AS 2019 draws to a close it has been another year of hard work by The Benarty Events Group and on Saturday afternoon the Group presented the Community Lottery jackpot cheque of £6,200 to local lady Mrs Minnie McDonald.

Minnie was delighted with her windfall drawn just days before Christmas.

Planning has already begun for the 2020 events and once again The B.E.G. will be striving to keep the costs to general public to a minimum at everything organised by them in 2020.

“This will be a difficult task, if it is the same as 2019 when there was very little financial assistance from the main agencies, but every member of our team works tirelessly fundraising.” said BEG chairman, Eddie Easson.

2019 saw a great Pipe Band Competition and a brilliant Gala, both held at Lochore Meadows Country Park. Even the wanton vandalism the day before the gala, when the portable toilets organised for the event were destroyed by fire, didn’t stop a great day. Rockore was another sell-out and a brilliant success despite the horrendously wet weather.

On a sadder note The Group lost two of their stalwarts to illness this year. In October one of the founder members, Willie Clarke, passed away after a long illness. Then on Boxing Day, Ron Howe, passed away. Both these people will be sadly missed and the Group's thoughts are with their families at this time.

In December The Benarty Events Group began a new adventure, with formation of The Companion Club. The club is aimed at the older generation but everyone is made welcome at the Friday meetings at the Benarty Centre.

Added Eddie: “We had two gatherings in December and basically they were were introductions for people to come and meet and have a blether. Hopefully The Companion Club will grow in 2020.”

The Group would like to thank councillors Mary Lockhart and Lea McLelland for their assistance on the two club days. Thanks also went to The Benarty Centre management and staff for making the centre available and Jean Webster for the delicious soup.

The Benarty Events Group would like to thank everyone who helped the Group in 2019 plus all the sponsors no matter what size. Concluded Eddie: "Also massive thanks goes to the public who participate in our Community Lottery".

B.E.G. would like to wish everyone A Happy and Prosperous New Year.