Past Times: Festival week had bright start

From The Shetland Times, Friday 3rd July, 1959

Lerwick’s festival week opened in brilliant weather, but the fine spell has not continued during the week.

A large crowd turned up at the Town Hall last Friday night in bright sunshine to see Miss Ina Mathieson crowned festival queen by Provost R. B. Blance, who was introduced by Mr R. K. Conochie, Festival Committee chairman.

Provost Blance appeared in his robes of office for the first time since his appointment, and made an excellent speech, brief and to the point, before crowning the queen.

He paid tribute to the committee, composed largely of the younger members of the community who worked very hard to provide entertainment and to encourage local shopping – a point to be emphasised.

In the past two years, the old people’s welfare committee and sporting organisations had benefited to the tune of £1,000 from the festivals, and the Provost wished this festival every possible success.

After the crowning, the queen and her attendants toured the town before being entertained at a dinner-dance in the Masonic Hall. It was a most enjoyable affair, and the queen was toasted on the call of Mr Tom Georgeson. The queen made a suitable acknowledgement, and she and her attendants were made the recipients of gifts, handed over by Mr Conochie.

The Saturday afternoon sports meeting was not very successful, with few entries. On Saturday night a large crowd watched a Shetland Select, playing with ten men for most of the game due to an injury to Kenny Groat, beat R.A.F. Saxaford, 2-1.

Despite the cold wind on Monday youngsters carried on with a swimming gala in the small boat harbour. On Tuesday Lerwick Ladies beat Scalloway Ladies 3-1 in a football match in Gilbertson Park.
Other events have taken place, but the week is not at an end yet. Tonight there are motor cycle trials on Staney Hill; a points sailing race; sideshows; concert; dance. Tomorrow a penny line; a T.A. equipment display in the Fort; carnival procession; final concert.

On Sunday evening, the brass band will give a selection, and there will be a choir in attendance; finally, the queen will attend Monday evening’s performance in the North Star Cinema.

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