Community Diary : December 2023

Athlone Community Radio‘s Community Diary will highlight local events and Community resources taking place throughout Athlone.

. Lough Ree RNLI volunteer crew is looking forward to welcoming the public to the lifeboat station at Coosan Point on December 16th when the crew will host a Special Open Day with a ‘family festive’ theme. Activities planned include face painting, a kids DJ and a visit from Santa in the afternoon. Your support is appreciated.

. A carol service in aid of SVP takes place on Sunday, December 17th at 6pm in the Carmelite Church, Moate. Refreshments will be server and there will also be a visit from Santa.

. The Rotary Club of Athlone has launched its annual Christmas fundraising campaign: The Tree of Remberance – this year all funds raised will go to three incredible local charities, The Simon Community, The Samaritans and The Rotary Club of Athlone. Write a name or a simple message on a ribbon, which is then placed on the tree, which will be situated outside Athlone Civic Centre. A special Ecumenical Service with Christmas Carols will be held beside the tree at 2pm on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend.

. Westmeath County Council is delighted to announce that there will be all-day free parking in Athlone’s six town center car parks. Beginning this Saturday, December 16th and continuing up to and including Christmas Eve.

. Athlone Castle will be transformed into a magical Christmas experience this year to celebrate the festive season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the castle over two days on Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th to meet the children of Athlone. Further information from athlonecastle.ie.

. There will be a special Family Carol Singing for fun held after 10.30am mass on Sunday 17th December at Our Lady’s Queen of Peace Church, Coosan.

. Westmeath Culture Team at Westmeath County Council will host a special exhibition celebrating the Bridges of Athlone, from Tuesday December 19th – Monday 8th January at Athlone Library in the Civic Centre Athlone. Included in the exhibition will be the history and information on the engineering and construction of the bridges.

. Athlone Arts Group is looking forward to meeting customers old and new when they host their Christmas exhibition in Athlone Town Centre from Tuesday December 19th – Saturday December 23rd. On display will be landscape paintings, still life, portraits, animals and much, much more.

A GROW Mental Health Peer-Support Meeting takes place each Friday from 11am – 1pm, in Monksland Community Centre. Meetings are free and no referral is needed. For further information contact John at 086 4411358.

. Roscommon Drug & Alcohol services have set up a SMART Recovery meeting; it takes place at Vita House Outreach Centre in Monksland on Wednesdays at 1pm. Smart Recovery is a leading evidence based addiction recovery programme focusing on managing behaviors. The service is completely free and the addiction may be to anything. The focus will not be on the addiction but on your behaviors towards it.

. MABS the money advice and budgeting service is a free and confidential service for people who are experiencing money management and debt. MABS money advisers are on hand to provide advice and practical help regarding debt and working out solutions to money problems. Please phone 076-107 2400 in confidence.

. Kiltoom knitting Club continues on Mondays at 11am in The Parish Hall. All are welcome.

. St Kieran’s Community Centre Active Age Group meets each Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm. New members are very welcome.

. Athlone Toastmasters is an educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 8.15pm in The Creggan Court Hotel, Athlone. Contact : 086-062 3519 for further information.

. St Vincent de Paul : to reach out to the local branch in confidence please call 085-1094354.