Tables for the Hail

Functions and Fairs require tables that can be folded and stored when not required. "Get the material and we will make our own tables" These were the words of the late Alex Taylor who organised a squad to work in the hall mainly in the evenings. Wood was measured and cut to size - nails and screws and hinges were made available. The scene in the hall resembled a factory conveyer belt as bits and pieces were assembled and put together, then nailed or screwed into place. At the end of the project the church possessed 20 folding tables which have been well used by the church and other outside organisations.lt is a tribute to the workmanship of the volunteers that most, if not all, of these tables are still in use. Those who took part in theses projects experienced enjoyment, satisfaction, a feeling of achievement, and great sense of fellowship in working together for the church.

Tom McKinlay's "Revenge"

Remembering young days, those of us of "a certain age" often recall McKinlay's Shop, visited as much for the owner's sense of humour - "come in - get out" - as for toffee apples and cinnamon sticks.

Around the age of eight or nine I used to look forward to Tom's round with his horse,* which loved to eat the foliage from the tree at our gate. Tom preferred that she was not fed on these particular leaves and would go away after I had given her a generous helping, with a smile and "I'll get you one day for that, Margaret." In 1989 after finishing arranging the church flowers I decided to weed the area by the vestry while my daughters finished practising some music in the church. To the sound of this music I fell into Tom's grave as the earth gave way. Lying there I remembered stories of how he had jokingly marked out this spot as his final resting place. Did I hear a horse's whinny and Tom's chuckle?

* Blossom? Primrose? Who can Remember? The Sunday School Trip

The Sunday School Trip has always been the highlight of the year although the mode of transport has changed greatly.

In the early 1900's the trip made the "long" journey to Prestongrange House in a horse drawn cart.

By the 20's transport was the tram car along to Eskside on the last Thursday in June or by steam train to Gullane.

In the fifties and sixties the Sunday School hired a whole train to wonderful places such as Peebles,North Berwick, Burntisland stopping in every siding. Children carried tinnies on a string round their necks. Mothers, aunties and grannies carried shopping bags, flasks and sandwiches and it didn't rain............often.