2020 ST JOHNSTON AND CARRIGANS COMMUNITY NOTES ARCHIVES
JANUARY 2020
Scheme Update: Part-time jobs are available on St Johnston and Carrigans
Community Employment Project. Supported by the government DEASP, CE criteria
apply which includes being aged 21 years or over or one year on benefit. Two
Caretakers are needed for All Saints Parish/Columban Hall Newtowncunningham.
This is a good opportunity to return to work and upskill in a supportive
environment. Free training available within budgets. To apply contact St.
Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on 074-91 48551.
Lunch Club: The popular fortnightly lunch clubs have resumed at the Centre. The
first one of 2020 took place recently on 15 January and was a success. The club
is open to anyone over 50 who would like to pop in to the centre for a healthy
lunch, a game of bingo, good company and conversation. Only €5.00 entry and why
not encourage friend to come with you? Phone the centre on 91 48551 for any
information.
Playschool: Stepping Stones Playgroup CLG based in the Resource Centre and which
is a well-established preschool service provider, invites applications from
suitably qualified professionals for the following position. Playgroup Assistant
for 20 hours. Playgroup Assistant who will work as part of a team of qualified
staff in the delivery of quality early childhood care and education. Applicants
should have a minimum of QQI Level 5 or above in Early Years Childcare and
Education. Minimum of two years working in an early years childcare/education
setting. There is another vacancy. Bank staff Playgroup Assistant. We require a
panel of bank staff to cover for or supplement our permanent or part time staff.
Typically, we will need bank staff to cover for training days, sickness,
absence, holidays and periods of temporary fluctuation in our child numbers.
Applicants should have a minimum of QQI Level 5 or above in Early Years
Childcare and Education. Minimum of two years working in an early year’s
childcare/education setting. For an application pack including salary, job
description and job specification please email coordinator@stjohnfrc.ie or
telephone 0749148551. Please note that application will only be accepted using
the application form. Sorry no CVs please. Applications by post or delivered by
hand. No application by email will be accepted. Closing date for receipt of
applications Friday 24th January. Interviews will take place on Friday 31st
January 2020.
Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage Centre are holding their annual Burns Night
Supper on Friday 24th January at 8 pm in the Halfway House Fahan. Please contact
the centre for more information. Here is an interesting fact. In 2009, Robert
Burns was the first person ever to feature on a commemorative bottle of Coca
Cola. Call 91 40708. Ulster Scots Historical Themed Walking Tour and Lunch will
take place at end of February in Derry. More details to follow.
Monreagh School: Monreagh School Carrigans has its webpage on
https://monreaghns.scoilnet.ie. On Thursday 10 January the school had a Peace IV
meetup with the children from Scoil an Linbh Iosa. We continued to work on the
theme of STEM and looked at bridge building. We listened to the story of The
Three Billy Goats Gruff and the song London Bridge is Falling Down. We discussed
what a bridge should be, strong, sturdy, safe etc. The children are designed
their own bridges and decorated them with pasta. They did problem solving in
small groups in order to make a bridge out of lollipop sticks and pegs. The
children worked together to build a strong bridge out of Duplo and in another
station to make a bridge out of cardboard and toilet roll tubes. It was trickier
building bridges out of marla and spaghetti but the children enjoyed the
challenge. It was a fun and educational lesson enjoyed by all! Pupils enjoyed a
fantastic tour of Ulster Rugby recently. Our boys and girls were shown around
the Kingspan Stadium in Ravenhill, Belfast. The tour included the Nevin Spence
Museum, a virtual reality of a game and pre-match team talk, a tour of the gym
and the changing rooms. Huge thanks goes to all at Ulster Rugby for a fantastic
day out.
______________
Library: The mobile library comes to the St Johnston area every Friday. Car park
of St Baithin’s Church from 2 to 3.30 pm. Ard Baithin 3.40 to 4.10 pm. Carrigans
every second Tuesday. 2 to 2.30 pm Imlick Villas. Main Street from 2.40 to 3.30
pm.
Yoga: Yoga with Monica started back on Thursday 9th January 2020 for six
weeks. Classes will be suitable for beginners and improvers. Start time 7.30pm
to 8.30pm. Cost €35 per person. To book a place or to express interest pm or
contact Monica directly on 00447825323205. Venue is the main hall of the
Resource Centre, St Johnston. The centre wishes to hear from you if you would
like to express interest in any program at the centre or have suggestions for
what should be started.
Scheme: There remains some part-time jobs available on St Johnston and Carrigans
Community Employment Project. These positions are supported by the Department of
Employment Affairs and Social Protection. CE criteria apply. You are to be aged
21 years or over and one year on benefit. Receptionist to be based at St
Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Two Caretakers to be based at All
Saints Parish/Columban Hall Newtowncunningham. This is a good opportunity to
return to work in a supportive environment. Free training available within
budgets. To apply for all jobs, contact the Resource Centre on 074-91 48551.
Youth Theatre: Balor Youth Theatre is up and running again in St Johnston and
Carrigans Family Resource Centre from 16 January. 4.30 to 6 pm ages 5 to 14
years. For more information please email balortraining@gmail.com. Themes include
team building, acting and drama and feedback is excellent.
Clubs: The Homework Club 1 which is for third and fourth class starts started
back Tuesday 14th January. Time 3pm to 4pm. Homework Club 2 which is for fifth
and sixth class started back Thursday 16th January - time 3pm to 4pm. Stretch
and Grow 1 which is for junior and senior infants started back Wednesday 15th
January from- 2pm to 2.45pm. Stretch and Grow 2 which is for first and second
class started back Wednesday 15th January - time 3 pm to 3.45 pm. Children who
attended any club last term will be collected as normal, if you do not want your
child to return MSG Deborah via Facebook. We have places available for Stretch
and Grow 2 and Homework Club 1 and 2 - contact Deborah via FB or phone the
centre 074 91 48551.
Please note Stretch and Grow 1 is full.
History: Taughboyne History Group will resume meetings 22 January 2020 at 7.30
pm in the Resource Centre. New beginners and inquirers welcome.
Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group is holding its Saturday walk this
Saturday 18 January. Destination is the Bridle Path Glenveagh. A shorter walk is
available on the level should you choose. Transport leaving the Centre at 9am.
To book a place phone 074 91 48551 or contact Sarah Hunter at the local shop.
€10 per person. If you are a new beginner please think about coming along.
FEBRUARY 2020
Carrigans NS: Scoil an Leinbh Iosa has its enrolment day on Monday 24
February at 1 pm. Please bring your child’s birth cert and baptism cert and pps
number. Call (074) 914 0267 if you wish to get further information.
Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Saturday walk will take place at Inch. We leave
the Resource Centre at 9 am. Please bring a snack and some money for lunch. Date
22 February. New beginners most welcome. Tuesday nights walk continues at 7.15
pm.
Ulster Scots: From Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th February the Steinbeck
Festival in Limavady will be on. It will have range of events to appeal to all.
John Steinbeck was intensely proud of his Ulster roots so Monreagh Ulster Scots
encourage you to go along and support these events . Please look at the facebook
page for information about the genealogy and heritage and history meeting in An
Grainan on Tuesday 18 February. 7 pm. This event is facilitated by Inishowen
Development Partnership Cross Border Shared Heritage Peace 4 Project.
Bus: The Local Link Bus Service from Letterkenny-St Johnston and Carrigans and
vice versa is going well. This is a daily service, Monday to Saturday, and ideal
for students and travellers with shopping, social and recreational interests or
to attend appointments. The bus goes right to the hospital door except for the
weekend evening service. Extremely affordable €3 one way it is an excellent
service. People with free travel passes will be eligible to travel free. Please
visit http://locallinkdonegal.ie/ or call into the Resource Centre for a
timetable. There is an evening service on Fridays and Saturdays only. Leaves
Carrigans 7 and 10 pm. Returns from Letterkenny around 9 and 11 40 pm. Please
look up the timetable for the pick up spots in Letterkenny and the precise times
at each spot. The bus is a vital force for improving local connections to the
wider county and part funded by the government.
Computer Class: Would you like to brush up on your computer skills or gain a
qualification in computing? Word processing Level 3 will take place in St
Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on Mondays 10am to 1pm. Please
call Caroline 0861740684 or call the Centre on 074 91 48551.
Whist Drive: With regret the January whist drive had to be cancelled as a
precaution due to the weather. This event with great prizes happens on the last
Monday of every calendar month barring December in the Resource Centre. It will
be on Monday 24 February at 8 pm. €5 admission with light supper served.
Kildrum Tigers: Kildrum Tigers holds 50/50 draws on their facebook page.Last
months winner Joey Coyle scooped a prize of €500, as they say “don’t buy a
ticket you won’t win the raffle”. Tickets on sale in the Fisherman’s Inn or from
any club member.
Maggies: Margaret Baird, on behalf of Joe Patterson presented a cheque for €100
to John Doherty in Maggies for Donegal Down Syndrome. The Money was raised from
an auction of a ‘Doll’ Cake donated by Catriona Gallagher at Christmas time.
Monreagh School: On Friday 24th January the school welcomed Niamh from Ag
Súgradh le Chéile to Monreagh NS to run a fun exercise workshop with the pupils
in Junior Infants, Senior Infants and First Class, and their parents or
guardians. The ethos of the event was inspired by research suggests that
children have become less fit and less active in recent times. It highlighted to
the children how physical activity is important for fitness, physical and
psychological well-being which enhances growth and development. During the
workshop the parents participated with their children in a variety of activities
including ball games, music and rhyme and traditional games. It was enjoyable
for both parents and children. The workshop was facilitated by a specially
trained tutor, Niamh, who encouraged children and parents to participate in
active play. We look forward to a future time.
Health Programme: An exciting programme is coming up at the Resource Centre.
Entitled simply Health Families Programme it will promote the positive mental,
physical and personal wellbeing of children. Six weeks mindfulness will take
place as part of the programme. The benefits of mindfulness include improved
concentration, listening skills, resilience and confidence. It improves ability
to deal with everyday stresses and anxiety which is important for every child.
It helps the participant to relax and listen to their own body. There will also
be six weeks of physical games and activities. Family fun and games with a
qualified instructor will take place. Information sessions including dental
hygiene, having a balanced diet and so on will happen. There will be other
topics to be confirmed later. The programme will end with a lively celebration
evening. The programme is targeted for 7 to 11 years old and parent/s and
guardian/s. It will start on Thursday evening 5 March in the Main Hall of the
Resource Centre. Time from 6pm to 7.30pm. If you are interested then please
contact Deborah at the centre or PM the Centre’s facebook page. The first night
will be an induction and an overview of the programme. It is important that you
can commit to the full program which will go on for 12 weeks in total. Places
are limited.
Men’s Social: Men’s Social Coffee and talking group. This will take place on a
weekly basis in the Old Playschool Building, Church Lane, St Johnston. Every
Tuesday morning. Time 10.30 am to 12 noon. Cost €3 and tea and biscuits will be
provided.
Fundraiser: A local woman recently lost her home in a fire. To help show
support, a coffee morning and cake sale will be held in the Resource Centre on
Friday 21 February. We would appreciate donations of cakes, scones, tarts, buns,
jams, chutneys etc. 10 am to 2pm. Raffle on the day with a door prize.
Scheme: There is a vacancy in St Johnston and Carrigans Community Employment
Project. Caretaker - Naomh Colmcille GAA Club, Newtowncunningham. This is a good
opportunity to return to work in a supportive environment. Free Training
available within budgets. Contact the Resource Centre on 074-91 48551 for Job
Description and Application Form.
Events: A mid-term cinema trip to see Sonic the Hedgehog is coming up. It is for
homework club 1 and 2, stretch and grow 1 and 2.
This Friday 21st February. Cost €5 per child. The bus will leave the Resource
Centre at 10.30am, returning at 1.30pm. Return permission slips and the money as
soon as possible. We would appreciate if all children are collected at 1.30pm.
If you don't have a permission slip you can collect one at the centre.
History: Taughboyne History Group is now going to meet once a month. Next
meeting Wednesday 11 March in the Computer Room of the Resource Centre. 7.30 pm.
Walk: Walk and Talk group will do the Inch Walk this Saturday leaving the Centre
at 9 am. New members welcome.
MARCH
Rinka: Rinka kids fitness with Eibhlin will hold an Easter Camp. April 16 and
17. 9.30 to 12 30 pm. €35 per child. Sibling discounts apply. Age 4 plus. Venue
is St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Please contact Eibhlin
directly to book on 086 847 3188.
Ulster-Scots: Monreagh Ulster-Scots and Education and Heritage wishes to
encourage locals to think about attending the Ulster-Scots St Patrick’s night on
Saturday 14 March 2020 in Halfway House, Ballygally. 7.30 pm. Irish stew will be
served. Please look at Ulster Scots facebook for further information.
Castletown NS: On Pancake Tuesday the Senior Room cooked pancakes for everyone.
€125 was raised and the children decided to donate it to Laura Lynn – Ireland’s
children’s hospice. Well done everyone! On Feb 11th the Senior Room visited
Scoil Colmcille in Newtowncunningham for a Heritage Detectives workshop on Junk
Orchestra. On February 2, pupils of the Senior Room after learning about
circuits, worked in pairs to create something that used a circuit. They enjoyed
planning and designing their creations. They had quite a variety of fantastic
creations using lights, propellers and buzzers – a lighthouse, fan, windmill,
boat and a plane!
For women: Women on the Move meets on Mondays and Thursday mornings at the
Resource Centre. 10am. €5 per participant. Led by Bridie Lynch, this group
engages in a variety of activities to improve fitness and help give greater
wellbeing.
History Group: Taughboyne History Group will meet on Wednesday 11 March. Time
7.30 pm in the computer room of the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers
are most welcome. If you wish to get in touch, you can email
taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com. Meetings will now be once a month.
Bus: The Local Link Bus Service from Letterkenny-St Johnston and Carrigans and
vice versa is going well. This is a daily service, Monday to Saturday, and ideal
for students and travellers with shopping, social and recreational interests or
to attend appointments. The bus goes right to the hospital door except for the
weekend evening service. Extremely affordable €3 one way it is an excellent
service. People with free travel passes will be eligible to travel free. Please
visit http://locallinkdonegal.ie/ or call into the Resource Centre for a
timetable. There is an evening service on Fridays and Saturdays only. Leaves
Carrigans 7 and 10 pm. Returns from Letterkenny around 9 and 11 40 pm. Please
look up the timetable for the pick up spots in Letterkenny and the precise times
at each spot. The bus is a vital force for improving local connections to the
wider county and part funded by the government.
School: Castletown National School is currently accepting
applications for the school year 20/21. Please complete the
Application Form, and return to the school together with a copy of
your child’s birth certificate by March 23rd 2020. Please contact
the school on 074 9148420 or castletownn@gmail.com if you need any
more information. You can download the form from
www.castletownns.com.
Carrigans PO: Carrigans Post Office, if you are an AIB customer you
can make cash lodgements, cash withdrawals (up to €600) and pay your
credit card bill. If you are an Ulster Bank customer you can make
cash lodgements and pay your credit card bill. We also have our own
fully fledged current account - the An Post Money Current Account.
Hamper: A fabulous Easter Hamper can be seen in Life Pharmacy St
Johnston. To get a chance to win it is €2 a line and funds go to
Cystic Fibrosis.
Walk: Walk and Talk group will do the Saturday walk on 28 March.
Leaving the Centre at 9 am. New members welcome. Destination will be
announced in due course.
Prayer: Women's World Day of Prayer took place on Friday at 7:30pm
in St Baithin's Church. Women from all the local churches in the
local area came together to participate in this short service. This
years service was prepared by the Women of Zimbabwe. All enjoyed it
and had tea afterwards in St Baithin's National School.
15 March 2020
Suspension: St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre has
suspended all group activities and classes from 6pm 12th March until
March 30th. This in line with the Government announcement. All
ETB training courses in the centre are cancelled until Monday 30th
March. Staff will be available in the centre on Wednesday 18th March
in the centre and will update on any developments. Stepping Stones
Playgroup will remain closed until Monday 30th March.
Walk: On Mothers Day, 22nd of March 2020, Linda Arthur Cole will be
walking from New Buildings in Derry to Convoy. She is raising
much-needed funds for research into Dementia, in memory of her
mother Margaret Arthur, for the Alzheimers Society. Linda's family
are from the area and she plans to come through the village on her
route.
Keep an eye out for her and cheer her on her way and of course,
donate to this great cause if you can. If you would like more
information or to make a donation via Facebook. You can check out
Linda's Facebook page.
Chapel: Due to the coronavirus there will be no masses in St
Baithin's church until the 29th March.
Quiz: Due to the coronavirus, the quiz in aid of IHCPT Irish
Handicapped Children Pilgrimage Trust in the Carrig Inn Bar has been
cancelled. It was intended for 13 March but will hopefully be
rescheduled later in year.
APRIL 2020
Resource Centre: The Centre has left copies of the COVID-19 Time Capsule in Mac's Mini Mart and the butcher's for children. This resource might help children document and understand their experience and at the same time enjoy the activities enclosed. The Irish Red Cross and Age Action have launched a COVID-19 Hardship fund to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations across Ireland experiencing additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This might be useful information for everyone to be aware of in your day-to-day dealings with some older members of society who may be experiencing particular worry in this regard. Older people, or those assisting them, can request an application form by hardship2020@redcross.ie. Irish Red Cross Telephone: 01-6424600. Age Action Telephone: 01-4756989. A new day and week ahead of us and we are trying to think of ways to keep in contact with you. If you have any suggestion, queries or need support you can contact Mary or Deborah on 0852524429 or 0834042752 or PM. Although the centre is closed we are still available to answer any queries, provide information and/or support.
July 2020
Rinka: Did someone say Summer Camps? Rinka are now taking
bookings for our award-winning camps. The camps are high energy and
fun-filled. They happen at St Johnston. 17th to 20th of August 2020.
9am to 11.00am, age 3 to 5. 11.30 to 2pm, age 6 to 12. For more
details and to book, because of coronavirus contact tracing, all
bookings must be taken through the link on the Resource Centre’s
Facebook page. Because of government restrictions, we are limited to
twelve children per camp so spaces are expected to fill up fast.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness/Relaxation programme for adults is coming
up. The programme will cover various awareness strategies:
mindfulness of breath, body awareness, relaxation techniques and
managing stress. There are two groups. Dates for Group 1. 2nd, 9th,
16th, 23rd July 2020 (4 week programme). Time: 6.30pm to 7.15pm .
Same dates for Group 2 but different time which is 7.30 to 8.15pm.
If you wish to take part in the programme please contact us via
Facebook or by phoning Deborah on 0834042752 to book a place. This
programme will be offered within the current COVID 19 guidelines and
will be limited to a maximum of six per group.
Bus: The Local Link Bus Service from Letterkenny-St Johnston and
Carrigans and vice versa has resumed full capacity. This is a daily
service, Monday to Saturday, and ideal for students and travellers
with shopping, social and recreational interests or to attend
appointments. The bus goes right to the hospital door except for the
weekend evening service. Extremely affordable €3 one way it is an
excellent service. People with free travel passes will be eligible
to travel free. Please visit http://locallinkdonegal.ie
Local Link bus routes and transport in Counties Donegal, Sligo and
Leitrim
Welcome to the Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim transport service.
We operate a safe, secure, reliable bus transport in the three
counties.
locallinkdonegal.ie
for a timetable. There is an evening service on Fridays and
Saturdays only. Leaves Carrigans 7 and 10 pm. St Johnston 7.05 and
10.05. Returns from Letterkenny around 9 and 11 40 pm. Please look
up the timetable for the pick up spots in Letterkenny and the
precise times at each spot. The bus is a vital force for improving
local connections to the wider county and part funded by the
government.
Services: If you wish to avail of any services at the Resource
Centre call 91 48551 or use the facebook page to book a time. One
way to get to the facebook page is to go to https://www.stjohnstonandcarrigans.com.
The website has recently been equipped with a safety certificate and
a new look and new material. Its a work in progress so bear with it.
23 Aug 2020
Resource Centre: Any families who needing help from the food
bank, please contact 0834042752. This is totally confidential. If
you just need a wee chat, information or other support contact Mary
on 0852524429 or Deborah 0834042752.
Ulster Scots: The Monreagh Ulster Scots and Education Centre
recently held a Cross Border community project visiting Monreagh
recently for a socially distanced linen/flax demonstration. There is
much excellent material on the facebook page. For example, Monreagh
Presbyterian Church was established in 1644 and is the oldest
Presbyterian church in Donegal. Its first minister, Reverend Robert
Cunningham, represented the Irish Presbyterians before the church of
Scotland and the Parliament in London. His successor, in 1655, was
the Reverend John Hart from Hamilton, Scotland. He was deposed by
the second Bishop Leslie of Raphoe in 1661. In 1664 he was
imprisoned in Lifford jail along with three other ministers and held
for six years for refusing to accept the bishop’s primacy in
religious affairs. The Monreagh Heritage Centre is based in the
former manse.
Services: If you wish to avail of any services at the Resource
Centre call 91 48551 or use the facebook page to book a time in
private messaging. One way to get to the facebook page is to go to
https://www.stjohnstonandcarrigans.com. The website has recently
been equipped with a safety certificate and a new look and new
material. It is a work in progress so bear with it. Share buttons
have been added to the bottom of each page which allow for quick
sharing on facebook, whatsapp, email etc. You also have a print icon
there.
Charlie Roarty: Has anyone out there any information about Charlie
Roarty who it is felt is buried somewhere locally? The instinct is
that Charlie was buried in the Old Graveyard St Johnston decades ago
but unfortunately no record seems to be available. Any information
about local Roarty family members may help form a link.
Sept 2020
Resource Centre: The Centre posted the following in relation to
World Suicide Prevention Day which took place on Thursday 10th
September 2020. The National Family Resource Centre Mental Health
Promotion Project wants to raise awareness around the suicide
warning signs and steps you can take to support someone who may be
suicidal. In 2019, 421 lives were lost to suicide in Ireland
(provisional, CSO, 2020). Every number represents an individual who
for many reasons has questioned the value of their own lives. For
every suicide, 25 people make a suicide attempt. Suicide is
devastating and impacts over 130 people from families, friends to
the wider community. By speaking about suicide and sharing resources
we are creating open dialogue around mental health and we are slowly
breaking down the barriers for those who want to seek help. Be the
light for those who may need it. If you require any supports please
contact the crisis text line 50818 or St Johnston and Carrigans FRC
in person or on 074 91 48551.
First Aid: Pediatric First Aid will be held on Saturday 3rd October
from 10am to 4pm. We have several names down for 'Pediatric First
Aid", due to Covid 19 restrictions it is important that you pay €10
registration by Friday 18th September 2020, to secure your place.
The registration fee is refundable on completion of the course.
Funded through the Healthy Ireland Fund.
Website: Jimmy McGrory the famous Scottish sportsman has a St
Johnston connection. Please visit www.stjohnstonandcarrigans.com/jimmymcgrory.html