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A VENUE which houses more than 40 groups has unveiled plans to reopen to the public. The Bridge Centre, which is used by organisations ranging from mother and toddler groups to the University of the Third Age, has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, furloughed staff are returning with immediate effect to prepare the premises in line with Covid-19 secure measures. The first groups to return to the centre, on Haddington’s Poldrate, will be priority groups that provide key or essential support to the community. More groups will return throughout May, with the aim, subject to any change in coronavirus restrictions, of being fully open for groups of all ages to return to their activities by the start of the autumn term.
FLAGS throughout East Lothian will remain at half mast ahead of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on Saturday. Prince Philip died last Friday at the age of 99. In East Lothian, flags were lowered at local authority buildings across the county. The flags will remain at half mast until after the funeral. East Lothian Provost John McMillan; Roderick Urquhart, the new Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian; and Michael Williams, Mr Urquhart’s predecessor, were among those paying tribute. Mr McMillan said: “The Duke of Edinburgh throughout his life exemplified the values of public service. “Like many of his generation, he experienced active service during the Second World War, serving within the Royal Navy, before marrying HM The Queen in 1947 and embarking on a role as consort supporting her throughout her reign.
AN INITIATIVE providing emergency food and support to people in crisis has been launched in Haddington. The Lammermuir Larder was unveiled this month in a bid to help those who find themselves in crisis or financial difficulties. Now, members of the public have been urged to get behind the scheme and donate food so that stocks can be built up. Lammermuir Larder, which will be headed up by a team of volunteers, operates through a referral system, either from a professional familiar with the individual/family, or from the individual/family themselves. Referrals are kept strictly confidential. Once the referral has been received, a ‘larder list’ will be sent out detailing products that are available.
Roderick Urquhart, of Samuelston, has been appointed to the role by Her Majesty The Queen. He was previously named a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in March 2016 alongside Pauline Jaffray. The Lord Lieutenant is the Queen’s representative in East Lothian. His deputies are there to step in when he is unavailable. Mr Williams retires from the post on March 15 after eight years’ service. Lord Lieutenants and their deputies must retire when they reach the age of 75. Mr Urquhart said of his new role: “It is a great honour and a privilege to be appointed as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, and to succeed Michael Williams MBE.