This year’s Christmas dinner was superbly attended. Many thanks to all those who came along. And even bigger thanks to those who brought food to share. Viki Freedland’s speech was excellent. And it was as lovely as ever to hear Father Mark’s respond on behalf of the Community at Nunraw. Special mention also to the novelty-jumper-clad “staff” from Knox Accademy’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Not only did they work dilligently, but they brought a touch of youthful freshness to proceedings. Well done to them, and their weighty tips jar was well deserved.

Should you have any reflections on the evening, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the organising committee – Katy, Trudi, Anne and/or Liz. Cheers!

Wow, what a lot of village Christmas Dinner replies?! Many thanks to all of you. Looks like there’s going to be a swell turnout. Novelty jumpers and antler alicebands at the ready …

In a slight change to tradition, the event is going to be “staffed” this year by a group of youngsters raising funds for their Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. As they will undoubtedly do an amazing job, and deserve a massive tip, it would be great if attendees could remember to bring their purses and/or wallets with them on the night. Many thanks in advance.

Any more takers for the village festivities next week? If so, can slips and monies be returned ASAP. Please post into the black mail box at The Rowans. Many thanks in advance.

Copies of this year’s Children’s Poetry Competition books (containing all entries to the competition) have been left at The Garvald Inn. Please take one if you’d like one to keep.

A copy of the book is also available online in PDF format, accessible from the Poetry Competition 2016 page.

Well think about Christmas instead! And specifically, the village meal on Thursday 8th December from 7pm … A number of people have already RSVP-ed – thank-you very much. But even more haven’t so it felt like high time for a wee prompt – *nudge nudge nudge* Please pop reply slips and monies into the letter box at The Rowans over the next week or so. Many thanks in advance.

Message from Penny Short, Chair of Garvald & Morham Community Council:

Haddington and Lammermuir Area Partnership are proposing to install cycle racks across from the pub on the village green (not the side where the Christmas tree sits).  This would involve three or four racks (to take six or eight bikes), on a concrete base.  I would be grateful if you could please use the contact form to let me know as soon as possible if you have any objections to this – we need to know whether or not this is something the village would be in favour of.

All possible locations in the village were looked at but this site was deemed to be most suitable as the racks are not allowed on pavements and we didn’t want to lose any of the limited parking spaces already available.

Chesters road to Garvald – update:

Scottish Water have advised that they are still working on site as the job was a lot bigger than they thought. The work is due to be completed by Friday afternoon.