The Village of Wark

Well, this weekend see another big history event with the celebrations of the 65^th anniversary of VE Day.  Members of the Wark Local History Group have been preparing for months, going through various ups and downs, but here we are, ready to roll.  I’ve been asked to point out that, contrary to what was published last week, you’re asked to bring a contribution to the Victory Tea on the Green.  It is also worth reminding you that there are competitions for ‘Best dressed family’ and ‘Best Dad’s army lookalike’ and a tug of war competition, all happening after 3 o’clock on the Green.  It’s not too late to get tickets for the dance in the Town Hall in the evening.  You can get them on the door at £3.50 each.

About 50 people were treated to an absolutely wonderful event at the Town Hall last week, when Hugh Lupton and Chris Wood brought their ‘On Common Ground’ to the village as part of the Highlights programme.  ‘On Common Ground’ tells the story of the poet John Clare, who lived through a wholesale change of the English landscape, in the first half of the 19^th century when the area that he lived and grew up in, Helpston between Peterborough and Stamford, was enclosed. What the performance brought out more than anything else, was that for Clare, the land and the landscape were part of his being, so that, when that all changed , he lost himself.  The CD that goes with the performance (as is customary on these occasions) says: “This is a performance that explores the porous boundaries between language and place, madness and exile, love and loss.”  If you ever get the chance to go and see, and especially hear the performance, do so.  It’s brilliant.

Word has reached me that 4 people from the village will be doing an epic sponsored walk at the end of the month.  Robert Baty, Mary Robinson. Jim and Linda Famelton will join another 4 from Bellingham and walk from Carter Bar to the Anchor at Kielder in aid of the Northumberland Air Ambulance on May the 30^th.  You can find sponsorship forms in the butcher’s or at the post office and support this very good cause.

At the time of writing, there is still a full day to go at the Big Book sale at St. Michael’s Church.  I found some gems when I called in earlier and I understand that a fair number of people came through the doors on Saturday.  I dare say I’ll find out later this week how much was raised over the three days and will report in due course.  It’s worth mentioning that many people contributed to its success, ranging from people donating books, making biscuits, cakes and preserves to sell or doing a stint in church.  Special thanks go to John and Cyril Cooper who have been responsible for getting all the books together and sorted.

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