A village’s festive celebrations were saved by two local businesses.
Plans for the free event yesterday at Watermillock Village Hall had been nine months in the making – but organisers thought they were scuppered when the area was affected by a power cut.
The gathering was organised as an early launch the hall’s 100th anniversary celebrations, which will officially begin next year.
The hall’s committee said they gathered for some quick thinking when the power cut hit.
Jane Petrie, a trustee of Watermillock Village Hall committee, said: “There were a number of options open to us including cancel, reschedule, or resort to camping stoves and pioneer spirit, but before we started roasting parsnips by torchlight, we decided to call some of our business neighbours.
“Happily, they came to the rescue.”
Two local businesses stepped in – one dispatched an electrician who advised exactly what size generator would be needed, and O’Malley Plant Hire provided the generator.
The lunch went ahead despite the power cut.
More than 75 people attended, enjoying an impressive spread of homemade soup followed by a mountain of mince pies.
The lunch was free, with donations encouraged to support future monthly lunches beginning in January.
Andy Lumsden said: “It really is fantastic to get together with everyone, especially during these winter months when the weather is doing its best to keep us indoors.
“Being able to meet every month will be very special, a chance to see old friends and make new ones.”
