New Year’s Eve Party and New Year’s Day Tug of War made the perfect start to 2009.

The first village New Year's Eve Party was pronounced a big success. 120 revellers made a sell-out event and were treated to entertainment from a quartet in the evening followed a piper and dancers then a disco until 1am. The evening sit down meal included three courses and a wide menu to suit all tastes. Champagne was provided to toast the New Year and the event made a profit of £515 for village hall funds. Janita Dedicoat, Rob Neilson, Neil and Beryl Ogden, Judy Roberts, Janet Thornton, Christine Wheatley, David Wort and Elisabeth Wynne were amongst the organising team that won the ultimate praise: 'Can we book for next year?'

The following day, the annual New Years Day tug of war contest between The Old Star and the Duke of Wellington went ahead despite the fact that the Duke is closed. The event has been a tradition in the village on New Years Day for many years organised by Jimmy Wilson.

The crowds were entertained to a number of tugs of war as children and women competed as well as the usual mens events. Some, like Captain Chuncky, were in fancy dress and the event, as always, made the perfect curtain raiser to the new year.

Over £500 was raised on the day making a total of £1200+ for a very worthy cause: Candlelighters.