The Village of Wark

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,