Making parish centre ‘one of the best’ in the country
Plans for further improvements
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Donal Meaney at the extension at Newport Community Centre, which was completed a few years ago to provide a second hall and improved facilities.Image 2 of 3
Newport Community Centre, Clonbealy, where further improvements are to be carried out over the coming months.Image 3 of 3
The spacious interior of the main hall at Newport Community Centre where a bingo session is held every Tuesday night.A programme of further improvements at Newport Community Centre is being planned for the coming months to enhance the facilities for the benefit of the community.
The intention to further develop the centre has been revealed as the busiest ever schedule of events at the centre for the coming autumn and winter months has been confirmed, which includes a special celebration of the 11th anniversary of the weekly bingo in September.
Board chairman, Donal Meaney said that the intention is to make Newport Community Centre one of the best in the country.
“During Covid, Newport Community Centre Committee took full advantage of the closures and restrictions to look at what improvements could be made and how can we extend our services to the local community and surrounding communities,” he said.
“We are always looking at ways on how we can improve our centre and make it more accessible to the community. With the help of the Community Centre Investment Fund; we hope to improve our facilities further by making the centre more user-friendly, by installing a wheelchair lift for access to the stage and further improvements,” he added.
He pointed out that the centre has had much-needed upgrades carried out, such as new doors, CCTV upgrade and the installation of an outside sound system. Refurbishment on the stage toilets and dressing rooms has been carried out, making them more user friendly and comfortable for future use.
He said that the addition of the smaller hall in recent years has been of particular benefit to cater for the increase in demand for the facility for various community events.
At present the centre hosts a number of classes, such as computer course in partnership with ETB, Taekwondo, Ballroom Dancing, Irish Dancing, Adult Art Classes, Drama Classes for Kids and recently Newport Youth Club, which has been established using the centre on Friday evenings.
In the past six months the centre has hosted concerts produced by the two local secondary schools.
“With funding from North Tipperary Development Company, we have now opened a pool room in the centre; this is open five days a week. We have three pool tables. There is no need to book, just come along,” added Donal.
“We have also ungraded our party package, to include a bouncy castle, games and party bags. This has proven to very popular among the local community, so we recommend early booking.
“This September we will also be celebrating the 11th birthday since bingo began. We hope to have big celebrations on the night and thank all of our volunteers and supporters, who have come over the past decade,” he commented.
He pointed out that there is a busy calendar of events booked and planned for the centre over the remainder of this year starting next month with the welcome return of Dan Ryan's Garden Party, which leads us into in a live concert.
“Muzik N8 is an Indian cultural event to be held at the centre, with more information available on Facebook. In September there is the return of the programme of classes with the addition of some new class for this season. This September Primary School Children will be offered the opportunity to partake in Yoga for Kids for a free four-week programme open to all girls and boys aged between 4 and 12-years-old. Registration is a requirement for this programme and will be opened in September. This programme is being funded by the National Lottery.
“We are currently planning for Culture Night, which takes place on September 23. This will be a free event for the public and is open to everyone. If you have ideas or would like to partake in this event, please contact us we would love to have you,” he said.
“The Christmas Market will also be returning on December 3 and 4, with a special appearance from Santa Claus. This was one of the many highlights from 2021. We are currently welcoming booking for stalls for 2022,” he added.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
The directors of the Board of Management of the centre are Donal Meaney (Chairman), Cllr Fiona Bonfield, Caroline Meaney, Catriona O'Brien and Seamus Carew (Company Secretary), Mary Cussen.
FURTHER DETAILS
For further details and bookings contact 085 1579133 or email newportcommuntiycentre@hotmail.com or follow Facebook or Instagram.