Off to Dirleton School last night to meet with two dozen parents, teachers and locals. This was not the normal enthusiastically attended School Parent Council (I attended one where two in three pupils had parents there) but a gathering called by high-energy Head Teacher Sarah to brainstorm the school’s 100th anniversary, due in 2012.

After setting the scene, Sarah broke us up into small groups to work on ideas for fundraising, for events and for other ideas how to celebrate the centenary of what has always been a great little school. They came pouring out—the good, the great and the fantastical ideas but with enthusiasm, good nature and the desire to help that is typical of our smaller settlements like Dirleton.

Initiatives like this are what cements the civic body together. Whether a centenary apple orchard gets planted or Uri Geller accepts an invitation to visit is not the point. There is no feeling like the one you derive  from being a part of something worthwhile that is bigger than yourself.