Walk around the Donolly reservoir and Danskine Loch

Core Paths around Garvald

Last week our local paths warden Dave Hapgood, from Snawdon, escorted a group of Garvald walkers on a wonderful walk around both the Donolly reservoir and Danskine loch. The aim of the excursion was to have a look at the state of the paths and to see if any improvements were possible or desirable.

In case you are new to the village, the way to reach this walk is to take the bottom road heading west out of the village, sign-posted Carfrae. Just before the road starts to climb up the hill there is a left turn to Garvald Mains Farm, and then about 30m along this road a right-hand track leading to the reservoir. Dave has attached core path signs at various points to show the way.

Thanks to Dave’s work in thinning out self-seeded trees there is now a good path right round the Donolly and this makes a very nice circular walk from Garvald. There is a bit of mud on the south side of the reservoir and the path winds around in and out of trees on the north side but it’s a lovely walk, with occasional feathered company. The circle can be completed in approximately one and a half hours.

We would like to hear comments from other walkers so please take advantage of the mild autumn weather and report back via the website.

A core path leads from the west end of the Donolly through a very muddy field, across the road and then around the Danskine loch. It is then possible to walk on core paths all the way to Gifford. The path round Danskine loch is good, but the intervening muddy field presents a bit of an obstacle. We would be keen to hear any creative suggestions about how to improve this part of the path.

So, dig out your boots, your camera and go walking, but don’t forget the chocolate biscuits like we did!

Dave’s description of the walk to Gifford
https://www.elcv.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DH-walk-garvald-to-gifford.pdf

Other core paths in East Lothian
https://www.elcv.org.uk/library/path-descriptions/

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Hogmanay Hoolie

We are delighted to be welcoming back The Robert Fish Band to Garvald Village Hall for our annual Hogmanay Hoolie. Tickets will be on sale from 1st December 2018

Garvald Christmas Craft Day, 25th November

Update on Garvald Christmas Craft Day to be held on Sunday 25th November in Garvald Village Hall.

There will be a small number of stalls selling their wares; homemade jewellery, candles, cards etc.

We will have a Children’s craft table where cards and tree decorations can be made.

Janet Winter is going to make bottle lights – bring along an empty wine bottle or similar and for a small donation towards materials this can be turned into a beautiful light!

Mulled wine will be served along with tea, coffee and festive home baking – all donations of baking would be much appreciated.

If anyone else would like to demonstrate/teach a craft or activity for adults or children, please contact Sarah Ramsay on 830334.

Remembrance Day 11th November

Garvald and Morham Churches have now been swathed in knitted poppies and they are open for visitors every day.

Arrangements for Remembrance Sunday are in the poster below.

The gathering at the War memorial in Garvald is a special event to mark the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day and we invite everyone to attend.

Gifford Film Club, 9th November showing

The November film showing will start at the slightly later time of 8.30pm (due to the Yester House fireworks display). Doors open at 8pm. The Members’ Choice for the December film will also be announced that night!

Find out about membership, film nights and download the 2018 film programme at www.giffordfilms.co.uk.

Friday 9th November – Maudie

The fascinating life of Canadian folk artist, Maud Lewis. In this unlikely love story, reclusive fisherman Everett (Ethan Hawke) hires the fragile yet determined Maud (Sally Hawkins) as his housekeeper. Crippled with arthritis, Maud yearns to escape her family and realise her passion to paint. Everett finds himself falling in love and the film charts their simple life, his efforts to protect himself from being hurt, Maud’s deep and abiding love for a difficult man and her amazing rise to fame.

Pilates on Tuesdays

Message from Rachael Milligan:

Just a quick reminder that my Pilates class will run from this Tuesday in Garvald village hall at 5.30pm. It will be suitable for all ability levels, please bring a drink and a mat if you have one, and layered clothing we will get warm and possibly cool! Don’t worry if you don’t have a mat, I have mats available. Sometimes a wee towel to roll up can be useful. I will charge £8 for the first session and am hoping to run 6 week blocks at £42, saving of £6.

A bit about me: I’m fully qualified and insured and have been teaching for 4 years now. I teach a variety of classes around East Lothian and in the Aubigny and Mussleburgh leisure centres. I am passionate about fitness and really want you to enjoy your sessions! I’m looking forward to seeing you all. Contact me if you need more information.

Thanks,

Rachael

Remembrance Day 11th November 2018

For those people who have been knitting poppies as part of the nationwide project to mark 100 years since the end of World War I, we will have our final session for collecting the poppies into a display on Monday 29th October from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm in the Stables.

We already have several hundred poppies.

The poppies will be on display in Garvald and Morham Churches before and after Remembrance Day.

Arrangements for this especially significant Remembrance Day are on the attached poster.

Community Emergency Plan

A message from Penny Short, Chair of Garvald and Morham Community Council:

Following the severe weather we experienced last year I have been working on a Community Emergency Plan to better prepare us for any similar emergency events. Villagers will recall how we were completely cut-off due to the roads being closed by snow and the situation could have become extremely difficult had the extreme weather continued, especially if we had also lost power. I was very proud of how the community came together, particularly the valiant villagers who kindly sourced some milk and bread.

It is sensible to formalise arrangements should such a situation arise again. I have been consulting with the Council’s Emergency Planning & Risk Manager on what the Council can do to help, but we must also take steps to improve our own resilience – the severe weather in February highlighted how little the Council could actually do to help once we were cut off and not everyone was fully prepared.

The main threats to our community include severe weather, such as snow, ice, flooding and high winds, which can cause falling trees and other hazards including first aid emergencies, fires and children/vulnerable people going missing.

Do you have any skills, tools or other resources that could help in any of these situations? For example, local farmers or tree surgeons may have equipment or expertise they are willing to offer. People may be trained in first aid or happy to be called upon should a search party be required. Maybe you have a 4×4 vehicle and could offer transport to pick up supplies in snowy weather, when other vehicles cannot get out of the village.

Would you be happy to be called upon in an emergency? If you would like to be added to our list of local skills and resources please respond using the form below.

Many thanks,

Penny Short

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