiths. Message me if you know any connections! Thank you in advance and have a lovely day!” If you can help Jennifer please leave a message for her on the guestbook of stjohnstonandcarrigans.com. Also, when you enter the website you will find updates listed. The latest addition is an article about the St Johnston Carnival of 1976. Please keep information and photos coming in as the website must evolve. Thanks.

Jiving: Eden and Sarah Louise -All Ireland Jiving Championship and Monaghan Jiving Championship - are facilitating a 6 week jiving course at Maggies Tavern, Carrickmore, St Johnston. Time is 8 to 9.30 pm. Starting on Wednesday 6 April. Please call 085 882 9767 for further information.

John’s Tractor Run: John’s Tractor run will take place on Saturday 2 April 2016. Spot prizes will take place and refreshments will be provided. The run will start from Maggies Tavern. Registration will take place from 9.30 am. Leaving 11 am sharp. €10 tractor and proceeds are for the Children’s Ward, Letterkenny University Hospital.

Walk and Talk Hamper: The Walk and Talk Group Easter draw took place Tuesday 22 March. Congratulations Carol McCrossan on winning the hamper. Thanks to all the supporters and promoters.

Workshop: The Love Food, Hate Waste workshop will consider food inequality both locally and globally looking at food waste, hunger and poverty, food security and growing your own food. And what people eat around the world. Water usage in food production. We will also look behind the brands of the top ten biggest food companies in the world and their reach and impact. Also the issue of genetically modified crops. Venue: St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Date: 4th April 2016. Time: 7.30pm to 10pm. Admission free and all welcome.

Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group’s next Saturday walk will be 23 April. The destination has not been decided yet and the group is open to new suggestions about where we should go. The bus will leave St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre at 9am and return at approximately 4pm. This walk is open to all members of the community. All persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost €10 per person. Walkers please bring and wear appropriate clothes, pack a snack and bring money for a bite to eat on the way home. Places on the bus are limited so to avoid disappointment book a place by phoning the centre on 074 91 48551 or contacting Sarah Hunter at the local shop.

Walking Weekend: The Walk and Talk group are planning a walking weekend Friday 24th, 25th and 26th June 2016. Venue: 2 nights at Derrylaghan Self Catering Hostel, Co Donegal. Friday 24th June 2016: We will meet at the hostel for 7.30pm and take part in a short local walk, followed by dinner. (Car share to be organised). Saturday 25th June 2016: local man Patrick McBrearty will lead the group over Slieve League 'One Mans Pass' to Mallinbeg, Silver Strand Beach. Sunday 26th June 2016: Local walk, breakfast and depart for home at 12/1pm. The weekend will cost €70 per person which will include two nights in dorm accommodation, transport to Slieve League and from Mallinbeg back to the Derrylaghan on the Saturday and guide costs. If you are interested and would like to find out more contact Deborah Clawson at the Resource Centre or call in for a chat.

Walk and Talk: Walk off those Easter Eggs! The Walk and Talk Group will does its evening walk every Tuesday starting at 7.15 pm. Please come to the Resource Centre. Cost €2 per person. This walk is open to all members of the community and a different destination eg Derry or Letterkenny or other is chosen each Tuesday. All under 18's must be accompanied with an adult. Walkers please bring and wear appropriate clothes. Supper will be served following the walk. Please call 91 48551 for more information.

Courses: Here is information regarding courses that are to be held in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Basic Computers – word processing/internet for beginners- starting week 15th March. This course will be held in the mornings. Maths for Parents – aimed at parents, carers, grandparents to develop skills to help children with maths homework primary school/first year secondary - also starting week beginning 15th March. (Time to be confirmed). Story Sacks - a six weeks course aimed at parents to develop skill to support their engagement with their children through creative play, books, art, games and use of everyday materials. Beginners Irish Level 3 – date to be confirmed. Retail Industry Knowledge - introduction to retail sector/customer care/stock control. There will be a course on online form filling for farmers. It teaches you how to complete forms online. These programmes are supported by Donegal ETB Learning for Living Programme. To register interest please contact the Centre 91 48551.

RES: Regional Employment Outreach Service will be in St Johnston and Carrigans FRC on Tuesday 4 April from 11am – 1pm. Are you unemployed, seeking work, training or education opportunities? The RES offers a free and totally confidential service that provides support with putting together a professional CV, filling out job application forms, preparing for an interview and providing access to emerging job opportunities. It details the advantages of taking up employment.
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AGM: The Annual General Meeting of St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre will take place on Thursday 26 May at 8 pm in the Resource Centre. All are welcome.

Walk and Talk: The Walk and Talk Group recently enjoyed a walk around Downings. The next Saturday walk will be Saturday 28 May and not 21 May as previously advertised. Destination has not been decided yet so we are open to suggestions. The Walk and Talk Group does its evening walk every Tuesday starting at 7.15 pm. Please come to the Resource Centre. Cost €2 per person. This walk is open to all members of the community and a different destination eg Derry or Letterkenny or other is chosen each Tuesday. All under 18’s must be accompanied with an adult. Walkers please bring and wear appropriate clothes. Supper will be served following the walk. Places on the bus are limited so to avoid disappointment book a place by phoning the centre on 074 91 48551 or contacting Sarah Hunter at the local shop. Inquiries are welcome.

Taughboyne History: Next meeting Wednesday 11 May at 7.30 pm in the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers are most welcome. If you feel you can help us with old school photos we would be very grateful. If you have any local photographs - the older the better - that you would like to show us please get in touch and leave a message 91 48551. Or you can email taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com.

Whist Drive: The next Whist Drive will take place on Monday 30 May 2016 in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Starts at 8pm. €5 per person which includes a light supper. All are welcome.

Praise Night: The members of Ballylennon Presbyterian Church would like to thank everyone who supported the Celebrity Praise event on Friday night. The event was held in The Cathedral Hall Raphoe to facilitate numbers and easy access. It proved to be an excellent venue. The guests gave an account of their achievements or positions, all amazing people. The artists all of whom were local were described by one person as “mind blowing”. A rendition on the bagpipes concluded the evening. Mr Donal Kavanagh of Highland Radio was the consummate professional. He compered the evening with ease bringing out the best in such a wonderful programme.

Irish Dancing: The Aisling McGill Academy of Irish Dance holds classes weekly in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Tuesdays 5 to 6.30 pm. Thursdays 3.30 to 4.30 pm. Aisling McGill is the tutor and she was six times All Ireland and International Champion and four times Ulster Champion. Please come along and get fit, make friends and learn a rewarding new skill!

Ard Baithin Residents Group: Ard Baithin will be celebrating 65 years as an estate in November this year and we would like to mark this occasion in some way. If anyone has any suggestions on how this could be marked, please feel free to talk to anyone in the Residents Group. If anyone has any old photographs from life in the estate over the years and is willing to allow these photos to be scanned, please contact the Residents Group and we will be happy to arrange this.

Lunch Club: New members are always welcome at the Lunch Club, which is open to anyone in the community over 50 years Transport can sometimes be provided. The cost for all of this is €5. If this sounds like something that would interest you or someone you know, contact the Centre for more information on (074) 914 8551. The next Lunch Club will be on Wednesday, 11 May.

Tennis Club: St Johnston Tennis Club is organising Junior Tennis Coaching with Scott Peoples from Carrigans. We will be starting on Tuesday 10 May for eight weeks. Age will be from 6 to 13 years. We will be meeting at the Tennis Court from 6.15 to 7.30 pm. Cost is just €3 a night. All welcome. Tennis rackets will be provided. Please call Gillian Hamilton on 086 171 8831 to book your place.

Stepping Stones: The playgroup has still a number of places on the ECCE scheme on both the morning and afternoon sessions for September 2016. Please call in and chat to Mary or Nuala on 074 91 48512. You will need to bring your child's PPS number, birth certificate and immunisation Records.

CE Scheme: St Johnston and Carrigans Community Employment Project are currently recruiting for the following jobs which are supported by the Department of Social Protection. 2 Youth Workers and 1 ReceptioniSt Both positions will be based in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Workers are free to work in other places while on Community Employment. Training opportunities will be available within budgets. Contact the Family Resource Centre, Chapel Road, St Johnston. Tel 91 48551 for full job description and application form.

ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training ASIST is a 2 day workshop which will take place in St Johnston and Carrigans FRC on 21st/22nd September 9.30 - 5pm. This training will teach participants to carry out lifesaving interventions for people at risk of suicide. This new ASIST is suitable for anyone interested in suicide prevention and becoming more suicide alert or updating previous skills learned. There is no cost for this training and participants should attend both days. Tea/Coffee available €2 per day or Light Lunch at €5 per day. To book a place or for more information contact the centre on 074 91 48551 or Sarah Meehan HSE on 071 9852000. ASIST is supported by HSE Living Works.

Parent Plus: Parent Plus is a practical and positive guide to managing behaviour problems and promoting learning and confidence in children aged 6-11 years. It shows parents how to communicate positively with children, ways to encourage good social skills and methods to tackle behaviour problems. The aim is to help parents not only solve discipline problems, but also for parents to develop closer and more satisfying relationships with their children. If you are interested, contact Deborah or Mary Crossan at St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on 074 91 48551.

Tin Whistle: Tin Whistle lessons for children will commence on 22nd of September, in the old playgroup, from 5.30-6.30. The course will run for 5 weeks and the course cost is €20.00. Please contact the centre to book your place.

Basic Computers Level 2: This course runs each Monday in the centre from 10-12. Modules include word processing, internet, and email skills for beginners.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: This 6 week programme facilitated by Niki Cross which starts Tuesday, 4th October, 10-11am. This programme is designed to develop greater self-awareness and understanding around the symptoms and triggers of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well to learn preventative coping strategies through cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness. Places are limited to please contact the centre to register

Healthy Cooking Classes: Would you like to improve your diet and learn how to cook tasty and healthy meals? This course will take place in Deele College, Raphoe, starting Tuesday, 20th September, 7.30-9pm for six consecutive weeks. The course will offer interactive, practical cookery lessons in preparing delicious, healthy, and affordable meals to suit all tastes. Booking is essential as spaces are limited, €20 per person ASAP to confirm place.

Horticulture Level 4: Gain valuable knowledge in growing your own vegetables; be competent in selecting, growing, and maintaining a range of plants under supervision. This course has eight modules for the Higher Award and runs from September 2016 to September 2017, one day a week (Monday), 10am-2pm. The tutor will be Brendan Little, an experienced, passionate teacher with a vast amount of knowledge and a great sense of humour.

Irish for Beginners: This six-week course is designed for adults to learn and improve skills in reading, speaking, and writing the Irish language. This course will commence on the week beginning September 19th, times to be agreed.

Maths: Maths for Parents of Primary and Secondary Level Students is a course that supports parents/grandparents/carers in developing skills to help their children with maths. Research shows that children whose education is actively supported at home achieve better outcomes. This course will refresh your own skills and provide additional knowledge of your child’s curriculum to build your confidence in encouraging and supporting their learning and development. This course will commence on the week beginning September 19th, times to be agreed.

Social Services 50th Anniversary Concert: The St Johnston and Carrigans Social Services committee will be hosting an Anniversary concert in the Centre on Friday 14th of October 2016 at 8pm. Leslie Matthews will be performing with a host of other local artists. The proceeds of this event will be split between the Social Services and the Resource centre. Please come along and support these two great causes.

Fundraising Dance Night with David James: David James will be performing here on Friday the 11th of November. Dancing will be from 9 – 11 pm and tickets are €7.00 which will be available at the centre. There will be refreshments available on the night. All proceeds will be for the Resource Centre so please come along and join in the all the fun!
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Buchanans: There will be a Clan Buchanan Gathering at Monreagh Heritage Centre, Carrigans, on Saturday 23rd July at 1:30pm. Tickets: €10 available at Monreagh Heritage Centre. All are welcome. Here is the programme. A welcome from Stewart Buchanan. Highland Dance performance by Emily Fielding. Talk by Ross Buchanan of Argyle, Scotland. Ross has spent many years researching the origins of the Buchanan Clan, discovering some fascinating insights. Hot Buffet. Scottish Country Dancing. American Gospel and Country Music with Stewart, Hugh and Malcolm.

Bowling: St Johnston Presbyterian Bowling Club runs a facebook page. If you wish to take a look it is www.facebook.com/stjohnstonpresbc.

Fun Camp: St Johnston Presbyterian Church is hosting a fun activity club this summer. It will be a week of fun and games designed to introduce children to new activities and increase their participation in sport. Children are asked to dress appropriately for the weather. The camp will run from Tuesday 2 August to Friday 5 August from 10 am to 2 pm. The age range will be from 6 to 13 years. Please bring a packed lunch and it costs €40 for the first child and €35 for subsequent children. Tuesday and Wednesday the camp will run at St Johnston Cricket Club. Thursday and Friday at St Johnston Presbyterian Church grounds. Please book a place by 27 July. Please contact Gillian Hamilton whose number can be found on the local posters.

Hospice: Donegal Hospice has a receipt displayed in the hall of St Baithin’s Church, St Johnston thanking the worshippers and visitors at the Church for the recent Church gate collection which raised €154.49 for the Hospice.

Golf: There will be a Golf Open in aid of St Johnston Presbyterian Church Church Repair Fund. The Golf Open 18 Hole Stableford will take place at Foyle International Golf Centre. Friday 26 August. There will be a full compliment of prizes for ladies, gents and juvenile. Visitors will cost £15 and members £5. To book tee time please contact Foyle Golf Club 04871 352 222.

Re-Match: The Ferguson World Record Re-Match will be held at Carrigans, St Johnston, from 16th to 18th Sept 2016 with the aim being to secure three Guinness World Records along with a weekend of family entertainment with various activities taking place during the day ending each evening with music and dancing – something for everyone! All proceeds raised from the event along with other events held during the year will benefit our 8 chosen charities which you will find listed below. In 2014 the Whitecross Vintage Association of Ireland secured a Guinness World Record for the most pre ’84 tractors bearing the Ferguson marque tilling the ground at the same time and that record was for 726 machines. Our Re- Match this year is to better that record with pre ’86 tractors (over 30 years old) as well as securing Guinness World Records for the Massey Logo formed with tractors and a record for a gathering of 135 Massey Ferguson’s tilling the ground at the same time. The Chosen Charities for 2016 are:

Donegal Hospice, Foyle Hospice Our Lady’s Hospital for sick Children, Sean O’Hare Unit, Stroke and Medical Rehab Unit, Ballytrim House Raphoe, Alzheimer’s Association and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

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Dementia Training: Are you caring for a partner, parent, family member, friend or neighbour suffering from dementia or Alzheimers? Lagan Primary Care Team is hosting a Dementia Awareness Training day in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on Thursday 1 December from 9.30 am – 4pm. This one day training will provide an insight into the dynamics of dementia and its impact on families and everyday life. It will also offer support and coping techniques to help deal with the challenges and to develop a better understanding and awareness of the condition for everyone involved including the carer, family members and the patient. Lunch included. This training is free and open to all. To book a place or for more information please contact (074) 91 48551. Or call Trinity Court 074 91 08771. Or Diane Donnelly 087 2770103.

Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group’s next Saturday walk will be 26 November. The destination will be Downings. The bus will leave St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre at 9am and return at approximately 4pm. This walk is open to all members of the community. All persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost €10 per person. Walkers please bring and wear appropriate clothes, pack a snack and bring money for a bite to eat on the way home. Places on the bus are limited so to avoid disappointment book a place by phoning the centre on 074 91 48551 or contacting Sarah Hunter at the local shop.

Carol Services: St Johnston Presbyterian Church will be holding the community carol service on Sunday 11 December at 7.30 pm. The Church’s regular carol service will take place on Sunday 18 December at 11 am. All are welcome.

Whist Drive: The next community whist drive will take place on Monday 28 November at 8pm in the Resource Centre. €5 to participate and there will be a light supper served.

Raffle: Lines are available locally for a Christmas cake raffle to raise funds for the cancer bus. €2 per line. First prize is an 18 inch Christmas cake. Second prize is a 9 inch Christmas cake. Cakes are kindly donated by Mary Bovaird.

Crafts: The Wednesday Craft Group takes place every Wednesday night in the Resource Centre. New members are very welcome. Starting time is 8 pm and it finishes up about 10.

History: Taughboyne History Group continues to meet on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Next meeting will take place at 7.30 in the Resource Centre on Wednesday 23 November. The group would like to have copies or scans of old photos of the local schools particularly Scoil Columbkille Newtown and Newtowncunningham National School. Thanks.

Good Morning: The Good Morning Service was set up as a pilot scheme ten years ago in response to research into the needs of older people living in rural areas of Donegal. A telephone link service is provided which gives peace of mind to those in isolated areas. And a befriending service is provided in parts of the county. A dementia befriending service is available as well. Clients in the St Johnston and Carrigans area have greatly benefited from the help and advice and various assistance provided by the Good Morning Service. It is hoped to expand the service – funding permitted in the future. If you are from this area and wish to speak to the Service or volunteer then please call (074) 93 21598.

Lunch Club: The Lunch Club meets every second Wednesday of the month in the Resource Centre. The next Lunch Club date will be Wednesday 23 November from 11 am to 1 pm. New members are always welcome. The Lunch Club is open to all over 50s and young at heart. For more information please call the Resource Centre office at (074) 91 48551.

Musical: The Monreagh Ulster Scots Education and Heritage Centre can be contacted on (074) 91 40708. It will facilitate a musical On Angel’s Wings to take place in Monreagh Old School Hall, Carrigans on Thursday 24 November 7 to 10 pm. Admission is €3 including refreshments.

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2016 ST JOHNSTON AND CARRIGANS COMMUNITY NOTES ARCHIVE