North Mainland Notes 31.10.08

North spring bulb show

FOLLOWING the success of the North Mainland Gardening Club spring bulb show, held in the Sullom Hall in late March, the club is planning the second show.

The 2009 show will be held in the Muckle Roe Hall and the club would like to give advance notice so that folk can start growing over the winter. There is a wide variety of categories to choose from, so happy planting.

Categories are: three hyacinths; single hyacinth; five daffodils or narcissi; five tulips; bowl of spring bulbs eg. crocus, grape hyacinths etc.; vase of spring flowers; fresh flower arrangement using spring flowers; foliage pot plant; flowering pot plant; amaryllis; container of spring flowers; miscellaneous.

Hallowe’en bonfires

Just a reminder that the bairns Hallowe’en party will be held at Ollaberry Hall tonight from 6pm.

After a spooky Hallowe’en tea there will be a neepy lantern competition followed by games and activities. If the weather allows the annual bonfire and a fireworks display will be held outside the hall. Hallowe’en fun continues tomorrow at the North Roe and Lochend Hall when the bonfire and party will take place. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and there will be, as always, an excellent fireworks display. Following tradition, everyone will move into the hall for a selection of activities and games for the bairns. This will include neepy lantern and fancy dress competitions, dookin’ for apples, treacley bannocks and party games.

Hallowe’en at Mossbank

The Firth and Mossbank community is getting the Hallowe’en fancy dress outfits put together and scooping out the neeps and pumpkins for a night of family fun in the Mossbank Hall tomorrow night from 7pm to 11pm.

There will be spooky food, a disco, a raffle, games and a bar. Fancy dress and neepy lantern competitions are open to all ages in the following categories: pre-school; primary 1-3; primary 4-7; secondary; and adults.

Brae Hall annual meeting

Running a large community hall like the one at Brae takes a variety of skills and input from volunteer helpers.

The hall has a core committee which deals with the day-to-day running of the hall and would welcome the addition of new members to help spread the load.

Anyone in the Brae area who feels they would like to join the committee should go along to the annual general meeting in the hall clubroom on Sunday night at 8pm.

There is also a bank of volunteers who help the committee run the bar and the kitchen. Many people are happy to help out in a practical way, rather than join a committee, and the hall is always on the lookout for new helpers.

If you’d like more information or would like to join the committee or the helper rota, please contact Marabel on (01806) 522475 or go along to the clubroom on Sunday night.

North Haven success

The recent music and storytelling night at the Delting Boating Club held in aid of the North Haven comfort fund was a great success. Everyone enjoyed a real “hamely” night and the magnificent sum of £1,150.50 was raised for the fund.

Not only did the staff put in a huge amount of work to help the event run smoothly; clients of the day centre got involved and took part during the evening. Centenarian Ruby Lindsay and Mary Hughson captured the audience as they recited wonderful poems.

Music and storytelling were also on the programme and organisers would like to thank the Northmavine Fiddle and Accordion Club, Ryan and Adam, Alexander, Davy, Laurie and Andrina and Alex Couper for their excellent, entertaining contributions. A big thank you also goes to all the local businesses for their kind generosity with the raffle prizes they donated. Christine Brown made a marvellous MC for the evening and day care would like to say a huge thank you to her.

Thanks also go to the Delting Boating Club for use of the premises and everyone who helped on the night. Finally the biggest thank you goes to everyone who attended and supported the North Haven comfort fund.

Sullom sale o’ wark

The annual Sullom sale o’ wark, to help raise funds for the hall, takes place in the Sullom Hall tomorrow at 2pm.

In addition to the stalls of homebakes, bric-a-brac, local produce and books there will also be a raffle and guessing games. The afternoon will be rounded off with a cup of tea and the hall will be open from 11am to receive donations of goods.

Mossbank Christmas crafts

If you don’t complete your Christmas shopping at the shopping night in the Brae Hall on Thursday, why not finish it at the Christmas craft fair and car boot sale at Mossbank Hall on Sunday 9th November?

As well as a range of craft stalls and car boots there will also be a raffle with tea, coffees and home bakes on sale. The event takes place from 2pm-4pm. Anyone who would like to book a stall or a car boot can phone Margaret on (01806) 242754.

North Mainland recycling cash

The North Mainland Recycling Centre, now situated in the former Nelson Smith print shop, has been very busy since the move.

The committee is now ready to start giving grants to community groups and has decided to begin by providing funds to help with bairns’ Christmas parties in the North Mainland.

To register an interest in applying for a grant to help your community Christmas party, groups should contact committee members for an application form. Forms are available from akies@akies.plus.com, lynda.j3@tiscali.co.uk or by phoning Sandra on (01806) 522353.

Education blueprint

According to an SIC document entitled Developing a “Blueprint” for the Schools Service – Terms of Reference (Draft No. 2-19 November 2007), the purpose of the proposed Blueprint for Education in Shetland for the next 10 years is: “To describe an educational model of service, which provides the best possible educational journey for each pupil and which is affordable to this community, in the longer term.” Blueprint for Education consultations will take place throughout Shetland and a meeting will be held in the North Mainland at Brae High School in November.

Given the size of the North Mainland and the diverse nature of learning facilities and schools within the area, some parents feel it may be helpful to hold localised meetings ahead of the main meeting in the North Mainland.

Anyone who feels this would be of benefit could contact their local parent council or community council to discuss the possibility of such a meeting.

Flu vaccines

The Brae Medical Practice is running a final “Flu Vaccination Drop-In Clinic” at the Heath Centre on Wednesday 5th November and would like to invite anyone who has not yet had their flu vaccination to attend between 2pm-5pm. This is for everyone over the age of 65 or under 65, who has a medical condition such as diabetes; chronic respiratory disease, including asthma; chronic heart disease; chronic renal disease; chronic liver disease or is currently taking steroid medication.