Stenton Village

Summer Party

2010-07-28T22:59:00.001+01:00

Tea Tickets on sale at Morning Service at Stenton and Prestonkirk. Also at Anderson’s and East Linton Post Office.

Contributions to all of the below very welcome!

Tombola – Winifred Govan and Dorothy Kerr

Lucky Bottle Stall – Jill Wareham (Screw-topped wine bottles – full & empty!)

Cake and Candy – Susan Kinnaird, Kirstine McKenzie, Eleanor Miller

Teas – Libby Jeffrey, Val Fisher

Special thanks to Ailsa Maguire, winner of our poster design competition, and to runner-up, Mhairi MacDon

The New Minister

2010-06-25T15:38:00.001+01:00

The Congregation have now elected the Rev David Scott to be the new minister of the Parish.

In church terms the next part of the process is for members of the congregation to sign a “call” to Mr Scott inviting him to take up this post.

This document will be available at Stenton Church on the next two Sundays and on Tuesdays 22nd and 29th June between 6.30 and 7.00pm.

If you are not a church member you are also invited to be part of this process and you can sign a paper associating yourself with the call.

Please contact Bill Stevenson if you would like any other information.

Bill Stevenson

Tel: 07836 348999

Heather Dillin

2010-06-18T21:34:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone

It has been suggested that the community might like to club together to give Heather a leaving present for all her contribution to the school and all the children she has taught over the last 20 odd years.

Therefore, I will be collecting donations for her from the community. If you would like to donate some money towards her present, please can you hand it in to me by Wednesday 23 June.

Many thanks

Emma

Ailanthus

Stenton

Church Service

2010-06-15T16:55:00.001+01:00

Dear All,

As you will have read in Contact the search for a new Parish Minister is hopefully coming to a conclusion. .

This Sunday there will be a joint service at Prestonkirk Church at 11 am when the Rev David Scott will preach with a view to being appointed as the new minister. In church terms he is the “sole nominee” for the charge. After the service members of the congregation will be asked to vote on whether they wish to invite Mr Scott to be the minister or not.

All are very welcome, even if you are not a church member. If possible it would also be good to see some children from Stenton there.

Mr Scott is currently the minister at New Kilpatrick Church in Bearsden, which has one of the largest Church of Scotland congregations in the country. He is married with three grown up children.

If you would like any more details please contact Bill Stevenson.

Bill Stevenson

Tel: 07836 348999

Heather Dillin – A Farewell Picnic

2010-06-14T18:01:00.001+01:00

Dear Parents and former pupils of Stenton Primary School

Heather Dillin who has been teaching at Stenton Primary School for 20 years is retiring this summer. (I must emphasise that she is not retiring age but is going to join her husband in retirement!!!)

A farewell picnic has been organised on the village green on June 25th from 12-30 to 4ish.

She does not want a formal send off but would love any of her former colleagues or pupils to come and say hello and goodbye in the passing! There is no official time and people can come and go as they please bringing their own picnic or a bottle or two!

I have been asked by the school to contact former pupils and staff members so that as many people as possible will know about the event. I have made contact with a number of people but since I am going away for a few days want to try to reach everyone.

We fully realise that many of her former pupils will be at work and unable to attend but parents would be welcomed with open arms!

Several members of staff are also leaving on that day so it will be quite a party.

Hope to see you there.

Best Wishes

Mary O’Mahony

New Schoolhouse

Stenton

01368850273

Email:pommom@omahony273.freeserve.co.uk

I will be away in Ireland for a few days so Emma or Janette will answer any queries.

Bughts Decking Work Party

2010-06-12T18:27:00.001+01:00

We will be moving on with the Bughts decking project tomorrow at 11.00 am Sunday 13 June 2010

If you have a brush cutter/strimmer, cordless drill, sledgehammer or a saw you would be most welcome to join our work party to clear the area and to get the posts and first frame up for the decking area.

See you there

Kelvin

Stenton Bowling Club

2010-06-11T21:52:00.001+01:00

Stenton Bowling Club is justifiably proud of its achievements in recent years largely due to the voluntary work carried out by the committee and members. To enable us to continue to provide bowling facilities for the local community we must rely upon the continued support of all members.

We must strive to encourage new members to join the club.

We are always looking for ways to increase our finances possibly by encouraging members to take part in the clubs lottery “Lucky Numbers” and by attending all social evenings and activities.

Bowling for all the family!!!

Tel: 01368 850301

CONTACT NUMBERS

President: David Currie 01368 863068

Vice President: Iain MacDonald 01368 850665

Club Secretary: Sheena Currie 01620 822077

Treasurer: Andrew Mallen 01368 850205

Match Secretary: Mikey Duncan 07889524465

Stenton Gala 2010 – An Impression

2010-05-30T11:57:00.002+01:00

Well done to all involved (you know who you are) in putting on another very enjoyable Stenton Gala.

K C SCA

Bethlehem Under Siege – Phil Lucas

2010-05-20T08:09:00.001+01:00

A wee reminder about Phil's very interesting talk and slide show tomorrow night in the Village Hall. Looking forward to seeing many of you there.

‘BETHLEHEM UNDER SIEGE’ - a talk illustrated with photographs and maps

Phil Lucas returned at the beginning of April from 3 months working as a volunteer in the Bethlehem area on a project sponsored by the World Council of Churches. The word ‘siege’ reflects the encirclement of Bethlehem by the Israeli 'separation barrier' and Israeli settlements built on land which is, according to International Law, Palestinian. Phil was a member of a small international team and worked closely with both Palestinian and Israeli organisations which seek to bring a peaceful end to the occupation and to create a situation in which Israelis and Palestinians (Jews, Moslems and Christians) can live together in harmony. He was involved in regular early-morning (from 4.30 am) monitoring of the Gilo checkpoint between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, witnessed the break-up of peaceful demonstration by teargas and rubber-coated bullets and visited people shot by the army with live ammunition.

Wow - what a description. Phil, who lives at Woodray in Stenton, has offered to do a talk about his recent trip to Bethlehem. He is delighted to be doing a talk in his home village as the other talks so far have both been in the south of England, so he is really looking forward to doing one to his fellow villagers and neighbours.

The date is Friday 21 May at 7.30pm in the village hall. Although there is no charge for this, donations will be taken at the door for the charity he was working with in Bethlehem - EAPPI (Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme Palestine and Israel)

Please let me know if you require any further information.

Kind regards

Emma

carbon neutral stenton – Public Meeting

2010-05-10T18:13:00.001+01:00

Thursday 20^th May, 7.30pm, The Village Hall

An information leaflet will be distributed, door-to-door, in advance of this meeting

Hear the latest from the team and help shape the direction of the project

Members will be asked to vote on:

A project partner for the wind turbine
A site for the turbine

Observers welcome, but you must be a member to vote. Membership is open now and you will be able to join at the meeting. (Joining fee £1)

For more information contact the directors or project manager, Ettie Spencer. Call 850712. Email ettie@crossingtheline.org.uk

Geoff & Laurie’s Farewell Lunch

2010-05-09T20:54:00.001+01:00

Photos from the very pleasant lunch held in the village hall on Saturday 8 May 2010 to bid Geoff & Laurie Underwood a fond farewell

Photos courtesy of Mrs D (aka Doreen Thomson)

Thanks to all who helped put together a memorable event and especially to Emma M who masterminded the whole thing.

K C SCA

Stenton Young Artists & Designers

2010-05-04T20:23:00.001+01:00

We need your help!!

The Parish of Traprain Summer Party is on Saturday 14 August 2010 in Stenton Hall and on the Village Green. There will be cream teas, games, competitions and musical entertainment.

Could you draw a picture for us or design one on your computer? The winning entry will be used as the background to our posters and tickets.

Please hand in your picture to Bill Stevenson Tel 850395 or email your entry to him at wcfs@btinternet.com before 21st May.

Geoff & Laurie’s Lunch

2010-05-01T11:07:00.001+01:00

Thanks to all who have replied to this and also for all the offers of help - much appreciated. Just a wee reminder to anyone who has not yet replied but who would like to attend, please can you let me know by Monday as we need to finalise catering arrangements.

Many thanks

Emma

A Village Lunch for Geoff & Laurie
As I'm sure you all know, long term Stenton residents Geoff & Laurie Underwood have decided to move to Fife to be closer to their family.

To say a fond farewell, the Community Association Committee thought it would would be nice to invite Geoff & Laurie back to the village for lunch with the community on Saturday 8 May 2010 at 12.30 in the Village Hall. All are welcome

In order to allow us to make appropriate catering arrangements, could you please let Emma Maguire know if you are able to come to the lunch by Wednesday 28 April 2010. Either hit reply to this message or give Emma a call on 850643.

We look forward to hearing from you and hope you can make it to say a proper goodbye to Geoff & Laurie.

Thanks

Flooding in Stenton

2010-04-21T21:00:00.001+01:00

Please take a look at some correspondence between my neighbour Allen Whitehead and the Council regarding a solution to some of the worst effects of the continuing and arguably worsening flooding in the village. I expect we may see some more.

The louder we, as a community shout, the more likely the authorities will hear.

K C SCA

A Village Lunch for Geoff & Laurie

2010-04-20T23:08:00.001+01:00

As I'm sure you all know, long term Stenton residents Geoff & Laurie Underwood have decided to move to Fife to be closer to their family.

We look forward to hearing from you and hope you can make it to say a proper goodbye to Geoff & Laurie.

Thanks

Kelvin C SCA

Stenton Singers Spring Concert

2010-04-15T18:25:00.002+01:00

Stenton Singers, conducted by Lynda Jeffrey, are holding their Spring Concert in St Mary's Church in Haddington on Saturday 24th April at 7.30pm.

They will be joined by the East Lothian Players and the St Mary's Choristers. The organist will be John Anderson.

There will be a selection of choral and orchestral music and the main work is Schubert's Mass in G which is light and not too long!

Tickets priced £7 (concessions £6) are available at the door or by telephone on 01368 850273.

Our charity this year is L'Arche

About L’Arche

In L’Arche people with and without learning disabilities share home life in ordinary houses, much like any family.

L’Arche, which was founded in France in 1964 by Canadian Jean Vanier recognises that people with learning disabilities have a valid place at the heart of society. There are now L’Arche homes in 36 countries. In Scotland there are L’Arche houses and flats in Inverness and Edinburgh. Plans are now afoot to set up another house in Edinburgh and to found a house in Kenya.

To help raise the required funds retired Edinburgh GP Gerry McPartlin is currently engaged in a challenge to climb all the Munros in less than four months; his aim is to contribute £50,000 to the cause. Stenton Singers are supporting his efforts. We would be very grateful for your support.

Village Hall Drainage Repairs

2010-03-28T17:48:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone

Just a wee post to let you know that down the outside kitchen side of the village hall there is an exposed drain hole in the grass just about outside the kitchen window. It is covered with a wheelbarrow however please can you advise your children not to touch it or go near it as it is an exposed blocked drain and there are some unpleasant things down there which should be sorted out tomorrow!

The exposed drain is sizeable and is about 3 feet deep and would cause injury if anyone fell down it.

Thanks for your co-operation during this blocked drain saga. Also the gents toilets in the hall are out of use at the present time. Thanks

Emma

Easter Church Service - Reminder

2010-03-26T17:57:00.001Z

Hi All,

just a quick reminder that there will be family service for Palm Sunday at Stenton Church at 9.30 am. As this will be Howard’s last Sunday service at Stenton it would be great if there was a good attendance – young people particularly welcome.

There are a number a special services for Holy Week the evening services all start at 7.30pm (some times are wrong in the Contact magazine)

Monday Stenton

Tuesday Prestonkirk

Wednesday Stenton

Thursday Whittingehame

Good Friday Prestonkirk

On Easter Sunday we will be having a joint service at Prestonkirk at 11.00 am (no service at Stenton)

I do hope you will be able to come along to some of the services.

Regards

Bill Stevenson (wcfs@btinternet.com)

Carbon Neutral Stenton - Update

2010-03-26T17:43:00.002Z

CARBON NEUTRAL STENTON now registered as a social enterprise limited company that is working towards Stenton becoming carbon neutral.

In order to ensure that everyone is kept as well informed as possible we have put together a short summary of what was presented at the recent public meeting, of where we are to date. This will be followed soon by a more in depth document.

We carried out a door to door survey asking if the community would support a drive towards lower carbon living.

Of the households visited (76.7%), 92% supported the project.

Already, over half the households in the village have had free energy audits and are receiving advice on grants and ways to reduce energy for heating and lighting. This is ongoing and people are still invited to request an audit.

From a sample of audits we have estimated that Stenton as a community has twice the UK average carbon footprint!

People felt that it is right to do something proactive towards improving the environment we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.

People are worried about household energy bills. We have no gas in the village and some of us have houses that are hard to heat.

To begin with we aim to set up our own village wind turbine so that we can put green electricity into the grid to offset what we use. This could generate a substantial income which the company will use to fund individual renewables, green heating sources for all etc. More ambitious ideas include a possible district heating scheme, fitting photovoltaic panels to roofs, help with insulation, maybe setting up an electric car pool.

Progress so far:

Having extensively researched options to finance a turbine, and we are pursuing several options.

The wind turbine would be about 50 metres high and we are looking at a number of different potential sites, At this stage the best site we have been offered in terms of wind and access to the grid, is on Ruchlaw West Mains land (see X on the map below).

We will shortly be preparing a planning application and we are investigating grid access.

Planning officers are being predictably difficult at this stage. However, East Lothian councillors, MSPs and the government in general, are very keen for this type of community initiative to go ahead. The Scottish Government has set very ambitious targets for carbon reduction and this will only be achieved if the market is stimulated both locally and nationally. Stenton will have to be the test case that drives forward the need for a council policy on this very important issue, and already our project is expected to be a model that can be rolled out elsewhere.

We will therefore soon begin a programme of lobbying relevant politicians and will eventually include the media in the campaign. Stenton will in this way take a lead in this very important issue of communities taking initiatives.

Timing

After feasibility studies are done, the planning process completed, which includes a 12 week consultation process, we estimate we can have a turbine in place in one year. As soon as it is up we will have the money coming in to begin making the more ambitious changes and in a few years time we will all be able to reduce our overall power costs substantially, while addressing our exceptionally heavy usage and reduce our collective massive carbon footprint.

What happens next?

We will prepare an initial ‘pack’ to present to planners and will apply for permission to put up a ‘Met Mast’ on the proposed site, so that we can begin monitoring the wind. As soon as possible, and after visual information and other data is collated, we will present our planning application to the council. At this stage we will know what sort of task we have to tackle.

We need you to sign up as members of the company, which will require no obligations, but will give you voting rights at general meetings and include you in all the benefits of the project. We would also like volunteers to deliver leaflets and help keep everyone up to date with what’s going on. We need as many people as possible to have a free energy audit done and to help us prove that Stenton really means business in reducing our carbon output.

We need groups to be involved - already the school eco group is keen to get active.

The Website is soon to be activated and your input will be encouraged. We will be making all efforts to keep everyone up to date with developments and your ideas are needed!

For more information contact:

Ettie Spencer, Project Manager on 850 712 – The Old Post Office

ettie@crosingtheline.org.uk

Or any of the Directors: Nicky Hawkins 850 639, Derek McLean 850 367, Rodger Maguire 850 643 and Verity Sinclair 850 316

Coming soon. www.carbonneutralstenton.co.uk

Stenton Footlights Ticket Update

2010-03-23T07:44:00.002Z

The Saturday evening performance is 99% sold out although we may be able to squeeze in one or two more.

Tickets for the other nights (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) are still available, but going fast.

Please contact Janette on 01368 850665 to reserve tickets

Stenton Sport Relief Mile

2010-03-23T07:38:00.002Z

Hi All

Thank you very much for all your support on Sunday. We hope you all enjoyed it. We had a great turn out, and we raised a massive £260 (all the money is going to sports relief).

That also includes the hula hoop money which was won by the Allan's and the Gillespie's. Well Done!!!

Also a big thank you to all the donations we had.

Thanks again.

Mhairi MacDonald and Katrina Maguire

Forthcoming Church Services

2010-03-19T13:55:00.002Z

During the service this Sunday we will be making a presentation to John Kinnaird to mark his long service as Session Clerk at Stenton and Depute Session Clerk at Traprain.

Next Sunday 28th March there will be a family service for Palm Sunday. This will also be Howard’s last Sunday morning service at Stenton Church before he retires so I hope as many people as possible will be able to come along, young people are particularly welcome!

Details of the Easter Services were circulated in the church newsletter Contact, please note that on Easter Sunday we will be having a joint service at Prestonkirk at 11.00.

If you need any more information please let me know

Bill Stevenson

(wcfs@btinternet.com)

Tel: 07836 348999

Thistly Cross Beer Festival

2010-03-12T18:17:00.001Z

Stars In Their Eyes

2010-03-11T17:04:00.002Z

Hi All!

Just a reminder that tickets for the 2010 Stars In Their Eyes tickets are available now from Val Thomson 850735 and also from School, 850258 . Tickets are priced at £10ea which includes a glass of fizz and nibbles, all profits to go to Stenton Primary School Parents Group and will be used to buy much needed equipment for school. Its set to be a great night so get your now!!

Thanks so much for your continued support

Val Thomson, Chairman, Stenton Parent Support Group

Stenton's Stars In their Eyes

2010-03-11T16:56:00.002Z

Dear Friends of Stenton Primary School

Tickets are now available for Stenton's Stars In their Eyes which is to be held on Saturday 20th March, in the village hall at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 each and are available from Val Thomson (850735) or from Suzanne at the school (please note that this event is for over 18's only). Ticket price includes a glass of bubbly and nibbles.

This is the our main fundraiser this year so please come along and support your school. It's going to be a fantastic evening of top class entertainment so get your tickets quick!!!

Please give me a ring if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support.

Val Thomson

Chairman, Stenton School Parents Support Group

Stenton Footlights

2010-03-02T17:04:00.002Z

I wondered if anyone in the community could please help us. In the play we have two soldiers who require a toy gun each - rifle, machine gun, etc. We haven't been able to locate any so far.

If you can help. please contact, Barbara

01368 850 243, barbara.wyllie@ruchlawproduce.co.uk

Stenton School Art Group

2010-03-02T16:58:00.001Z

We are having an Easter fun morning on Thursday 1^st April.

If you have any old ribbons, craft materials or artificial flowers which we could use to decorate Easter bonnets please hand into school.

Many thanks

Sharon Humble

Stenton Bowling Club

2010-03-02T16:47:00.002Z

A PUBLIC INVITATION

For a variety of reasons and in common with many organisations membership of and support for the Bowling Club has declined in recent years.

For this reason we anticipate difficulties in the near future in remaining a viable bowling club and maintaining the facilities currently available for the community.

Therefore we are extending an invitation to all interested persons to join us at our 2010 Opening Day on Saturday 10^th April at 2pm. to indicate your support and interest. Thank you.

Stenton Sport Relief Mile

2010-02-27T17:02:00.002Z

STENTON SPORT RELIEF MILE

21 MARCH 2010 AT 11.30AM

STENTON VILLAGE GREEN

Old, young, small, tall any age welcome at all

Walk, run, hop or jog

(no bikes/skateboards/scooters allowed)

Bring your dog too

This is not a race, it is a village get together to complete a mile to

raise money for a good cause.

Donations welcome

Instead of sponsorship, we are asking for entry of £1 per child, £2 per adult, 50p per dog

WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO SPORT RELIEF

If you require any further information, please contact either

Katrina Maguire (850643) or Mhairi MacDonald (850665)

Come on Stenton lend a hand, come and join our merry band

Looking forward to seeing you all on 21 March

Stenton Footlights 2010

2010-02-23T16:56:00.003Z

Katrina & Isabel’s Soup Lunch

2010-02-03T22:12:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

Just a quick reminder that our soup lunch is on Friday 5th February 2010 at 12.45pm in the Village Hall. Entry £1.50 for adults and £1.00 for children.

There will also be Katrina and Isabel's home baking stall.

If you can't stay, we do takeaways.

Hope to see you all there

From

Katrina Maguire and Isabel Wilson-Beales

Aliens in the Attic and on the Big Screen

2010-02-01T21:54:00.001Z

Hello

For our school fundraising scheme we have decided to put on a movie on a big screen in the village hall this Sunday afternoon. All the proceeds will be going to the school.

Sunday 7th February at 2pm

Stenton Village Hall

Aliens in the Attic (rated PG)

Very new film, just released on DVD today

£2.50 per adult and £2 per child (£8 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children)

Pop corn and sweets for sale from our tuck shop in the hall. We will be having an interval where you can buy choc ices.

You can just come along and pay at the door. Everyone is welcome of all ages.

Hope to see you there.

Alistair Gillespie and Alex Cummings

(any questions you can phone Alistair’s Mum 850 657)

Katrina & Isabel’s Lunch

2010-01-26T21:54:00.001Z

Hello,

We were wondering if you would like to come our lunch. You will get soup and a roll and there will be a cake stall. It will be at 12:45pm at Stenton village hall, on the 5th of February. Entry will be £1.50 per adult and £1.00 per child.

All the money we raise will go to Stenton Primary School to buy games and books

Hope to see you there,

From Katrina Maguire and Isabel Wilson-Beales.

Burns Supper

2010-01-23T21:13:00.002Z

We still have some tickets left for the Burns Supper if anyone is still considering it.

Please either contact Verity on 850316 or myself either by email or on 850643.

Emma

The Tron

2010-01-14T08:58:00.002Z

Stenton's picturesque Tron following a makeover by East Lothian's Groundforce Team!

Photo courtesy of Allan Whitehead

The Burns Supper 2010

2010-01-09T21:41:00.003Z

Handsel Games

2010-01-01T15:50:00.002Z

Happy New Year to everyone.

Just to let you know that there is to be a slight change to the Handsel Games on Sunday.

Due to the weather conditions, we have decided to run some fun snow games for both children and adults instead of the round the village race and tug of war!

Mulled wine and bacon rolls will be available to buy. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible to help finish off the village festive activities.

Looking forward to seeing you at 11.30am on Sunday on the Village Green.

Emma

Handsel Games 2010

2009-12-27T13:40:00.002Z

STENTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

INVITE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN

HANDSEL GAMES AT STENTON

On Sunday 3 January 2010

Open for this Parish only

Refreshments in the hall

11.30am meet on the village green

for

your entertainment – a round the village race

and the grand finale – a tug of war

available for a small donation, for your warmth and comfort - bacon rolls and mulled wine

Handsel Monday is the first Monday of the new year particularly as it used to be celebrated in rural Scotland. Handsel refers to small gifts that were customary to be given at the beginning of the first week of the new year. The farmers and landowners who arranged the various functions for their farm workers and servants provided gifts or prizes such as money, books, tea or a currant loaf. Not only children and servants were given gifts but animals too. Farmers would lay extra feed in each manger. In East Lothian it was a holiday and each community held sports or other activities.

Stenton games were held in the Glebe field next to the manse and a longer race was run round the original park. Entertainment was provided by local bands and dancing in the open air helped keep the blood moving.

It was obviously not the best time of year to hold athletic games and they gradually died out by the early 20^th Century.

Family Service @ Stenton Church

2009-11-26T16:37:00.003Z

Stenton Parish Church

Family Service

for the

First Sunday in Advent

Sunday 29 November

9.30am

with storyteller

Donnie Henderson-Shedlarz

Please can all the children bring a shawl or warm cover that someone has knitted for them or given them

Everyone welcome

Pot Luck Supper & Singalonga Grease

2009-11-24T22:01:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

Just a wee note to inform you that we are having to postpone the Grease night on Saturday - look out for it coming back again in February though!

Don't forget to come and join us at the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5 December from 10 - 12 noon in the Village Hall to kick start Christmas the Stenton way - mulled wine and mince pies at 10am!!

See you all then

Emma

Carbon Neutral Stenton

2009-11-19T17:18:00.002Z

At the recent Community Association AGM, Ettie Spencer put forward a proposal to work towards a Carbon Neutral Stenton. It was favourably received by those attending but for those who couldn’t be there, I have pleasure posting it on our Blog.

K C SCA

“The health of the rural economy and rural communities in this country is vital to the health of our overall economy and our landscape.

•As people living in a rural area, we need to be at the cutting edge of 21st century living, and should be taking a lead in tackling the issues of our time.

•Not only are we concerned about climate change and the environment, but we are as worried as everyone about the cost of energy, about fuel poverty and about the sustainability of all our futures.

•Urban and rural life is interdependent, as is our way of life with the rest of the world.

In this village we use a lot of oil, we drive a lot and we have difficult to heat houses.

We appreciate the landscape in which we live and recognise it only exists while there is a thriving rural economy, whether it be farming, small businesses, service industries or leisure.

"We should look and learn from our neighbours such as Holland and Denmark where a large proportion of electricity is generated at the local level. This is cheaper, more efficient, less polluting and, crucially, accessible to communities………. Renewable energy brought the modern age to Scotland for it was the power of our rivers that turned the first mills of industry, if we do our job well, renewable energy will bring a second revolution to Scotland, a revolution in community ownership, community confidence, community wealth - a revolution of community power!"

Alan Hobbett, Community Energy Scotland, 2009

What am I suggesting?

I think we can aspire to become Scotland’s first carbon neutral village and by so doing to provide a model for other communities….

•As a village of about 71 households we are a small and compact community and an ideal size to generate our own green electricity.

•We could generate a surplus – and therefore make money for further projects.

•Electricity could be the starting point. We could achieve this focused target and carry on from there….

How?

Stage 1 – Green, cheap/free electricity for the village.

Instead of receiving piecemeal grants from the wind farm companies I think we should be more ambitious.

We should either ask for funds for a wind turbine, or for an actual turbine to be donated to the community– and we should generate our own electricity. It seems it is very do-able, and has met with much enthusiasm.

I have talked with the following agencies and in all cases met with enthusiastic support, excitement and offers of help:-

Community Windpower Ltd ,(Aikengall Community Windfarm )

-They can provide technical and funding help and advice, and possibly ‘in kind’ help.

Community Energy Scotland

-They provide funding and technical support to community income-generating projects. Grants are also available to enable them to become constituted.

The Be Green energy Advice Project in Dunbar

-Can provide a free energy audit team, advice on grants and funding etc.

Sustaining Dunbar which covers Dunbar and East Linton Ward of East Lothian.

East Lothian Council. Cllr Paul Mclennan is very keen to be involved.

What’s needed?

1.Gain the support of everyone in the village.

2. A small focus group of 3/4 people, which I would be willing to facilitate, with a variety of relevant skills to take this forward - including admin, technical, business and environmental skills.

3. An energy audit on all households.

4. Money/turbine(s)

5. A site

5. A ‘not for profit’ company to administer the scheme.

LAND…

A conversation with Jim Wyllie produced some interesting ideas….

For example, he currently has a planning application in process for a single small turbine on his land to provide energy for his business.

He is interested in the idea and could offer a possible deal –

The community could raise the money via grants etc to build a bigger turbine than the one he was going to, so that the cost is split. The appropriate percentage output would go to him in respect of the site rental and the rest to the community energy company.

This is just one idea, but this one would provide obvious benefit to both parties – from his point of view, this way it may be more acceptable to the planners, and from the community's point of view, it provides a site.

TIMING…

I think it would be possible to set up this initial stage well within 2 years.

This means that even if we went no further, this would be an achievement in itself.

STAGE 2: possibilities for the future…

•District heating scheme for Stenton?

•……an "anaerobic digester" …to generate electricity and hot water for heating... at Ruchlaw Produce Company’ …. news.stv.tv Sept 09

•Electric car pool?

•Extending the allotments scheme – land-share scheme?

•Woodchip heating? Etc….

Ettie is happy for people to ring or drop round to chat about it or ask questions (850712) (ettie@crossingtheline.org.uk)

The presentation was very well received at the AGM and 99% of the people who attended are keen to pursue this matter. Ettie is looking to set up a small focus group to investigate further so anyone who is willing to offer their assistance please also contact Ettie on the above number.

Community Association AGM

2009-11-07T16:56:00.001Z

STENTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

12 November 2009

7.30pm

STENTON VILLAGE HALL

ALL WELCOME

There will be cheese, wine and socialising at the end of the meeting!!

Also Ettie Spencer is coming along to talk to everyone about her thoughts and plans on trying to reduce the carbon footprint of Stenton with a view to Stenton becoming Britain's first carbon neutral village.

Pot Luck Supper & Singalonga Grease

2009-10-29T08:06:00.001Z

Stenton Horticultural Society AGM

2009-10-25T12:58:00.001Z

The Annual General Meeting of the Stenton Horticultural Society will take place ;

Thursday 19th November at 7.00 pm in Stenton Village Hall.

There will be wine and cheese and all are welcome. This is your one chance to air your views on matters horticultural so please try and attend.

Looking forward to seeing you all then

Amanda Mitchell

The Bughts - Making the Path

2009-10-09T17:02:00.001+01:00

Photographs (courtesy of Moya) of the hard work making the path at the Bughts in September

There should be another delivery of bark from the council soon (hopefully) to finish the job.

A decked area is also to be built (as soon as I get round to buying the timber!!) and strong boys will most definitely be needed to help build it.

We can then get the seating ordered and then bookings will be taken for winter picnics!!

K VC SCA

View Full Album

STENTON FOOTLIGHTS JUNIOR

2009-09-29T22:27:00.002+01:00

March 2010 Production

In recent years the Footlights have put on a single play in March. This next production will be a ‘fest’ of one act plays.

One of which will have a cast of young actors of school age – primary and senior school. There are both speaking and non speaking parts in the play we have chosen so if you are interested in

· acting (no experience necessary) and are available for

· rehearsals which will begin in January on Sunday evenings 6pm -7.30pm and are free for the

· performance week 21 March -27 March

There will be a meeting on a Sunday before the end of the year to read through the play and cast it ready to start in January. If you want to be involved or have any questions please get in touch with me A.S.A.P.

Barbara Wyllie

01368 850 243

Email barbara.wyllie@ruchlawproduce.co.uk

PS : Footlights are having a Cheese and Wine open meeting on Thursday 8 October at 7.30 to which all are welcome.

We will be discussing the chosen plays and reading parts of them at the beginning of the evening. We would particularly like to welcome any young people who can come along even for a short time. THIS IS NOT A CASTING NIGHT.

Footlights Cheese & Wine, Thursday 8 October

2009-09-29T17:38:00.002+01:00

Hi All

We are having a cheese and wine in Stenton Hall on Thursday 8th October at 7.30 pm.

We have two one act plays being selected and directed by Kelvin D'Arcy-Burt and Barbara Wyllie ready for this years production in 2010. I hope they will tell us a little about their plays and be able to do some test reading for each of them.

Kelvin's play is a one act play with a cast of 6 persons and will run for approximately 45 mins. Barbara's play is also a one act play running for approximately 30 mins and is chosen with children in mind particularly so I do hope we see a good turnout of budding actors young and old.

If anyone else would like to direct a short one act play it would be good to hear from them. It would make the performance night a little more complete timing wise with 3 plays.

Please bring along anyone to this meeting who is interested in joining Stenton Footlights. Look forward to seeing you all there on Thursday 8 October.

Yours

James Wyllie, Chairman

Stenton gets a Defib Machine

2009-09-29T17:12:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone

In conjunction with the British Heart Foundation, Stenton has been allocated a defibrillator machine.

Due to the location of Stenton (i.e. miles away from the nearest hospital) time is of the essence when someone takes ill. Figures have shown that if a patient can be treated with a defib machine and CPR prior to the arrival of an ambulance, the chances of their survival are very much increased. To this end, we are looking for volunteers to be trained in the use of our defib machine.

We have teamed up with Scottish Ambulance who will be coming to provide a training weekend in the village hall. The date set is 7-8 November 2009. You do not need to have any medical or first aid background - anyone can be trained on these machines - they are very straightforward to use and basically tell you what to do.

Verity Sinclair (850316) and Andrew Mallen (850205) are at present are our only two trained defib operators within the village. Should you have any queries about the use of these machines or exactly what is involved they are both more than happy to speak to you about it. They have been on the course the same as the one we are holding in the village hall and therefore can tell you everything about it.

We are looking to try and train as many people as possible. Please think carefully about this - you never know - you could save a life.

If you are interested in this course, please let me know.

Many thanks

Emma

Bunko Update Part Deux

2009-09-23T22:22:00.001+01:00

Forgot to mention to you all in the last Bunko update, it is a BYOB night on Saturday - so bring a much as you want!

Also we are planning on running a raffle so any prizes would be very gratefully received.

Many thanks

Emma

Bunko Update

2009-09-23T22:21:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone

We still have plenty of tickets left for Bunko on Saturday night. We would love to see all parents/friends there, it will be a really fun evening and you will be of course supporting the school. It is for the guys too as I know some people thought it was just a girls night so bring your partners along.

Please see Val (850735) or Suzie (850657) for info and tickets.

Suzie

The Bughts

2009-09-23T22:20:00.001+01:00

As a lot of you probably know, the Community Association has taken on the Bughts as an ongoing project. To date (with the help of Jenny Harper) a path has been cleared going up to a clearing half way up the Bughts. We have already had a team of Community Association members cutting back weeds etc and now we have been awarded a grant to buy some benches for use by the residents of Stenton in the Bughts.

We have purchased some black membrane and plan to put this down on the path before covering it with bark.

This is where we need your help.

The Council have very kindly given us, free of charge, 2.5 tonnes of wood chippings to use. These have been delivered into the field next to the Bughts.

We now need your help to move the bark into the Bughts. We are planning on doing this this Saturday 26th September at 1.30pm. If you are free, please come and help. Bring your wheelbarrows and spades!

Also, if there is a very kindly farmer out there who could spare an hour with a forklift and a big bucket to help dump the majority of the bark straight into the Bughts, we would be very, very grateful.

Many thanks and looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday

Emma

ACTIVE DAY IN THE SCHOOL GARDEN

2009-09-09T07:55:00.001+01:00

STENTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

invites you to join our

ACTIVE DAY IN THE SCHOOL GARDEN

THURSDAY 17^TH SEPTEMBER 2009

The children will all be helping but we need some adult volunteers (for lots of fun jobs).

There will be 2 sessions:-

10am – 12 noon

1.30pm – 3pm

If you can spare some time, even half an hour, please come along and join in.

Please bring along tools if you have them.

Coffee/Tea and cakes will be provided

RSVP to the School by 9^th September.

THANKS!

Bunko Night

2009-09-08T23:23:00.001+01:00

COME ALONG AND JOIN IN THE CRAZY DICE GAME

THAT IS SWEEPING THE VILLAGE

Saturday 26^th September

7.30pm

Stenton Village Hall

Tickets £5 per person

includes crisps & dips,

soup & a roll

BYOB

You will need to bring £5 stake money on the night

& you get a chance to win a cash prize

(over 18's only)

Val 850735 Suzie 850657

All proceeds to Stenton School Parents Group

Stenton Village Walk

2009-09-04T17:39:00.001+01:00

SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2009

Starting at Stenton Village Green, walking to Garvald, then a “bring your own” picnic lunch at Garvald, walking back and finishing with a BBQ on Stenton Village Green

Start - 11.00am Village Green

Emma

Stenton Flower Show

2009-08-29T19:37:00.002+01:00

I just wanted to put on a notice about the Stenton Flower Show which is Saturday 5th September at 2.30 pm.

There will be the famous Stenton Teas in the village hall (come early or all the meringues will have been scoffed). Geoff Underwood will be presenting the trophies.

The show is a "closed" show (i.e., not open to outsiders) so we will need all the entries we can get. Surely most people will have a few flowers, a potato or two, a pot of jam ..... it's a real villagey affair and great fun.

The Stenton Horticultural Society has been going since the 1850's and is probably the oldest in the district (although Innerwick claims this honour) and it would be a shame if it were to die from lack of support.

Amanda Mitchell

Car Key

2009-08-19T15:08:00.001+01:00

Douglas Crawford has found a car key outside Ginglet Hill - anyone who thinks it might be theirs please contact Douglas.

Thanks

Emma

IMPORTANT

2009-08-12T19:15:00.001+01:00

On Monday night in the village, a couple of cars were broken into - one which had not been locked. Small items were taken, but the thieves did have a good look through everything and left a bit of a mess.

Hopefully nobody else had anything taken, as I know some of us are not very good at locking our cars!

Anyway just a wee note to let you know perhaps might be worth being slightly more vigilant over the next wee while and if anyone sees anything suspicious to contact the police as they have been informed of the break-ins.

Thanks

Emma

The Poem for July

2009-07-18T17:20:00.002+01:00

Apologies to the Bard for the delay in posting his latest ‘masterpiece’, but Blogmaster K has been a little pre-occupied of late. However, back in harness again and here it is

Horace

Horace is fat,

Horace is smelly,

Horace lies on his back and wiggles his belly,

Horace has wrinkles covering his face,

And leaves large deposits all over the place

Horace has hair like a bristly wig,

Horace, sweet Horace the Vietnamese pig!

Bill Stevenson

2009-06-29T09:33:00.002+01:00

There will be a service in Stenton Kirk on Tuesday 30 June 2009 at 7pm to bless Bill's appointment as Director of Boys Brigade in Scotland - everyone most welcome. Hope to see you there

Secret Organ Video

2009-06-14T16:39:00.001+01:00

Managed to sneak into the pre-rehearsal rehearsal for Sarah’s wedding last week and snatched this short, shaky, secret video of the new organ in full(ish) flow.

Village Girl Weds

2009-06-10T17:40:00.002+01:00

For those of you who could not make it to Sarah & Steven’s wedding on Saturday, I have uploaded my photos of the occasion so just click here Sarah & Steven's wedding photos to see them.

Eileen organised the much enjoyed fizz and food after the ceremony and should be mightily pleased with herself!!

BlogM K

Sprocket & The Poisonous Geranium

2009-06-05T15:19:00.002+01:00

Have you ever seen such a scary sight as my Dad’s garden late at night?

Up the steps I quietly creep as leafy monsters children seek

That giant bush lurking there, its long fat feelers touch my hair

“Oh no”, it’s trying to pull me in, I shout and scream and make a din

With one great leap I clear its claws, as it tries to clamp me with its jaws

I see the door with shining light and run for it with all my might

But one thing nearly seals my fate, a poisonous geranium lies in wait

Lurking just out of sight by the front door on the right

Crash bang wallop, upside down, potting compost strewn around

The thing that saved my life by heck, I stood on it and broke its neck

Up the stairs into bed, blankets pulled up over head

Now I tremble feeling sad and wonder what to say to Dad

In bed again, here I lie, a small wet tear drop in my eye

Our little doggie who’s name was Sprocket really did get a rocket

“The silly dog” so they say, belting up the path one day

Leaping madly in the air collided with a geranium there

“That dog will have to go” raved dad, by was he hopping mad

So poor old Sprocket in disgrace was exiled to some far off place

Now here I sit feeling oh so sad

But not sad enough to own up to Dad

Written by Dick Irwin,posted by Blogmaster K

A P.S. to the Last Post (Not the bugle tune!)

2009-05-30T12:05:00.003+01:00

If you’re reading this then you know about the Stenton Village Blog.

However, although it’s hard to believe, there are people out there who don’t know about the Blog.

Please let you family and friends know about the Blog in general and the photographic competition in particular

Many thanks

Blogmaster K

P.S. Here’s another one I made earlier! (January 2006)

Photographs of the Summer in Stenton

2009-05-30T11:00:00.004+01:00

Here’s one I made earlier (January 2008 actually!).

Just goes to show that, whatever the season, the village of Stenton and the surrounding fields and farms can look stunningly beautiful.

The idea is straightforward :

A photographic competition

The competition will be for photos taken this Summer (for our purposes Summer will be June, July & August)
No restriction on subject, format, etc.
Open to anyone of any age interested in Stenton
Either post the photo on the Blog directly (if you don’t know how then contact Blogmaster K) or send the photo by e-mail to Stentonvillage@gmail.com and the Blogmaster will post them for all to see
Judging may be via “An Expert” or a la BGT!
Prize(s) to be decided

So why not get out there and starting snapping away for the Summer.

Blogmaster K

Stenton Village Gala 2009

2009-05-23T16:03:00.002+01:00

Just a reminder (as if it’s needed!) that the Stenton village gala is set for a week today, Saturday 30 May 2009.

The fancy dress theme (only for the children I’m afraid!) this year is Movies/Films, so hopefully we can look forward to impersonations of Vincent & Jules, Batman & The Joker, Princess Leia & Padme and possibly Donna, Rosie & Tanya. (Can’t place all the characters? I’ll list them in a day or two!)

All the usual fun things to do, see, eat and drink, and all in a very good cause.

K VC SCA

At last, the photos are back from the chemist.!

2009-05-17T11:25:00.002+01:00

..and so I can now report that last Saturday (9th May) a bunch of hardy perennials and assorted seedlings convened at the Bughts (latterly the eco-hippie encampment) to continue the clean up of the area and to discuss the establishment of a picnic area for villagers.

This phase of the work involved clearing all of the old protective plastic tubes and stakes from the now established trees. Luckily, the rain stayed off and everyone had a good time.

It was decided to investigate the use tables and benches made from recycled plastic like the ones already in use at the school. If you want to see what they are like follow this link (Recycled plastic furniture).

If you want to see all of the photos taken by M CCR SCA follow this link (Moya's photos).

K VC SCA

Help Needed ...

2009-05-08T23:26:00.001+01:00

...to tidy up the Bughts tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 am

Hopefully going to be dry and people are bringing a picnic lunch.

See you there

K VC SCA

Porcine Influenza Warning

2009-05-01T21:47:00.002+01:00

New Poet Laureate, New Poem

2009-05-01T18:25:00.004+01:00

No, not a poem by the new Poet Laureate (3 Firsts, First Scot, First Women & First Lesbian!) but a new monthly blog poem for May from the artistic roofer & slater, known to his friends as DI.

The Class of 4C

Dear old Mrs Creswell is under quite a strain,

That awful class of 4C is acting up again,

“Come along now Tarquin, Maths are really not that bad,

But if you’re not going to try, I’m writing to your Dad”!

“You won’t ever know how easy it is unless you really try it”.

These were the famous words she spoke that nearly caused a riot!

Missiles started flying, this way and that,

Pencils, rulers, books and the janitors old cat!

Miss Creswell she exploded, screaming, “You bunch of spotty mutts”,

Unless we get some order here, I’m gonna kick some butts”.

The riot stopped and silence fell as quickly as a trice,

As 4C cowered down like frightened little mice,

So if you ever have some hassle and it looks like being a tussle,

Just call on dear Miss Creswell to “Flex a little muscle”

Nice one Dick. If you enjoyed the poem, why not leave a comment.

Calling those that enjoy a Sunday morning lie-in..

2009-05-01T15:07:00.002+01:00

..I was going to say Heathens, but then that might have been a tad non PC. Personally, I’d be happy to be classified as a heathen, but that's another story.

Back to the matter in hand and of course, those who enjoy a lie-in on a Sunday morning may not have seen the transformation of the Laird’s Gallery since the theft of part of it some weeks ago (see previous post!)

I noticed the church organist’s car parked outside the church a day or two ago and am hoping that we will have a tune out of the ornate box and tubes before too long.

If you have any further information on when the village can hear the new organ or even if you just enjoy the post, then please click the comment button and let me and the other reader (!) know.

K VC PNTNSCAC SCA

Crimewatch Update

2009-04-19T17:20:00.002+01:00

The police are currently on a nationwide search for thieves who have apparently stolen part of the Laird’s gallery in Stenton Church.

As can be seen from the photograph, the thieves carefully removed the centre section of the gallery. No doubt the scaffolding, recently built for the installation and voicing of the new Organ, made their task all the easier.

If anyone has any information regarding this heartless crime then please contact p c dixon@dockgreen.co.uk

On a totally unrelated matter, the work to install the new organ is moving on a pace and the latest estimates have the organ voiced and singing in 2-3 weeks.

K VC (PNC) SCA

Stenton Church - New Pipe Organ

2009-04-10T20:54:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday 14 April 2009, scaffolding will be erected in front of the Laird's Gallery within the Church as the work on the installation of the organ commences. It is hoped that the work will be completed within 4-5 weeks and that the disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Apologies are given to all Church users for any inconvenience caused, but please bear with us as it will all be worth it in the end!

Organ Committee

The Bard's Poem for April

2009-04-02T21:13:00.003+01:00

Jamie

Jamie has a long fuzzy nose

rather cute, I suppose

eyes a pinkish kind of red

lovely markings on his head

When Jamie walks into a room

all the ladies faint and swoon

middle aged go kind of frigid

grannies tend to go quite rigid

Jamie doesn't care at all

he runs across the floor and up the wall

he thinks it's rather silly that

they're frightened of a big brown rat

Thank you !!

2009-03-29T19:12:00.002+01:00

A Big Thank You !!

To everyone who supported Stenton Post Office
over the last 28 years and to all those who very
kindly donated to my leaving present.

It was completely unexpected, very emotional and
much appreciated !!

Love and Best Wishes,

Doreen

Apparently Stenton Doesn’t Have Talent!

2009-03-28T21:49:00.001Z

Well there we are. No sooner have you washed your good socks, when they just up and cancel it.

To be clear, the Stenton’s Got Talent (Junior) event that was scheduled for Monday has been cancelled. Not sure whether that is a real cancellation or a possible postponement

Watch this space!

K VC SCA

Post Office Closes

2009-03-28T11:08:00.003Z

Doreen. thanks lots for everything you have done for the village. If anybody has any photos/video of the presentation to Doreen please send them to me (K VC SCA) and I’ll put them up for others to see. Thanks

The village now has a rather reduced post office service. This is being run by the postmaster from East Linton.

For two hours (12 noon to 2 pm) every Thursday he puts up the Post Office shingle and magically the room next to the kitchen in the Village Hall becomes Stenton Post Office.

The initial contract is for one year so if we want to keep even this level of service then we need to use the facility.

For more information on the scope of the Outreach Hosted Service being provided, please use this link Post Office Outreach Services

Use it or lose it!

The Hypochondriac – A Review Needed

2009-03-27T23:16:00.002Z

Went to see the latest Stenton Footlights performance this evening (Friday) but, as a member of the production team (Set Design & Construction #2), it would be inappropriate for me to pen my review thoughts here.

Therefore, is there anyone out there who has been to see the play and wants to let the great Stenton Village Blog reading public know what they thought of it?

If you’re up for the job either give me a call on 01368 850279 or send the review text to stentonvillage@gmail.com

Thanks

K VC SCA

Stenton’s Got Talent

2009-03-27T16:16:00.002Z

Just to inform you all that the local school children are putting on a Stenton's Got Talent in the Village Hall on Monday 30 March at 6.15pm.

Everyone from the community is more than welcome to come along - the more the merrier!!

Come and see what talent there is in the village - who knows they might all be famous one day!!

Looking forward to seeing you on Monday.

Emma Maguire

S SCA

Stenton Singers Spring Concert

2009-03-22T13:50:00.002Z

Make a note in your diaries to come and hear the Stenton Singers at Prestonkirk on Sunday 26 April at 7.30 pm.

This will be the choir’s 21st Spring Concert and will be an eclectic and varied mix of music and song.

Stenton Singers Quiz Night

2009-03-21T18:08:00.006Z

Rook Distribution, see;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rook_(bird)

1996 Planetary Reclassification, see;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAU_definition_of_planet

Right, with those minor contentious issues out of the way, I am pleased to report a well attended and lively contest with the proceeds going towards the Stenton Organ Fund.

After 8 closely (well not terribly closely) fought rounds of competition, the winners were Tron, an ad hoc team chosen by playing card and comprising Libby Jeffrey, Angie Simpson, Angus Wilson and Ken Hare.

Special thanks should go to Audrey & Steven for dispensing the liquid refreshment, Chris for the number crunching and Moya & Lynda for the raffle & vittles.

K VC SCA

Committee Meeting Reminder

2009-03-19T17:07:00.002Z

The next meeting of the Stenton Community Association committee will be held in the village hall on Wednesday 1 April 2009 starting at 7.30pm

Quiz Night Reminder

2009-03-19T17:03:00.002Z

Just a quick reminder that there will be a quiz night in the Stenton Bowling Club tomorrow (Friday) night starting at 7.30pm ish.

All welcome. Bar open and magnificent (according to Lynda) prizes!

See you there

What A Difference 2 Weeks Makes !

2009-03-15T16:55:00.002Z

Well, well, well, Martin slaps a few botties and before you know it we have a side which, at least for 2/3rds of the match, played wonderful rugby and scored five tries.

OK for the last third we eased up and allowed France a few consolation points, but in the light of our previous 6 Nations games, this was a great improvement.

What is more important is that we had 15 men on the pitch for the whole 80 minutes for the first time in this year’s campaign !!

So, that’s what I think

Perhaps you have other opinions?

Or would you care to comment on mine?

If you don’t how to post a comment, then let me know on stentonvillage@gmail.com

Stenton Primary School Blog

2009-03-11T21:31:00.002Z

Well, you’ve found the Stenton Village Blog and hopefully you will keep coming back and even consider commenting or posting your self.

So, why not bookmark the blog of Stenton Primary School and find out what our more junior villagers are up to.

The address is http://edubuzz.org/blogs/stenton/

K VC SCA

Footlights Update

2009-03-10T17:00:00.003Z

So, apparently there was nobody who read my previous post requesting details of this year’s Footlights production, who knew anything about it. Who would have thought it !!

Luckily, courtesy of a colourful flyer skilfully handed to me by Maguire Child #2 (Debs), I am able to tell you that this year’s play is the last work of the 17th century French playwright, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (AKA Moliere), The Hypochondriac (from the french, Le Malade Imaginaire).

The public performances, in Stenton Village Hall, run from Wednesday 25 March to Saturday 28 March 2009.

There will be a raffle and refreshments will be available at the interval.

Tickets, priced at £5 (Adult) and £4 (Child) are available now from Fiona Dobson on 01368 850206

The Poem for March

2009-03-09T18:50:00.008Z

This month’s offering from the archives of Stenton’s only published poet is entitled ;

Emma and the Vampire Raspberry

As we walked down a leafy lane, past the fruit farm my friend and I

Underneath a gooseberry bush a giant raspberry I did spy

White sharp fangs, long black cloak, that is rather odd I note!

Suddenly with an evil scream it launched itself upon my throat

***

Help help my friend and I exclaim as we leg it down the leafy lane

We’ve been attacked by vampire fruit, we shout and bawl as off we scoot

But as we go crashing through the trees, poor Emma falls and skins her knees

Quick the raspberry red and fat is lining up for another attack

***

Down he swoops without a care on poor Emma lying there

But I grab him by his stumpy root and squash him underneath my foot

No more throats for him to eat, lets scrape him up and make a treat

We’ll take him home to auntie Nellie who’ll make him in to raspberry jelly

***

Now girls, here is something of note, should a rasp go for your throat

It’s obvious he wants to eat, so have a friend with ginormous feet

Make sure she always wears her wellies

And you’ll never be short of raspberry jellies

Nice one Dick. If you agree, or even if you don’t, then why not leave a comment.

By the way, the “Emma” in the poem was actually Emmajo Whitehead!

..Wherefore art thou..?

2009-03-08T11:21:00.002Z

Now, as the construction crew (Angus Wilson, Keith Hillier and me) have just finished building the stage and set in the village hall, the indications are that there will be a Stenton Footlights production this year.

Good news, but does anyone out there have any details about the performance, cast, dates, ticket costs, etc ?

If you have any information then please post it on the blog or let me know ( stentonvillage@gmail.com ) and I’ll let our growing band of blog followers know.

Thanks

K VC SCA

Get Together Reminder

2009-03-07T21:34:00.002Z

Just to remind all loyal readers that there will be an open house get together at Dick & Christine's tomorrow (Sunday 6 March 2009) from 7.30pm

Please bring a bottle.

We look forward to seeing as many as can make it but expect a major influx after the choir practice ends !

Stenton Singers Quiz Night

2009-03-01T22:54:00.002Z

Get on down to the Bowling Club on Friday 20th March for a star studded Quiz Night. When I say star studded, I understand there may be an astronomy question or two!

The fun starts at 7.30pm. There will be an entry fee of £1 per person and teams of up to four will be allowed.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Stenton Organ Fund.

Have You Lost a Lasagne Dish ?

2009-02-26T20:59:00.002Z

A Lasagne dish (not this one!) has been left in the hall after the Mamma Mia night on Saturday.

If you brought a lasagne to the do, can you check whether you have collected your dish.

And Then There Were Four … Plus A Musician

2009-02-22T23:24:00.002Z

The almost complete (66.67% full) Stenton Morris (in collaboration with the Morris Ring of the UK and the Loyal Ex-Colonies) has the honour to announce the signing of not one but 2 Sinclairs.

Coming in at #4 is the highly experienced and very keen (according to his wife) Hugh “Cross My Baldricks” Sinclair.

The second Sinclair to join the fledgling team is the maestro violinist and not bad fiddler, Verity who will take on the role of, guess what, Morris Musician.

Mr M Clifford, new PR spokesman for Stenton Morris, said “..we are very pleased to welcome the Sinclair duo to the team. All we need now are two more confident individuals to realise that they have always wanted to dance the Morris”

Applications, in the strictest confidence to stentonvillage@gmail.com

Come on you know it makes sense!

“Friday (actually Saturday!) Night and the Lights are Low ….”

2009-02-22T17:29:00.003Z

..Looking out for the place to go”.

And the place to go on Saturday night was definitely Stenton Village Hall for the Sing-a-Long-a Mamma Mia Pot Luck Supper.

The evening started with good home cooked main course cuisine (by all accounts the Nutty Rice was outstanding!) followed by pud, all washed down with significant volumes of BYOB liquid.

Fancy dress was optional, but a few of the more extrovert village residents took the opportunity to dust off their dressing up clothes. Here we see Doreen “Agnetha Faltskog” Thomsonsson posing with Jim “Benny Andersson” Wylieesson.

Following a very successful raffle (thanks to all who donated such nice prizes) it was on with the film and peripatetic cheese and biscuits.

The Dancing Queens (not you Dick!) were in their element as the film progressed though a goodly selection of the seminal works of the 70’s Swedish popular music group ABBA.

Much in evidence, but in no particular order, were June, Barbara, Lynda, Moya, Agnetha, Audrey, Audrey’s Friend, Joanne, Michelle, Verity, Emma, Fiona(s), Trina and many more.

The event had been organised to raise funds for the Community Association and at last count had added over £580 pounds to SCA coffers. Well done to all involved.

Stenton Church Family Service

2009-02-17T19:33:00.002Z

A Family Service is being held at Stenton Church on Sunday 22 February starting at 9.30am.

We’re sure that Geoff and Laurie Underwood will be there, as one of their family, The Reverend Jayne Scott, will be ministering to the congregation.

We hope to see you there.

Stenton Church Family Service

2009-02-17T16:04:00.000Z

Come and join us on Sunday 22 February (never mind those hangovers from Mamma Mia!!) at 9.30am with Rev Jayne Scott (Geoff Underwood's daughter)

Hope to see you there

Makes It All Worth It !!

2009-02-13T16:35:00.002Z

Including the hangover !

Stenton's Snowlady

2009-02-13T09:12:00.001Z

How the children of Stenton spent a snowy Thursday during half term! A mascot for Stenton perhaps? Any ideas of a name for this lovely lady?

Going, Going………Not Quite All Gone

2009-02-11T17:23:00.002Z

Only a few tickets left for the Mamma Mia & Pot Luck Supper Night on Saturday 21st February.

Don’t risk missing out on what promises to be the best ever Mamma Mia & Pot Luck Supper Night in Stenton this year!

If you need tickets (£10), or have some and need more, either;

leave a comment to this post
send an email to stentonvillage@gmail.com
or phone me on 01368 850279

Fancy dress is optional, but I have a feeling that at least one of us already has his dress and wig looked out!!

Just need 3 More (and a Musician)!!

2009-02-07T18:22:00.005Z

The convocation of Stenton Morris are pleased to announce the signing of Keith “Where‘s my Bells” Hillier to the May Day extravaganza!!

In an exclusive interview with Morris Times Keith said;

“..there are no easy matches, but I’m over the moon and as we all know, Morris Dancing is a funny old game”

The current members of Stenton Morris, VC SCA and T SCA, were not available for comment as they were out shopping for Baldricks.

Blog Stats & Training with a Prize

2009-02-07T15:45:00.004Z

OK. so we have now had 138 visits to the blog by 44 unique visitors (courtesy of the wonder geeks at Google Analytics!)

Interestingly, 10% of the visits have been from the USA, with over 75% coming from London and Glasgow! Presumably this is something to do with the location of the servers. Most of you seem to be stuck with Internet Explorer whilst the more savvy of you are using Firefox or in one case, the new kid on the block, Google Chrome. All bar one or two are using Windows, so no surprise there!!. A few of you could look to upgrade your Flash version.

So, we are starting to get reasonable numbers visiting, and importantly, revisiting the Blog.

However, I’m sure some of you have views you would like to share, but perhaps don’t know how to. This is where the comments link at the bottom of each post comes in. If you have a point or a comment to make then just click on the comment link and, after any previous comments, is an empty comments box. Just type in your comment and click on the post comment box. In the first instance perhaps you should comment as anonymous (mostly because it’s easier than going through setting up or using profiles!) but don’t forget to put your name at the end of the comment.

Now, to see whether you have been paying attention, please comment on this post, anything you like but remember to include your email address. For every comment published I will send a copy of the good aerial photograph of Stenton above which I got from my dentist (don’t ask !!). I have had an A4 print made and it is a very clear image showing all of the houses.

Happy blogging

K VC SCA stentonvillage@gmail.com

PS I wonder who the ex-colonial blog viewers are?

A Message from Dick Irwin

2009-02-06T21:44:00.003Z

In case anybody missed the comment left by Dick on the Burns Night post. here it is again ;

“Hello,

After heating costs and portaloos paid for approximately £400 raised for charity to be split between Dunbar Life Boat and Sick Kids.
A big THANK YOU to all who contributed.

Dick”

Stenton Village

Summer Party

The New Minister

Heather Dillin

Church Service

Heather Dillin – A Farewell Picnic

Bughts Decking Work Party

Stenton Bowling Club

Stenton Gala 2010 – An Impression

Bethlehem Under Siege – Phil Lucas

carbon neutral stenton – Public Meeting

Geoff & Laurie’s Farewell Lunch

Stenton Young Artists & Designers

Geoff & Laurie’s Lunch

Flooding in Stenton

A Village Lunch for Geoff & Laurie

Stenton Singers Spring Concert

Village Hall Drainage Repairs

Easter Church Service - Reminder

Carbon Neutral Stenton - Update

Stenton Footlights Ticket Update

Stenton Sport Relief Mile

Forthcoming Church Services

Thistly Cross Beer Festival

Stars In Their Eyes

Stenton's Stars In their Eyes

Stenton Footlights

Stenton School Art Group

Stenton Bowling Club

Stenton Sport Relief Mile

Stenton Footlights 2010

Katrina & Isabel’s Soup Lunch

Aliens in the Attic and on the Big Screen

Katrina & Isabel’s Lunch

Burns Supper

The Tron

The Burns Supper 2010

Handsel Games

Handsel Games 2010

Family Service @ Stenton Church

First Sunday in Advent

Sunday 29 November

Pot Luck Supper & Singalonga Grease

Carbon Neutral Stenton

What am I suggesting?

How?

What’s needed?

LAND…

TIMING…

STAGE 2: possibilities for the future…

Community Association AGM

Pot Luck Supper & Singalonga Grease

Stenton Horticultural Society AGM

The Bughts - Making the Path

STENTON FOOTLIGHTS JUNIOR

Footlights Cheese & Wine, Thursday 8 October

Stenton gets a Defib Machine

Bunko Update Part Deux

Bunko Update

The Bughts

ACTIVE DAY IN THE SCHOOL GARDEN

Bunko Night

Stenton Village Walk

SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2009

Start - 11.00am Village Green

Stenton Flower Show

Car Key

***IMPORTANT ***

The Poem for July

Horace

Bill Stevenson

Secret Organ Video

Village Girl Weds

Sprocket & The Poisonous Geranium

A P.S. to the Last Post (Not the bugle tune!)

Photographs of the Summer in Stenton

A photographic competition

Stenton Village Gala 2009

At last, the photos are back from the chemist.!

Help Needed ...

IMPORTANT

Footlights Update