By John M Caskie MBE
After much discussion and deliberation Locharbriggs Community Centre Association went ahead with their two festive events and both turned out to be enjoyed by the Dumfries community.
First was the return of Carols in the Car Park which attracted more than 140 people of all ages to join in the festive fun.
Singing of the old traditional Christmas carols took place around a log fire in the centre’s car park before the arrival of Santa.
He led everyone inside where the evening’s entertainment continued.
A gift of a selection pack for each child, along with a goody bag, made up of juice, crisps and sweets, was presented while adults enjoyed biscuits, chocolates and juice.
Due to the current restrictions the committee decided against serving teas or hot food on this occasion.
Covid mitigations in place, everyone kept socially distanced and in family bubbles, while table games were arranged.
There were also numerous prizes to win on the tombola, a grand raffle draw and a chance to win a Santa Christmas decoration and other prizes, including best dressed child and adults in a Christmas theme.
As chairman of the LCCA, I compered the evening while music for the games and carol singing was played by William McRobert.
After thanking everyone for attending, they were invited to join in a rousing chorus of We Wish You a Merry Christmas to bring a safe and successful evening to a close.
A total of £690 was raised on the night for centre funds.
The second event the centre hosted was An Afternoon of Music, Song and Dance for Christmas with a smaller crowd of 50 people who listened and danced to music – again by William McRobert, who was this time joined by his brother Ian on drums and John Milne on accordion.
I led the singing including many festive favourites and special guest artist was Caroline Harkness who added flair to the afternoon with her playing of the tin whistle.
A welcome cup of tea and coffee along with hot mince pies, shortbread and biscuits were much enjoyed by the audience.
After a break for the raffle, a thud on the door meant a visitor had arrived in the shape of Santa.
A dance round the hall, a Merry Christmas greeting to all, and Santa was off to prepare for the big day.
I bought the afternoon to a close with a few Christmas carols before wishing everyone the compliments of the season.
After costs, funds of £135 were raised for the centre during the afternoon.
Locharbriggs Community Centre Association are indebted to all the local individuals for within the community who, along with volunteer members of the LCCA committee, and the following businesses: Tesco (Peel Centre), Tesco (Cuckoo Bridge), Morrisons, Premier Store Locharbriggs, Home Bargains, Carson Butchers (Dalbeattie), QOS FC, Holiday Inn Dumfries, Wendy Thomas Fragrance, Kevin Farish LTD, Aldi (Annan Road), Lochar Thistle FC, All Things Pretty (Emma Richardson), Tarff Valley, Tesco Esso Express Heathhall, MML Treats, The Parlour Great King Street, Express Bakery, and Gael Moffat Sports Therapist, were very generous with their donations and prizes for each event.
