The Village of Wark

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.