August Newsround |
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Courier Vacates Newton Port Site
East Lothian Courier, which proudly claims to be the county’s top selling weekly newspaper has dramatically moved premises and have put their home of the last 149 years up for sale.
Formerly known as the ‘Haddingtonshire Courier’ the newspaper has been a constant and vibrant part of the community for longer than anyone can remember and even kept printing during the General Strike of 1926 although it was greatly reduced in size and the price dropped to 1p during that turbulent period.
The premises, situated in the corner of Market Street and Newton Port was a constant focal point and visitors to the premises, including on many occasions, your editor, could be assured of helpful advice and courteous attention whatever their business might have been.
Dramatic changes have taken place over the past few years following the death of the proprietor, Ken Whitsun and its purchase by Trinity Mirror Printing Saltire limited and only a handful of staff have been retained locally.
The newspaper has relocated to 56 Court Street above the Clydesdale Bank and has a ground floor reception area. They look forward to greeting readers and advertisers there and are committed to maintaining and improving their service to the public. Their phone number (01620 822451) remains unchanged.
Haddington Post Office Urged to Improve Access For Disabled
Despite the announcement that the Post Offices in Elphinstone and West Barns are scheduled to be closed later this year, there has perhaps been a feeling of relief across the county that others have been saved, albeit with a reduced service in some cases. However, these changes, which are likely to lead to an increased customer flow in the Haddington Branch, have highlighted a longstanding problem with these premises. For far too long, it has been recognised that access for disabled customers has been severely deficient with those unable to climb the steps at the entrance having to ring a bell and wait for a member of stall coming to assist them. This is clearly unacceptable in the twenty first century. |
Responsibility for access to the building apparently rests with the Post Office and it is generally accepted that the width of the pavement makes the provision of a suitable ramp difficult. Members of Haddington Community Council have called for the issue to be addressed and there is a general feeling that if money was to be made available and plenty of goodwill was in tap a resolution would be possible. ‘Newsround’ shares this opinion and will be keeping its readers informed of any progress. |
Iain Holds His Breath as Polls ‘Look Promising’.
Local MSP Iain Gray was taking nothing for granted recently as campaigning for the leadership of the Labour Party in Scotland hotted up and he was believed to have stolen a march on his west coast rivals. Mr Gray believes that he can offer a new voice and a fresh start for Scottish Labour |
and is convinced that people succeed where they work together to make a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. A former worker with Oxfam, Mr Gray will learn his fate on 13th September when the winner of the leadership election will be formally announced. |
Generous Donation Delights Day Centre Staff
As the Haddington and District Day Centre prepares to take possession of a brand new mini-bus within the next few weeks, a mystery donor has boosted the appeal fund with a remarkably generous gift of £500. Centre organiser Caroline Scott was amazed to find the money pushed through the door as she arrived at work recently. She was quick to thank the mystery benefactor, remarking, ‘I think this shows how important the Day Centre is to many of the older people in Haddington and the surrounding area’. |
The new bus will be used to ferry clients to and from the Day Centre and to provide day and half-day trips to places of interest around the county and beyond. It will replace the current bus, which was purchased with a lottery grant prior to the Millennium. The centre’s fundraising campaign was further boosted by a recent collection in Tesco’s and a brunch and tabletop sale within the premises. |
Guardians Gather to Celebrate Haddington’s ‘Most Uplifting Event’.
It is now twenty-five years since St Mary’s Parish Church was fully restored to its pre-reformation state, an event later described as ‘the single most exciting and uplifting event in Haddington’s twentieth century history’. During the intervening years, over 200 000 visitors have been welcomed to the church by the huge army of Guardians who have been unstinting in their dedication to the task. The twenty fifth celebrations seems the ideal time to say thank you to them all and so, on Sunday 28th September the 11 am service will be one of Thanksgiving for |
twenty-five years of Open Season. It is hoped that many who have been a part of this in any way will come along that morning to the service and then join the current Guardians for a Pot Luck lunch afterwards. Readers of ‘Newsround’ who may be know of individuals who have been involved with the Guardians in the past and who may be unaware of the upcoming event are asked to get in touch with Janet Chrystal who is organising the invitations. |
Men Wanted!
‘Newsround’ received the following email from the Garleton Singers and are delighted to reproduce it in full. Garleton Singers have proudly represented Haddington at home and abroad on many occasions and anyone interested in their appeal is urged to get in touch.
The Garleton Singers are having man trouble - or rather, lack of man trouble. The East Lothian choir, have been singing in Scotland and beyond for over twenty five years, and are well known for their exciting repertoire and friendly rehearsals. 'Last year a touring choir travelled to Florence and actually sang at the feet of Michaelango's David' said Sadie Maskery, the choir's archivist and librarian. 'We weren't supposed to - we were in the Galleria dell'Accademia on a tour and Stephen Doughty the MD looked at us, grinned, and dragged us together for an impromptu rendition of Elgar. It was pretty good considering we didn't have any music with us and were waiting for security to throw us out. In the end the guards applauded as well. It was the best audience of the tour.'
Most of the time performances are less liable to end in arrest, but the Garleton Singers have sung throughout Scotland and Europe, including this year at the Edinburgh Fringe. Now they are looking to recruit more tenors and basses for their popular Christmas Carol Concert, as well as a free performance of The Armed Man by Carl Jenkins, to be held at St Mary's Church Haddington for Remembrance Sunday in November. 'Our men are all brillliant' said Sadie, 'But they have to work hard to keep up with the women, and it would be nice if they had reinforcements.' Although it's men the Garleton Singers hope to recruit, any women with deep voices and an urge to sing tenor (or even bass, if they have the lungs) would be equally welcome. 'It helps if you can sight read music' Sadie pointed out 'But if you are enthusiastic and willing to give us a go, the choir will provide extra help'.
If you are interested in joining the Garleton Singers, an open rehearsal is being held at Macmerry Village Hall on Monday 9th September from 7.30pm. Anyone interested in coming along can try their hand (and voice), and chat to choir members and Stephen Doughty over coffee in the break. Rehearsals are normally held at the Townhouse, Haddington, every Monday. If you are unable to make the rehearsal contact Sadie on 07786 128487 to schedule a try-out another time.