The Village of Wark

Archive for December, 2009

You’ll remember that I mentioned in this column last week that the Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner had been running for at least 25 years.  Well, word reached me this week that this is a tradition going back at least 50 years!  My informant tells me that she became involved that long ago and that it had been going for some time then.  I think we can safely say that this is another venerable Wark village tradition and one very much worth carrying on with.

I’m sure you won’t need reminding of another, slightly more recent tradition.  The Christmas carols on the Green will take place again on Christmas Eve, starting at about 6.30 p.m.  I know from one or two people from further afield, that they have discovered this get-together and look forward to coming to join us on the night.  Of course we trust that Santa will make an appearance again, but I suppose you can never be quite sure of that.

Christmas services this year will be a Midnight Mass at St. Mungo’s in Simonburn at 11.30 p.m.  on Christmas Eve with a Family Communion on Christmas day at St. Michael’s at 10.30 a.m.

For this next section I’d like to stray just a few miles up the valley.  I do hope some of you got the chance to make a trip up to Bellingham last week to see the Bellingham and District Amateur Dramatic Society’s show the Cristal Mere, one of the fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.  The set was very interesting, using a big chunk of Bellingham Town hall and the costumes were out of this world.  The play itself was quite an unsettling story of power, love, loss and growing up, all beautifully done by a huge cast of actors.  I thought it especially great to see so many young people involved and who knows, we might get them back to Wark sometime.

You’ll remember that I flagged up John Kirkpatrick’s ‘Carolling and Crumpets’ concert on Tuesday the 15^th in the Town Hall.  As many of you know, Highlights events are always worth it, but this week word has reached me that John Kirkpatrick has been nominated for the BBC Radio2 Folk Awards for 2010, making it even more special to have such a fabulous musician come to Wark. Tickets are going well, so if you want to be there, you’ll have to get your skates on.  Tickets cost £6.50 (or £4.50 for concessions) and are available from Judith Weir on (01434) 230250.  The gig starts at 7.30 p.m. and there will be a bar.

This Sunday, 13 December 2009, Stonehaugh Community Hall will be hosting the village’s annual Christingle Service at 6.30p.m. Of course everyone is welcome to attend and the traditional Christingles will be distributed.  In addition they’ll be serving mince pies and mulled wine after the service. 

Last weekend saw plenty people flocking to the Town Hall in Wark for St Michael’s Christmas Bazaar.  As usual the cake stall was incredibly popular, selling out in a very short time and the same happened to the stall selling Christmas wreaths.  Children from Wark School had made lots of Christmas cards which gave a hall a very festive look.  The Ladies Guild, which organizes the Christmas Bazaar, raised just over £800 which is an excellent result.

Also last week was the annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner, again in the Town Hall.  I’ve been trying to remember how many years this event has taken place and it must be at least 25, but it’s been difficult to pinpoint it precisely.  Just under 90 people sat down for their Christmas Dinner.  I’ve been asked to mention especially the behind the scenes support received from many people and especially the school and the Battlesteads, without which the event would be difficult to organize.  Thank you very much for your contributions.

Over the last few weeks staff,  governors and children at Wark First School have been discussing the strengths and areas for development in our school to inform our annual School Development Plan.  They’re hoping to renew many of the school awards such as the Healthy Schools award and the Green Flag Eco award and would like to do more with the school grounds and further improve outdoor provision.  Developing links with the wider community also figures in the list.  If you would like to make any suggestions to inform the School Development Plan Head Teacher, Mrs. Henry would be delighted to hear from you. In the mean time you might also be interested to know that the school Carol Service will take place at St. Michael’s Church on Friday 18 December, starting at 2 p.m.

Finally a quick mention of this year’s Poppy Appeal by the Wark Branch of the British Legion.  A magnificent £3505 was raised by about 30 people working the area between Humshaugh and Bellingham.  That’s about £200 more than last year.  Thank you very much for both your financial support and the volunteer effort to run the appeal.

There is a bit of a Christmassy theme to this week’s Wark Notes, starting with tomorrow’s  Christmas Bazaar in Wark Town Hall.  St. Michael’s Christmas Bazaar is an honourable village tradition bringing you a whole variety of stalls: cakes, a wide range of Christmas decorations, books and gifts together with a tombola and a raffle.  Of course you’ll also be able to stop by for a cup of tea and a biscuit.  St. Michael’s Christmas Bazaar starts at 2 p.m. and entry is just 50p.

Then there’s a bit of warning of a Highlights treat for Christmas, also at the Town Hall on Tuesday 15 December when one of the most respected folk musicians in the country visits.  John Kirkpatrick will bring his Christmas show ‘Carolling & Crumpets’ which peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the many mysterious and murky goings-on in midwinter.   John Kirkpatrick is an expert player of Button Accordion, Anglo Concertina and Melodeon as well as being a great singer and a very humorous entertainer.  He was once a member of Steeleye Span together with Martin Carthy and they both currently play together in ‘Brass Monkey’.  Tickets are available from Judith Weir on (01434) 230250 and the gig will start at 7.30 p.m.

This year’s Christmas play at Wark First School is a traditional nativity story, but with a modern twist.  There are two performances, on Tuesday 8^th December  at 2p.m. and then again on Wednesday 9 December at 6.30 in the evening.  Staff and pupils will be very happy to see members of the local community there.

Despite the recession people in the area seem to be as generous as ever:  the Town Hall Christmas Bingo last week raised a whopping £500 for Town Hall funds.  I’ve been asked to especially thank all the businesses and individuals who provided prize for the bingo, and all those who attended the evening.

Finally, a mention of the vacancy on the Parish Council.  The Parish Council is seeking to fill this vacancy by co-opting an additional member. Parish Councillors are expected to take an interest in the community and be able to contribute to improving it.  The Council meets six times a year; the next meeting being held on 18 January 2010. If you would like to be considered for this vacancy please contact Pat Johnston, the Parish Clerk by 20 December 2009 for further information.  You can contact him by telephone on (01434 674095 or by email on clerk.wark@tiscali.co.uk,