Published at 09:35, Friday, 11 December 2009

CONGRATULATIONS to Billy and David Armstrong of Armstrong’s Carpets who were winners of the British Wool Marriott promotion. Their prize is a weekend at a Marriott hotel of their choice and a box of wine.

ACE fund-raisers Joan Short and Richard Weir collected £120 for Children in Need; also £40 for the Tynedale Hospice at Home from their stall during the late night shopping.

Joan was also seen with her tin last Tuesday, the coldest day of the year so far, collecting for the charity Chin Up. She raised another £59. Well done!

THE Haltwhistle Rings Walking Group held its Christmas party last week at the Comrades Club. This was proceeded by a short walk up the burn to Aesica, on to Cawfields and back.

It was quite a sight to see 47 walkers out in lovely sunshine. The party was the usual raucous affair, with a caption competition, a film show, even a poetry reading, and the inevitable awards ceremony.

The party concluded with a rather special presentation to Colin and Audrey Mills who are celebrating their golden wedding later this month.

A picture of a scene behind the Wall was especially painted for them by Rene Baillie. They also received a voucher for a meal at the Centre of Britain.

I WAS fortunate to return to the Comrades Club the next day, to enjoy one of Carol’s wonderful buffets. This time it was for the Women’s Institute Christmas party, another lovely evening in good company.

ONCE again the town has excelled in collecting Christmas shoeboxes. A grand total of 204 boxes have been sent from Haltwhistle to Romania, Ukraine and Bosnia.

This was a superb effort by all who contributed and in particular by Gordon and Kathleen Liddell who once again acted as co-ordinators.

ST WILFRID’S coffee morning was very well supported, with lots of goodies, tombola and raffle prizes. The grand sum of £1,205.70 was made for the church funds. Thanks to all for their support.

THE NSPCC annual Christmas fair is being held in the Masonic Hall tonight from 6pm to 8pm. There will be a charge of £1.50 which includes supper and a gift from Santa for the children. There will be various stalls, a tombola and a raffle.

HOLY Cross is holding a coffee morning tomorrow at the Methodist church from 9.30pm unitl 11am.

ON SUNDAY Haltwhistle Women’s Institute will be holding its annual carol service at Holy Cross Church, starting at 2pm. The chosen charity this year is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and there will be refreshments following the service.

LATER that day at 6pm there is to be a Big Christmas Sing at 6pm at the Methodist church. This is to be led by the choir and there will be a collection for Christian Aid, as part of their UK-wide campaign to support people living in poverty.

AND finally, don’t forget Messy Church on Thursday, December 17, at 3.30pm.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk