RochfortbridgeRound-up

The Rochfortbridge Youth Club is currently scouting for leaders to help run the organisation that meets every Wednesday from 8 o"clock. The Youth Club has achieved a lot, and with over 100 kids joined up, leader Allie O"Flynn says the club is desperately seeking volunteers.This year alone, Rochfortbridge Youth Club entered the Midlands Region Youth Services (MYRS) Variety show, and came first in the dance category, second in the comedy section and first in the group singing competition.The Rochfortbridge kids also entered the Co-Motion Film Festival and produced their own movie, "Phantom Boredom", which dealt with many areas of young people"s lives in the village, including the youth centre, and how Rochfortbridge itself, got its name.There were 35 children involved, who wrote, directed, edited and produced the film, with filming taking place over four weeks in Belvedere House and Gardens.AwardThis year, the volunteers involved in Rochfortbridge Youth Group won the Young People and Community Award, which was presented to them by the Westmeath Volunteer Centre.Involved in the group are Paulette O"Reilly, chairperson, Bernie Malone, secretary, Allie O"Flynn, leader, while part-time helpers include Tom Rogers, Eric Philips, Siobhán Jessop, Ian O"Flynn and Roland Ben.The Youth Group used to meet on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays, with the members divided into different age groups, but because of the lack of volunteers this autumn, the group is now only able to meet once a week.'The kids get involved in various activities, including table quizzes, basketball, bowling, arts and crafts, drama, youth discos and organising excursions. It costs €5 for membership and €2 every time you attend the group, and this covers refreshments, activities and hire of the hall,' says Allie.'We are hoping now to start planning ahead for the next year, but the lack of volunteers is worrying. There are only three full-time volunteers and it means that if any of us are sick or something comes up, the club has to be cancelled for that week.'Those involved in the youth club were some of the main people pushing for the old hall to be done up in Rochfortbridge, and now that it has been revamped, it would a shame to see all the hard work go to waste. It would also be a tremendous shame for the youth of Rochfortbridge is the future of the youth club looked uncertain because of a lack of volunteers,' she said.So if you would like to become a leader at the Youth Club and have ideas on activities for the young people of Rochfortbridge, then give Allie a call on 086 4070169.Tidy Towns DrawA reminder that the Tidy Towns annual draw will take place in Lysters Pub, Rochfortbridge on Friday, December 19.Ticket sellers are doing the rounds at the moment and all involved are hoping this year"s draw will be as successful as other years.The money raised from the draw will go towards the preparation for the Tidy Towns competition 2009, with the committee hoping to gain an extra few points on last year"s score.Smooth drivingMotorists travelling through Rochfortbridge this week will notice extra ease and comfort as Westmeath County Council will complete tarring the roads this week as part of the Village Enhancement Programme.Happy motoring!Welcome home!A big well done and welcome home to John Hanlon from Rochfortbridge and John Joe and Paul Brady from Milltownpass, who all took part in the Niall Mellon Township Trust.The Trust builds homes to the impoverished communities in the townships in South Africa. The boys spent the year fundraising so they could be part of the mission which aims to eradicate urban poverty in South Africa by building sustainable communities.