The Village of Wark

Last Saturday night the Hall was just about filled to capacity for an evening to celebrate the individual effort of people supporting the British Legion in our area.  People who have been involved in the Poppy Appeals in the area between Humshaugh and Kielder were given awards, medals and commendations by the Duchess of Northumberland, who is this year’s Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland.  It was wonderful to see this tremendous effort being recognized by such a large group of people.  The awards ranged from commendations to the First Schools of Wark, Humshaugh and Chollerton, to awards for almost incredible 50 and even 60 years’ service!  One of the members of the audience was Mr. Jeff Lodge MBE, one of the Trustees of the British Legion, who told me that he had only once before seen 60 years’ service recognized.  He also explained that the Poppy Appeal had already raised £30million since November 2009.  That seems a very large amount of money, but it compares with the £100 million that the British Legion spends every year on welfare.  After the awards Mrs. Liesbeth Langford from Humshaugh gave a very moving talk about her experiences as a young girl in occupied Holland in the Second World War.  Mrs. Langford talked about the everyday difficulties and especially about the ever present dangers from the occupying Germans.  Mrs. Langford’s talk was very much appreciated by the audience.  The evening was rounded off by cheese and wine and music from Mike and Di Gibson and Stephen Fry.

Word has reached me that the new Stonehaugh Community Hall will be hosting taster sessions of a couple of activities in the next few weeks.  On the morning of Tuesday 9^th February Chris Blain will give you a flavour of Tai Chi.  That session is between 10 and 12 noon.  Then on Tuesday the 16^th of February you’ll have a chance to have a go at fitness training with John Familton.  The fitness takes place between 7 and 9 p.m.  Anyone interested can contact Alison Dennis on (01434) 230431 or Ann Bulman on (01434) 230624.

I told you last week about a number of things coming up in the Town Hall.  On Saturday February 13^th, Joseph Oliver and friends will play at the Town Hall for a dance.  I understand that Joseph is the grandson of the ‘Cowan’ part of the Kirkcowan Sound and is a very accomplished traditional dance musician. Tickets are only £5 and you’re asked to bring something for a shared supper. 

With regard to the Table Top Sale in the Town hall on the weekend after, the 20^th of February, I failed to mention that the sale will start at 1 p.m. with sellers being able to set up from 12 noon.  That failure to mention the time, hasn’t stopped people starting to book tables though; I understand from Judith that they are going well.  Those tables are £6 each and you can book them through Judith Weir (01434- 230250).