Last year there were plenty of functions and us ‘old ones’ were well looked after by the community.

I think it was during September we had a ‘vintage afternoon tea’ at Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath. I enjoyed having tea in china cups sitting on saucers. Of course there was lots of home baking, plus tablet! But the best part was the company and all the chatting we did.

Just before Christmas there was the over 60s dinner at Westford Inn. Customers contributed donations to support the event. I could hardly believe that Sandra MacKinnon, who was at my table, is 60. She is always so friendly and with a lovely smile greeting everyone.

I believe the Christmas dinners started about 10 years ago. I remember being in the shop and there was a container for donations to support the over 60s Christmas dinner. I was about 75 then. I put a donation in the tin and said to myself that it would be nice for the over 60s, a treat for the old ones. I then started laughing when I realised I was over 60 and could go too!

We had a very enjoyable afternoon in the Old Carinish School on 27 December 2025. It is now owned by Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath.

We were entertained by the talented singer, Mairi Callan. She sang about 15 traditional Gaelic songs. They were all long. I’ll never know how she remembered every word. She has got a beautiful voice, with so much feeling during the songs. She also played tunes on the harp, including some she composed herself.

There were also several talks last year, including one on the old Paible School, which is now Bayhead Shop. There were talks on the old dance halls and about crofting. Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath is a great asset in the community. I’m glad so many people seem to be supporting it wholeheartedly.

Just recently, North Uist Agricultural Society held a very enjoyable lunch at Hosta Hall to raise funds for RSABI. The Dunes served an appetising lunch and Mary Clare Ferguson gave a talk on the work of RSABI. RSABI is a charity which supports agricultural workers and their needs, and is well worth supporting.

Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath arranged a lovely display of photographs. I was quite surprised to see one of myself in what is now known as Sunset Lodge at the Committee Road end.

That’s where the Cattle Show was once held in 1954. I got a prize for a mare and foal, but I have still to find out who took the photograph.

When I went to school, as well as learning a lot of Psalms and Bible chapters, we also had to learn the Catechism. I used to know all 52 questions and answers. But unfortunately, I have forgotten many now.

I was delighted a few weeks ago when our minister, Rev David Ferguson, said from the pulpit that he was getting a Catechism for all the children and he would explain his question and answer to all the children before they went to Sunday School. The Catechism he has is easier to understand, but is still accurate.
For this month’s readings, I’m suggesting Luke, chapter 15, and Psalm 130.