The Village of Wark

Archive for December, 2008

Our school had a very busy week last week with two performances of the Christmas play, the Very Hopeless Camel. The play tells the story of a camel which keeps getting lost on his way to the stable in Bethlehem. The lead role was ably played by Ant Wright from Stonehaugh, and everyone, including the kids from the preschool, did terrifically well. In addition the school hosted a Christmas craft workshop for the older kids on Saturday, where they made all sorts of things, including some great table decorations. Needless to say that none of these things would happen without the commitment of the teachers and other staff in the school and our thanks go to them too.

This week a special mention goes to Janet Walton who will be leaving Wark School. Janet has been the school secretary for 17 years and is leaving to similar work at Chollerton School. I understand that Wark School has started the process of recruiting a replacement. Thanks very much for all your work over those years, Janet.

There was a lovely buzz in the Town Hall on Saturday for the exhibition by the Local History Group. ‘100 Years in Pictures’ brought together a whole series of photographs, maps and documents gathered by the group over the last 18 months or so. It gave an opportunity to others to see what the group have been up to. People had an opportunity to put names to faces in photographs and help with the dates of some of them. The exhibition provided another opportunity for people new to the village to talk to people whose families have been here for generations and to learn about our joint history and above all, is was a lovely social occasion. The History Group has come a long way in a short time.

Do I need to remind you of the Christmas carols on the Green on Christmas eve?

Before I report of the activities of last week, let me tell you about the exhibition, 100 Years in Pictures, the Local History Group is having in the Town Hall tomorrow, Saturday 13 December. The group is now in its second year and has gathered all sorts of stuff. You’ll find an exhibition of local photographs with special sections on the railway and the bridge. There will also be an opportunity to see the Historic Wark Atlas the group commissioned last year, together with the interesting range of old maps that came with that project.

They also have a section on trade and shops. The group has asked me to mention that if you have photos or documents you’re willing to share with the group, to please bring them along. ‘100 years in Pictures’ will be open between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and teas and coffees will be available.

As I mentioned last week the Pensioners Christmas Dinner indeed did take place with just under 90 people in the Hall having an early taste of Christmas with local entertainment. Like with many of these large events in the village, the Christmas Dinner only happens because of the huge effort of a large number of people who willingly give their time. One of the very nice things is that some of the younger people helped out last week, waiting on tables. Thanks go to all of those who made the event such a success.

There was a very nice buzz to Saturday’s, St Michael’s Christmas Bazaar in the Hall. I noticed one youngster busy buying presents for mum and dad and I suppose there was really something for everyone. If you bought raffle tickets, you probably already know if you won anything, but there will be a list of winners in the Post Office. I haven’t yet heard how much money was raised for St Michael’s Church, but when I do, I’ll let you know.

That very same night, also on Saturday 6 December, to hall was filled again for the Christmas Extravaganza, in aid of ‘Lifespan’, a charity based at Minsteracres near Riding Mill. Somebody called it an ‘evening of old fashioned entertainment’ and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. A huge amount of effort and rehearsal has gone into it by the organising group with members from both the village and further afield, and the rehearsal showed. In the process about £350 was raised for ‘Lifespan’.

I’ve been asked to mention the final amount of money raised at the Promise Auction in aid of Wark Recreational Charity as few weeks ago: a fantastic £2093.40. The committee wants to thank all those who donated ‘items, lots or donations’ and those who were there to buy them all.

Finally a reminder of the events in the village next week. First there’s the Bellingham Amateur Dramatic Society with their Christmas Review at the Hall on the 17th. Tickets are £5 or £3 for concessions and are available from Judith Weir on (01434) 230250 or on the door on the day itself. Then the following night, Thursday 18 December, we’ve got the Hexham Male Voice Choir giving a concert in St Michael’s Church. Admission is £6 which includes a buffet supper and a glass of wine. The concert starts at 7.30 p.m.

December looks to be a busy months with lots of stuff happening. Everything kicks off with tomorrow, Saturday’s, St Michael’s Christmas Bazaar in the Town Hall from 2 p.m. There will be stalls with locally-made Christmas decorations, cakes, bric-a-brac, tombola and a raffle. Admission is just 50p. To me the Christmas Bazaar is an informal start to the Christmas season.

That very same night, still on Saturday 6 December, you’ll have a chance to see the Christmas Extravaganza in aid of  ‘Lifespan’. It will be a night of music, dancing and comedy. Tickets are £5 on the door and there will be a bar.  The Christmas Extravaganza starts at 7.30 p.m.

The Wark branch of the Royal British Legion is the only one left west of Prudhoe and this year the area raised a magnificent £3,293.93 from 8 villages, Bellingham, Humshaugh, Simonburn, Birtley, Barrasford, Gunnerton, Stonehaugh and of course Wark itself. Thanks go to all the collectors and the businesses that allow the Legion to have collecting tins at their premises.

This Tuesday, 2 December, will have seen more than 90 people sitting down to a free three course Christmas dinner with entertainment afterwards. I’ll give you a full report next week.

The week of the 14th of December is also packed with two events to keep you occupied. First on Wednesday 17th, the Hall hosts the Bellingham Amateur Dramatic Society with their Christmas Review touring the North Tyne Valley that week. The Review features a cast ranging in age from 10 to 82! The productions are always interesting and you can be sure to have a good night out. Tickets are £5 or £3 for concessions and are available from Judith Weir on (01434) 230250 or on the door on the day itself.

Then the following night, Thursday 18 December, we’ve got the Hexham Male Voice Choir giving a concert in St Michael’s Church. Admission is £6 which includes a buffet supper and a glass of wine. The concert starts at 7.30 p.m.