Monthly Archives: January 2014

Collecting old mobile phones for a good cause…

A message from Sylvia Wood:

A friend from many years ago is collecting old mobile phones. Her son is autistic and if she can collect 165 phones he will get an Ipad that has apps specifically for him to use. I’ve already collected 25 from workmates and friends. She only needs another 25 and she’s reached her target.

Can you help?

Do you have any old phones lying in a drawer somewhere? They don’t have to work and don’t need the charger BUT they must have the battery. Drop them off to me at me at No 2 Council Houses/New Houses (the house by the post box) within the next fortnight and I will send them on to her in Fife.

Thanks, Sylvia

A thanks from the GVH Management Committee …

Many thanks to all those who attended the Village Hall’s AGM on Wednesday night. A synopsis of discussions is now available on the Trust pages of this website.

At the meeting, the management committee offered a number of thank-yous. Two ought be reiterated here. Firstly, thank-you to GMCC for their financial support and grant funding of important maintenance projects like the renewal and painting of the Hall’s outside windows. And secondly, thanks to all the Garvald residents who have supported the Hall and especially to those who have volunteered to help out at events.

Despite a couple of new recruits, the Hall’s management committee is still a tad short of members. Would anyone else like to join? We’re talking a maximum of one formal meeting per month as most business is dealt with on e-mail. The other big “burden” is putting on village events – which many of you help out at anyway … No more hard sell! Drop us a line if you are interested, or have a chat with one of the existing team – Barrie, Hazel, Katy or Caroline.

Helpers wanted!

Is anyone free on Friday evening? The Hall will be open for Burns Supper set-up from 6pm. There will be tables to lug, so strong volunteers would be most appreciated!

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at the Garvald Burns Supper …

At the 2014 Garvald Burns Supper on Saturday, the meal will be served by a group of young people who are all working towards their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. As part of this, they have to volunteer to work in local community organizations such as Old People’s Homes, Brownies, Charity shops or sports clubs, at least once a week for a year.

In addition they have to go on a 4-day expedition into wild country. The hire of equipment and the services of a suitably qualified leader are expensive, so they are keen to do a bit of fundraising. In addition to serving the meal, they will also be washing dishes and performing a musical interlude. There will be a tips jar at the end of the evening and any contribution as a reward for their effort will be much appreciated.

Some tickets are still available from Caroline McGregor on 830349.

Dog fouling in Garvald

Irresponsible dog walkers are failing to clean up after their pets, and the matter has now been reported to East Lothian Council Dog Warden. Further details about reporting an offence can be found on East Lothian Council website on the dog fouling page, and some of the relevant details are listed below.

Who is responsible for cleaning up after dogs?

Under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, if you are in charge of a dog you must clear up after it – regardless of your age and whether or not you own it.

You must pick up any fouling immediately and throw it away in a proper bin or take it home with you. (Please note that picking up dog fouling in a bag and then leaving the bag lying around is still an offence.)

The Act applies to all Council or privately-owned land, including:

• ground that is carefully cut and maintained
• natural long grass areas
• beaches: kicking sand over a piece of dog dirt simply means that a child building sandcastles will find it later!

Excuses (such as not knowing your dog has fouled or not having a bag with you to pick it up) won’t be accepted by our wardens, and you will still be fined.

Poop Scoop Bags

Free poop scoop bags are available from most council offices and libraries.

Next Wednesday at 7.30pm …

… would you have half an hour to spare? We appreciate everyone leads busy lives. And that family time is sacred. But it is the Village Hall AGM, and it would be super to see a good turn out. What’s in it for you? Well there will be home baking on offer. But more seriously, the Hall plays an important role in this community. So many people attend the events that it hosts, and use it as a venue for their own get-togethers. Why not join the management committee and trustees to review the last year, and to add your own thoughts on the strategy going forward? We promise we’ll keep it brief and interactive. If you do have something to say, but can’t make it, drop us a line here. That’s not an open invitation to skip the meeting though – we’ll be checking the validity of your excuse!

Burns Supper – a week to go!

A reminder that it is a week until the Garvald Village Burns Supper. Unfortunately Coreen Scott wont now be performing,  but the entertainment line up still looks great – well worth the ticket price alone! A four course meal will be served – with all your traditional favourites. And please, do bring a bottle so to be able to join in the toasts …

… contact Caroline MacGregor if you haven’t booked your place yet – she’s on 830349. The clock is ticking!