John Gibson: He’s digging deep for the miners

It’s been the pits. The absolute pits for Davie Brown. He was a big noise in the re-build of Newcraighall village, down Wallyford way, where he runs the Lothian Mineworkers Convalescent Home, Whatton Lodge, at Gullane.

Davie’s not only crucial to the community down there, he himself worked in the pits for 14 years.

He has the lingo, speaks with a “Newcraighall” accent and, unlike many of the know-alls, know-nowts, he served as a councillor on the East and Midlothian councils. He had things said and done.

A fervent trade unionist, Davie, pictured below, tells me the Lodge plans and open week in May with a dinner and an art exhibition the highlights. Chance for the public to see what the Lodge continues to do for miners’s dependants and relatives. Dyed in the wool Davie.

Sister facts

She can be spiritually uplifting for me. I’ve known her a long time. Sister Wendy Beckett has been in the pictures since Moses was in his basket. She’s one of the great survivors.

It could be the muesli and bran she has every morning. Doctor’s orders.

She lives in a tiny mobile home in the Norfolk woods. And she’s human, she supports Norwich City, Delia’s team.

She takes pills for her bowels and wears long johns. Too much information. Wendy, at 83, prays a lot and maybe somebody up there will stimulate sales of her new book, Spiritual Letters.