Westmeath CIL moving into tenth year

The Kinnegad-based Westmeath Centre for Independent Living is moving into its tenth year of existence, and since its inception in 1999, its influence has grown throughout the county.To celebrate ten years of continued growth, as well as the presentation of FÁS/HSE certificates to Personal Assistants, a special night is being held at the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar on Tuesday, November 25 at 8pm.In early 1999, Kinnegad man Michael Cannon, aided by a few local volunteers, came up with a plan to establish a Centre for Independent Living in the village. An initial meeting took place in June, and although poorly attended, a committee was formed, with Kinnegad"s Pat McLoughlin elected as Chairman, and with the tireless assistance of Seamus Leavy, FÁS funding was secured.Dermot Leavy, the then chairman of the Kinnegad Community Co-operative, made office space available for the CIL, and thanks to additional HSE funding, it has grown with almost sixty qualified personal assistants employed, giving people with varying degrees of disabilities a much improved lifestyle through greater individual independence.The CIL has, since its establishment, been located at St. Finian"s Hall, Kinnegad, thanks to Kinnegad Community Co-Op and the owners of the building, St. Finian"s Diocesan Trust/Kinnegad Parish. Over the years, the Office Administrator, Mary Mooney, has overseen huge improvements to the office space, and with her three assistants run a professional and efficient management team.Westmeath CIL had another reason to celebrate on Monday last, November 10, when Ms. Mooney received the keys to "Bun Daire" - the group"s new premises at the Boreen Bradach, Kinnegad, from Westmeath County Council. The new premises, which incorporates a staff room, three offices and a reception area, was included in the original plan for the Boreen Bradach scheme.Thanking Westmeath County Council for its commitment to those with disabilities, CIL chairman Pat McLoughlin said: 'The acquisition of the new premises at "Bun Daire" is a very important step forward for our organisation, as it gives us much greater independence and security.'We have had a very fruitful time at St. Finian"s Hall, Kinnegad, and thank the guardians of the St. Finian"s Diocesan Trust, through the lessees Kinnegad Community Co-operative, for allowing us to rent office space in the building.'Carol singing nightOn Wednesday, December 17, the students of the Schola Cantorum at St. Finian"s College, Mullingar, will present a Christmas Carol Service in aid of the St. Camillus Nursing, Centre, Killucan, starting at 7.30pm.The performance will take place in the nursing centre"s Chapel. A raffle will take place on the night, and admission is €20 per person.Kinnegad Youth Club opening nightWith some new faces and the election of a new committee for Kinnegad Youth Club on Thursday night last, November 13, the club is pleased to announce the opening of activities for the 2008/09 season.Kinnegad Youth Club is affiliated to Midland Regional Youth Service (MRYS), and will run every Friday night during the youth club season. The club members must be 8 years and over.A registration night will take place on Friday next, November 21 from 7pm to 8pm at St. Finian"s Community Hall Kinnegad.Parents must accompany their child on the night of registration to sign a consent form. The committee also needs a current passport photo for all members joining on the night. Membership fees will be €5 for one member, €8 for two and €10 for three or more.Some activities will take place during the registration night, so members can get to know their club.Parents of members will also be required to help out with supervision during the club season.All are welcome come down and enjoy their local youth club, and there will be fun and games promised for all.Clonard churchrenovation projectPlans for the redevelopment of St. Finian"s Church, Clonard - which is located within Kinnegad Parish - are advancing briskly, and following the very successful meeting on October 5, the parish planning team instructed the architect to forward a planning application to Meath County Council.The first phase of the application has been completed, with the submission of the group"s 'Conservation Method Statement', and full planning documentation is now ready for submission.The Parish Planning Team have stated that all going well, the process of putting the work out to tender will begin in the New Year, and fundraising activities have begun in earnest.The team has been offered a substantial prize in support of fundraising for the Parish Building and Development Programme, and to start the fundraising process, a meeting has been planned for Wednesday, November 26 at 8pm at St. Finian"s Church, and will be open to the entire parish.Kinnegad Folk GroupKinnegad Folk Group, which meets on Saturday evenings in the town, is actively seeking new members to join in their activities. For more details, phone Loretto on (087) 6967495 or contact the Parish Office on (044) 9375117.CoralstownCemetery CommitteeA meeting of the cemetery committee in Coralstown will take place on Thursday next, November 20 at 8pm in St. Agnes" Church, Coralstown. All are welcome to attend.