North Mainland Notes 27.02.09

Lunnasting quiz

Tomorrow night there will be an opportunity for folk to test their general knowledge skills at a quiz in the Lunnasting Public Hall. The event starts at 7.30pm and organisers will welcome teams of up to six people. Teams will have a chance to rest the grey matter during the 8 o’clocks, and a raffle will also be available.

Guizers return nort’

Northmavine Up-Helly-A’ Guizers Return will be held in the North Roe and Lochend Hall tomorrow night from 8.30pm. The Up-Helly-A’ committee hope that the acts that took part on Up-Helly-A’ night will perform again at North Roe in order to give other squads a chance to see the various sketches and songs. Although the acts are usually of a very good standard, many squads excelled themselves this year with some really good takes on local events. Tickets for the return are available from Derek Robertson on (01806) 503268. Any remaining tickets will be on sale at the door.

Nort’ under-5s

The Northmavine parent and toddlers group continues to meet twice a week. Although the group will close down for the Easter break, sessions will begin again after the holidays. Northmavine Under-5s is always keen to welcome new members and now meets at two venues in Northmavine in an attempt to encourage parents and bairns from a wider geographical spread to come along. Each Monday the group meets at Urafirth School from 1.15pm to 3pm. On Thursday they meet at Ollaberry School between the same times as the Urafirth day.

Oaths for CLAN

Google really can provide information on just about anything although, at times, the truth, accuracy and sentiment can all be a little dubious. While carrying out some research on the habit of swearing, I came across a short guide to “help you think about why you swear and how you might be able to curb the habit”. Among the reams of self-help advice was a list of things needed to help kick the habit. The list included, and I quote; “patience, a sense of realism about your goal – it takes time to change – friends and family who are supportive, a journal for thoughts, goals and self-promises, a friend to help you and a swear box for charity”.

It’s unclear whether Christine Robertson o’ Fiblister has stumbled across the same website, but after hearing the odd oath being uttered during the Fiblister post-Nort Up-Helly-A’ open day, she set up a swear box in the kitchen for charity. Christine would like to thank everyone that contributed to the box and a grand total of £150 was raised for CLAN 1,2,3. Perhaps next year she’ll be handing out the journals!

North Mainland drama dates

North Mainland, once again, is well represented in the forthcoming Shetland County Drama Festival. Ronas Drama Group, based in Northmavine, has been busy rehearsing their light period comedy over the winter. They have a strong cast of enthusiastic members who are thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Splinters Youth Theatre has entered three plays in the festival this year, with a strong emphasis on Shetland dialect. Both plays entered in the junior and adult section are in dialect and Splinters also have a youth play in the youth section. Thursday night of the festival will be very much a “nort’ night” as the Ronas entry and Splinters youth entry will both be performed.

Both drama groups are very supportive of each other, and Splinters youth members will be rushing down to the auditorium after their performance to see Ronas in full swing. Shetland County Drama festival runs from Wednesday 4th March to Saturday 7th March inclusive, in the Garrison Theatre.

Friends of Anchor

Isobel Mowat of Brae is now well into her training programme for the London Marathon on 26th April. She has secured her own place in the marathon and because of this can choose the charity she would like to raise money for. Isobel has decided to run in aid of the Friends of Anchor, a registered charity formed over 10 years ago to raise money on behalf of the Aberdeen and Northern Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy (Anchor) Unit. The unit, based in the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, brings together experts and specialist nurses to help care for patients with all forms of cancer and blood disorders. People from all over the north east, Orkney and Shetland benefit from the specialist treatment and care available.

In addition to raising funds from sponsorship, Isobel has arranged a bingo evening with a raffle in the Delting Boating Club on Friday 6th March. Eyes down at 8pm.

Strictly Boston auditions

With less than a fortnight until the audition sessions for what is predicted to be the latest reality TV smash, Strictly Boston, Skea TV directors and staff are finalising the detail. Skea TV Personal Assistant Miss Plookytrams stated: “Auditions will take place in the Grand Ball Room at St Magnus Bay Hotel, Hillswick, on Thursday 12th March. We’re anticipating a huge number of auditionees and folk are reminded to bring change for da duke box.”

Quiz at Hillswick

Here’s a good opportunity to check whether the brain cells have survived last weekend by taking part in the monthly quiz in Hillswick Hall tonight. Teams should contain a maximum of four people and the questions begin at 7.30pm.

Lost property

A number of items of have been found during the clear up after the hop in Sullom Hall last Saturday. The list includes jackets, trainers, earrings and a small phone/camera case. To claim any of the above, please telephone (01806) 522390 or 522284.

Traditional  music night

The joint traditional music session between the Shetland Fiddlers Society and the Northmavine Fiddle & Accordion Club, previously postponed due to winter weather, will now take place in the Hillswick Hall on Tuesday night at 7pm. Everyone is welcome whether they can play or not, the bar will be open and 8 o’clocks will be provided.

Maree Hay