A ceilidh which was planned for October might now become a Grouping event so there is every chance that the Orcadian Strip the Willow could be big enough to get into the Guiness Book of Records!!

It was very encouraging to hear that at their March meeting Presbytery has now classed St Mark's as an 'essential building' so all of the hard work we have done under John Watson's leadership has paid off.  From our threatened closure during the pre John vacancy, through the 'days of the dome' to our current position we have really pulled together and the Grouping is a further step on the way to ensuring that we play a significant role in spreading God's word to the centre of Aberdeen.  Not that we can afford to rest on our laurels.  At the same meeting Presbytery agreed to add the Parish of Rosemount Church onto that of St Mark's so our geographic area of responsibility is now considerably larger.  Not only that but there are very many more houses and people in the Rosemount parish than there are in our former area so overnight our responsibilities have probably quadrupled.  Both the Board and Session will have to look at this issue in some detail at future meetings.

If you have not already done so, plan to make sure that your spring cleaning is complete before the week beginning Monday 15 May 2006.  That's when St Mark's takes over the George Street Charity shop and we have a reputation to keep up for great bargains and good quality stock.  If any of our Grouping partners have unwanted household goods etc they are keen to get rid of why not contact our Projects Committee Convener, Anne Donaldson on 575663 to make uplift arrangements.