Launch of new Delvin Historical Society

Attracting the support of around twenty people, the inaugural meeting of Delvin Historical Society took place in Carmel Gaffney"s pub, Main Street, Delvin, and it looks like the future of this fledgling society is in safe hands.Born of an idea by Eamon and Bernie Clancy, who live in the village"s Lacora Glen housing estate, the central aim of the new society is to foster enthusiasm for times past in one of Westmeath"s most historic areas, and 'a love of Delvin and surrounding areas' among the people who live there.Once a centre of English rule in Leinster, and - as has been discovered in recent years - the birthplace of a saint known throughout Europe, there"s plenty of history to be uncovered in Delvin. The members of DHS hope to find out as much of this history as possible, gathering details of events (both major and minor), recording them, and narrating them through lectures and guided walks.Importantly, the society has taken upon itself to 'preserve the unique quality of Delvin history which may be in danger of being lost'.To achieve this, there are plans to produce a booklet on the history of the area, and to hold lectures on a monthly basis.Some lively discussions were held at last Thursday night"s meeting, with Clonmellon man John Gavin, Vice-President of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, bring his wealth of experience and local knowledge to the table. He was elected Honorary President of the new society in Delvin.Eamon and Bernie Clancy were ratified as Chairman and Secretary respectively, while Paul Hughes was elected Treasurer.New members for the society are being sought, and anyone who would like to join is invited to contact a member of the committee. A membership fee will be set in the near future, and club activities will begin in earnest in January 2009.The time for the society"s first lecture has been set for 8pm on January 15, 2009, with the venue to be confirmed. The lecture will be open to all members of the public.Over €7,000 in funds for Friendship ClubDelvin Friendship Club, the local organisation which caters to the social needs of senior citizens living in the Delvin area, has been granted over €7,000 in funding from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People.The Friendship Club was one of two organisations in Westmeath - along with Ballynacargy and District Social Services - to benefit from an overall national pool of €180,000 under the scheme.The Delvin group has been supplied €7,150 to encourage and assist them in improving the security of vulnerable older people in their own homes. With the funds allocated under the Scheme, the community groups can provide socially monitored alarm systems and security equipment such as sensor lighting, window locks, door locks, door chains and smoke alarms.John Curran, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, said: 'I wish to acknowledge the invaluable work carried out by local organisations in bringing the benefits of the Scheme to older members of their communities.'This funding to another 55 organisations brings the total amount allocated under this Scheme in 2008 to €3.2m and further demonstrates the Governments commitment to improving the security and support offered to older people throughout the country.'Delvin Hospice Homecare AGMThe 2008 Delvin Hospice Homecare AGM was held on November 3, and the following officers were elected: Chairperson - Mary Cully; Assistant Chairperson - Pauline Brady; Secretary - Kathleen Gilroy; Assistant Secretary - Kay Gaffney; Treasurer - Maura Drumm; Assistant Treasurer - Margaret O"Shaughnessy; P.R.O. - Angela Rice.The group held its presentation night in October, and a cheque for €42,447 was handed over to Marie O"Brien, Chairperson of North Westmeath Hospice Homecare Association.This money was raised from September 2007 to September 08 through fundraising which included the Ladies" Mini-Marathon, Coffee Morning and Table Quiz, and Summer BBQ in Clonmellon, and private donations.The group has extended its sincere thanks to all the people of Delvin and surrounding areas who contributed so generously, and who continue to support this worthy cause.So far for this coming year, with regard to fundraising, Delvin Hospice Homecare hosted its coffee morning on September 18. A total of €1,100 was raised.On November 7, the Annual Table Quiz took place, and was very well attended. The total funds raised on the night came to €1,230. The prizes were hampers organised by Pauline Brady through South Hill Enterprises, and four bottles of wine kindly donated by Trish Lenihan. Congratualtions to the winning team, Rose Barry, Marcella Kelly, Mary Barry and Maureen McGowan. Sincere thanks to all those who donated raffle prizes.Local man, Brendan Cruise took part in Dublin City Marathon in October and donated €820 to Delvin Hospice. Many thanks Brendan, and also, a big thank you to all those who donated privately, and also through funeral donations throughout the year.For the next Hospice fundraiser, the Brownstown Community are inviting people to meet the "real" Santa, who will arrive in the Hurler"s Rest, Archerstown on Sunday, December 7 at 3pm sharp. A good turnout is expected to witness Santa"s arrival, and if last year"s event is anything to go by, it will be a guaranteed success.Refreshments will be served, and raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the evening. All proceeds are in aid of Delvin Hospice Homecare, and the club has paid tribute to the organisers and their supporters.Delvin Hospice Homecare Association would like to take this opportunity to wish its supporters a very Merry Christmas, and to thank them most sincerely for their support over the last number of years.St. Tola"s prefab retentionThe Board of Management of St. Tola"s National School, Hiskinstown, Delvin, has applied to Westmeath County Council for planning permission to retain an existing prefabricated structure, containing learning support and a resource room to the rear of the school building.The application was made on November 5, and a Council decision is due on January 8, 2009.St. Mary"s Sale of WorkThe 2008 St. Mary"s, South Hill pre-Christmas Sale of Work, hosted by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, will take place on Sunday next, November 30 at 2pm.The Sale of Work, which is always a very popular annual event, will feature (among many other attractions) lots of prizes, a Wheel of Fortune, Lucky Dip, and bargains galore.All are welcome to support the forthcoming day of family fun at the St. Mary"s centre (located on the Athboy Road at South Hill, just outside Delvin), and admission is free.Special Olympics - Westmeath WarriorsThe Westmeath Warriors meet every Monday evening excluding Bank Holidays in St. Patrick"s Hall, Delvin at 6.30p.m. All new members and volunteers are very welcome.For further information contact Collette Daffney - collette.daffney@scjms.ie or Vinginia Jennings - jenningssvp@eircom.net.