Castlepollard Notes

The Charity Run held on Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd, was a great success, helped in no small way by the excellent weather on the day.The field of vintage tractors assembled from early on Monday morning at D & A Service Station, where refreshments were served, and the convoy departed at approximately 12.30pm.The route brought the convoy through Fore, where there was a stop at the Coffee Shop before returning to Castlepollard. Vintage tractor enthusiasts from all over the midlands, and further afield, along with a large number of locals, brought their beautifully restored tractors to the event, and were more than happy to pose for photographs and to answer any questions from the large number of spectators present. Castlepollard Gardai were on hand to escort the participants, and members from the local Honda 50 Owners Club assisted with traffic control. The proceeds from the event were in aid of Castlepollard Youth Centre.Juvenile coachingA 2 Day Juvenile Coaching Clinic will take place in Castletown Pitch on Thursday, August 13th, and Friday, August 14th, for Castletown, Finea, Coole and Whitehall U.8, U.10 and U.12 players. The Coaching Clinic will take place on the two days from 11.00am to 1.00pm, and the cost is 5.00 euro for the two day event. Outside coaches will be in attendance, and all players U.8, U.10 and U.12 are welcome.Tree fireCastlepollard Fire & Rescue Service were called out to deal with a tree fire on Saturday evening last, August 8th. The incident was on Finea Road, Castlepollard, where a tree caught fire between two adjacent properties, and ignited the surrounding trees and wooden fencing. Firefighters were quickly on the scene and brought the incident under control, extinguishing the blaze and dampening down the surrounding area.North Westmeath 5k road raceThe Annual North Westmeath 5K Road Race takes place on Wednesday next, August 12th. Juvenile races for U.7, U.9, U.11 and U.13 start around The Square at 7.00pm, with the main event commencing at 8.00pm. Starting point for the Senior Race once again is on Pakenhamhall Road, with the course heading to Tullynally Castle, following the loop at the front of the Castle, and returning to Castlepollard, making a total of 5K. This year it is hoped to have a Charity Walk in aid of the Parkinsons Association held in tandem with the Senior Race. One of the most popular categories is the North Westmeath challenge for the local ladies and gents, as well as the very popular Team event. Hopefully the weather will co-operate and remain fine and dry, and add to what is a very popular and hotly contested event in the athletics calendar.CautionHouseholders in the locality are advised to remain vigilant with regards to their home security. In the mild weather it is very tempting to leave windows open for ventilation in order to make the most of the, fleeting, Summer. However, open windows are especially tempting for thieves, who find open windows irrestible. When leaving home for whatever length of time, remember to close all the windows, close doors, and set the alarm if fitted. When dealing with door to door callers, ask for identification, and if not satisfied, refuse to give them access, and equally importantly, refuse to give any information regarding your own or neighbours movements or domestic arrangements. Just as important is the issue of closing vehicle windows and doors. It is so easy to leave windows slightly open on your car/van/truck to take advantage of the mild weather. It is also easy for thieves to use the open window to access the vehicle and remove items from them. If carrying personal items, put them out of sight, or better still remove them altogether, before someone else does it for you.Baptism preparation courseThe next Baptism preparation course for parents takes place on Wednesday, August 19th, at 8.00pm in the Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Castlepollard. The course is being organised by the Multy group. Parents who do not have a babysitter may bring baby with them to the meeting.Table quizA charity table quiz takes place in Meehan's Pub, Coole, on Friday next, August 14th, starting at 9.30pm. The quiz is being organised in aid of the Chernobyl Children's Charity. Your support for this very worthy cause will be greatly appreciated, and an enjoyable evening of mental gymnastics is assured.EntitlementsA representative from Mullingar's Citizen's Information Service will attend the Library/One Stop Shop on Mullingar Road, Castlepollard, every Friday morning between 10.00am and 1.00pm to give advice on entitlements.Castlepollard Youth ClubSummer outings for Castlepollard Youth Club are:- Monday, August 17th, to Clara Lara Funpark, Wicklow, Wednesday, August 19th to Tanagh Outdoors Educational centre, Monaghan, and Friday, August 21st, to Mullaghmeen Forest Park for a Treasure Hunt. Cost is 55 euro per child, and places are limited, so booking is essential. Contact Rosario on 086-3803455, Bernie on 086-6076464, ot Marese on 044-9661722 for further information.A reminder to all members that the Annual Summer Campcommences on Monday 17th August, 2009. Anyone intending to travel must have submitted their name to one of the following Rosario/Bernie/Marese.Alcoholics AnonymousA meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous takes place every Tuesday evening at 8.30pm in Room One, Parish Community Centre, Church Street, Castlepollard. For further information contact Bill on 087-6282646.