Today marks a milestone in the Christmas preparations with work continuing at a fever pace on the harbour with a view to removing the stop blocs thus allowing access to the inner harbour area over the holiday period. At the same time work has already started to clean up the various mud strewn roads around the harbour and in the Co Op area caused by the removal of the material to deepen the dock. We understand that when the mud has been scraped that the roads will be washed down and will be back in good order very soon thereafter. Readers will be very glad to see that some of the original stones recovered from the old pier are being reused in the new one and will agree, that the new stonework shown is both functional and easy on the eye. Meanwhile concrete is already being laid today over part of the pier and other machines are busy tidying up in the dock area. Of course, they are not the only ones hard at work, the school children have also been busy practicing their Christmas play which will be presented on Monday in the Club. This is one of the cultural and social highlights of the Island's calendar, not to be missed !. We show the children, after taking a break from rehearsals to assist in the decoration of the  grotto and garden area. The children and indeed the Island are very fortunate to have our two excellent young and dedicated teachers, Principal Cara Anna and Muinteoir Áine and all will wish them and indeed all the workers on the harbour a very happy, peaceful and well deserved break.