June Newsround |
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Traders Plea to Supermarket Giants
In a dramatic change to the age-old script, David has entered into meaningful dialogue with Goliath! Worried that should Tesco move from the town centre, the traditional shopping area would be fatally decimated, local traders have started a campaign to persuade them to stay put.
Central to the appeal is Tesco’s planning application for a new 50.000 square feet superstore at Gateside which it is claimed will create 200 new jobs, and the proposed redevelopment of the current central site at Calder’s Lawn. An exhibition at the Maitlandfield Hotel earlier this year showed the proposals for this so-called ‘Courtyards Haddington’ which will involve housing, retail units, cafes/restaurants and a small non-Tesco supermarket.
Mindful of the role Tesco currently plays in attracting customers to the town centre, Haddington Business Association (HBA) has launched a ‘Stop Tesco Leaving’ campaign that has the full support of a residents group based in Gateside.
A spokesman for HBA predicted that if the controversial plans went ahead up to a third of the current centrally located businesses may go out of business while shoppers without access to their own transport would be gravely disadvantaged.
It is understood that a council review of retail opportunities is likely to report later this year on this and other related planning applications.
Forty Years of Festival Fun
Jan Wilson, Chair of the Royal Burgh of Haddington and District Community Council and organiser-in-chief of Haddington Festival described herself as being ’well pleased’ with this years attractions. The festival, which was inaugurated in 1968 at the behest of the then Town Council continues to go from strength and this year’s events were well supported by the public. Major George McFarlane of the Knox Academy Combined Cadet Force officially opened the festival and |
community council vice-chair John Golightly laid a wreath at the war memorial on behalf of the organisers. The climax to a truly wonderful festival took place on the Saturday when, for once blessed with sunshine, large numbers congregated in Neilson Park for a family orientated fun afternoon. Community Councillor and Festival Committee member, Emily Armatage told ‘Newsround’ ‘Overall it has been another tremendous Festival. We would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to its success. |
Haddington Athletic celebrates a solid year of achievement
As the season draws to a close, the various Haddington Athletic squads can be well pleased with this term’s efforts despite the silverware evading our grasp on all but one occasion. The Juniors, under manager George Bowmaker, have had to settle for second place in the East Region South Division. Pushing eventual winners, Fauldhouse United, all the way, the promotion battle only ended with a draw in the penultimate game of the campaign, as the Hi Hi finished in their highest placing for almost a decade. The initial seasons for the Amateurs and Under-21s, coached by Derek Aitken and Ian McDonald respectively, were more aimed at re-establishing the teams as going concerns than expecting trophies. This goal was achieved in both cases, with the teams recording mid-table finishes. The Amateurs had the bonus of a cup final appearance but were defeated at the final hurdle by Gorebridge Thistle.
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A semi-final League Cup appearance was the highlight of the under-17s season as the league campaign failed to live up to a bright start for Raymond Daniel’s squad. Silverware did arrive at the Hi Hi, however, when Graham Lavin’s Under-16s squad triumphed in the Treasurer’s Cup, beating Redpath Albion 2-1 at Millfield Park in Haddington. The Semi-Final stages were again reached as Colin Young’s Under-14s progressed to the last four in the Willie Bauld Cup before losing out to Salvesen. The Under-13’s guided by Tery Hill and Dougie Martin went one stage better in the Belmont Vauxhall Cup before going down to rivals Redpath by the odd goal in five. Finally, the under-13 Colts claimed another Semi-Final slot for the Hi Hi before Edgar Beever’s team were defeated by Peebles FC. As far as league placings went, all the youth teams finished solidly mid table. Provided the core of each squad can be kept and perhaps added to, there is no reason why next year’s efforts shouldn’t bring greater reward. Rob Sykes |
Fond Farewells to Roy and Margaret.
Kirk and community have wished a fond farewell to Sir Roy and Margaret Cameron as they leave the town to return to their roots in the Glasgow district. Prior to his retirement Sir Roy in 2002 was the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police and thereafter HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland. In the eight years they have lived in Haddington the couple have been very active in community affairs. Sir Roy was session clerk at St Mary’s Parish Church for the last four years and a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian. He was president of Haddington Rotary Club in 2007/08. Margaret has been equally active in church circles in her capacity as a Sunday welcomer and a variety of other duties. |
Their efforts have been greatly appreciated and the Rev Jennifer Macrae spoke for many when she said, ‘The Camerons have been faithful servants here and we are much in their debt. We are sorry to see them go but we are glad that they have been so much a part of St Mary’s. Sir Roy emphasised how happy the couple have been in Haddington and said they would be sorry to leave. However, they had been away from their family in the west for 14 years and felt that the time was right to go back. |
Award Winning Maren says ‘Thanks’ to Dad.
11 year old Maren Kelly has won this year’s ‘John Lockhart Trophy for Young Achievers’ and has used the occasion to pay fulsome tribute to her dad. The award is presented annually to recognise the positive impact, often in adversity, by young people in their family or community. Maren’s enjoyment of life had become increasingly curtailed following the removal of a kidney at the age of three, and the gradual deterioration of her remaining one. Attendance at school became curtailed to a half-day and involvement in usually taken for granted activities such as swimming became impossible. |
As the need for a transplant became apparent close family members, including both parents, were screened for compatibility and her dad, Alex Black proved the best match. Although he modestly declines to discuss his gift of life, it is understood that he had no hesitation in donating the life saving kidney. It is now a year since the life-changing transplant and Maren’s grateful family describes the difference as being astonishing. It is hoped that Maren’s story will inspire other families experiencing similar difficulties and encourage them to believe that there can be light at the end of tunnel. Well done to everyone concerned! |
East Lothian’s Provost ‘Extremely Proud’ of Son’s Achievements
East Lothian man Neil Richardson has landed a top job in the police force and like any mum, his mother, Provost Sheena Richardson is extremely proud of his achievements.
Neil who now lives in Currie with his wife and family was brought up in Haddington and has been appointed Deputy Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, the second largest force in the UK. Policing has long been in the Richardson family as Neil’s grandfather, George Richardson was for many years, the desk sergeant at North Berwick Police Station.
Neil will be leaving the Lothian and Borders force where he has worked since 1985 to take up his new appointment and has expressed his delight at the thought of tackling the challenges ahead.