Rathowen Notes

Having been successful in getting Westmeath Rural Community Transport to agree to a bus run from this Rathowen, Streete district to Mullingar one morning a week at approx 10am returning at approx 1.30pm, a special public meeting will be held in the meeting room in Streete Parish Park this Thursday evening at 9pm sharp.It all depends on attendance and support so all are requested to attend and also to pass on word about this meeting.  This will be the area"s only chance to avail of this service so don"t let it slip. All travel pass holders travel free; all non pass holders may use the service for only €4 return, and all students for €2 return with all under 11 years of age free.  There are many benefits with this service which include senior citizens being collected and delivered to their house, so come along when it is hoped to have the answers - and possibly the manager of Westmeath Rural Community Transport present.  Many may have seen a similar service in Co. Mayo on the Nationwide T.V. programme recently.  Any queries please phone 086-2596656 or talk to your pastoral Council members.  This service is for all the community.  It is a non profit making service under the Department of Transport, funded by them as well as POBAL, Westmeath Community Development, Westmeath County Council and HSE.  Rural Transport is aimed at people in rural areas who are excluded or may become excluded because transport is not available, accessible or affordable to them locally.  Lack of facilities in rural areas such as banks, shops, post offices and healthcare has raised the need for such a service.  Now is the area"s chance this Thursday 21st at 9pm in Streete Parish Park.  Use it or lose it!Rathowen lotto draw now at €7,500The numbers drawn were 15, 19, 21 and 25. Alice Duffy, Dillon Farrell and Patrick Duffy were the Match 3 number winners and the sellers" prize went to Percy Carroll. The next draw is 23rd August.  Every time anyone buys a ticket they are supporting the community, as this money goes towards new projects and the upkeep of the Community Centre.  Tickets can be brought in Tormey"s Shop, Connaughton"s Pub and Feerick"s Hotel, as well as from the several people selling.  If you would like to sell a book please contact Peter or Liz on 76189. At €7,500 it"s worth buying a ticket and remember if you"re not in you can"t win!Stepping Stonespre and after schoolThe service will be closed for the month of August.  The staff will be preparing the school for the start of the new school term.For more info on all the services provided by Stepping Stones or to enrol your child, contact Geraldine or Catherine on 087-2244584.Booking community centreTo book the community centre you can contact Peter or Liz on 043-76189.  The C.E. office in St Thomas Hall is closed temporarily; anyone with notes for the paper can leave all with Lorraine in the Post office.  Faxing and photocopying also available in the Post Office.Streete Warriors Junior BasketballThe Streete Warriors" Basketball Summer Camp 2008, starts August 18th and runs to the 22nd.  Application forms are available at Rathowen Post Office or Download www.westmeathsports.ie  registration is Saturday 9th August 5-6pm in Streete Parish Park.Rathowen United training for newTraining has started again for the victorious Rathowen United. Anyone interested in joining the team can come along to training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in Streete Parish Park at 7.30pm.PotholesAs everyone can see when you are driving through the village of Rathowen there are three or four major potholes which the Co. Council has repaired on numerous occasions. But the potholes keep returning and locals want the Co. Council to organise a more permanent solution to the potholes. This is a serious problem, and the residents in the village are concerned that a dangerous accident could arise as cars and lorries try to avoid the potholes.  County Councillors please take note!Gun licencesThe local Garda would like to remind all gun holders to renew their licences at Rathowen Garda Station.  If Garda Pat Beirne is not there please place all applications into the letter box.New babyCongratulations to Padraig Tighe and his girlfriend Michelle McCrann on the birth of their second child a boy called Cody.  A little brother for Clodagh and a future footballer for Bunbrosna or Rathowen United or maybe both!NotesAny one who would like to put in notes please contact Vincent Maguire on 087 2603364 or drop in notes to Lorraine at the post office.