Picture wall

What is a community?

I had an interesting chat today with Graham, retired Senior Scientific Officer with the Forestry Commission.   

The population of the Manor Valley is about 100.   Half of those come and go - usually because they work outside the valley, and their focus of attention at this point in life is about providing for themselves and their families.   The other half is divided between those who work the land, mainly sheep farmers, and the retired.    Quite a few can demonstrate centuries of family history.    Their parents' and grandparents' names can be found in the little kirkyard at Kirkton Manor.

A lot goes on in the valley.    All kinds.   WRI events, shows, dog trials, social events in the village hall, community lunch every month.    Claire worked last year on recording the year's activities and displaying photographs in the village hall.   The hall (along with the church) is the vital focal point for all that keeps the community together.

The land on which the hall stands was gifted by the Wemyss and March Estate - which owns most of the land around here.    The hall was built by a local lady, who also gifted a fine oil painting by the renowned Scottish artist, John Henry Lorimer.     When the hall desperately needed to be refurbished and upgraded, the trustees were able to sell the painting for £75,000 - which paid for the majority of the required work.   A reproduction was made, and still hangs there today.