North Mainland Notes 09.01.09

North Roe nativity

THE WILD winter weather just before Christmas did not deter over 50 people attending North Roe Methodist Chapel on 21st December for a carol service and a nativity play.

The play mixed humour with the original story of the birth of Jesus by portraying the frustrations of the innkeepers’ disturbed night due to many late visitors, but ending with the blessing of the baby’s birth in his stable. While the younger bairns enacted the story, the older ones steered the service through the carols, narration and prayers.

Kirsteen Straine accompanied two solos performed by Bethany Dunk and played for the congregational carols. Everyone enjoyed the happy occasion and were impressed by the talent of the young people in the community.

The offering was divided between Shetland Bereavement Support Services and chapel funds. A donation of £100 has been sent to Bereavement Support Services.

Winter lunch

The mention of Sunday teas conjures up images of Sunday runs; usually to scenic places on a boannie summer’s day.

The Sullom hall has come up with an alternative to encourage people to take that scenic Sunday run on what may be a bleak winter’s day.

A winter lunch will be available in the hall on Sunday, 25th January from noon till 4pm and will include a feast of tattie soup, reestit mutton and bannocks. So after a bracing walk along the banks at Eshaness or Nibon, pop along for a winter warmer.

North Mainland pilates

Hanne Irvine from Virkie will begin her popular Pilates classes again next week. So if you’ve over- indulged over the festive season and would like to get back in shape, Pilates is a great way of toning those muscles and increasing your core strength.

The seven-week block of classes begins in Brae on Monday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm for intermediates and 8.15pm to 9.15pm for beginners.

If morning classes would fit your schedule better, Hanne will be at the Sullom hall from 10am to 11am each Wednesday for seven weeks.

Places for these classes go fast, so for more information or to book a place contact Hanne on 07900 908552.

Cheerio to Urafirth head

As head teachers settle into the new term, one Northmavine head is getting ready to leave the post she has held for almost three years.

Angela Grant, head teacher at Urafirth, has secured a post on the UK mainland to be nearer to her husband Robert Grant, the former head at Brae High School.

Under Mrs Grant’s headship, pupils achieved many things including their first Eco School Flag in June 2008.

An Eco School award reflects the excellent work achieved within the school building and grounds in relation to the environment and includes the extent a school engages with the community.

The school poly tunnel and garden have proved an excellent tool in bringing the community together to grow plants and vegetables and to help encourage healthy eating by use of the produce in the school. Visitors to the Voe show will remember the impressive range of school-grown produce on display from Urafirth.

Mrs Grant will leave Urafirth School on 16th January and parents have mixed feelings. One said: “While we are delighted that Mrs Grant will be with her husband, we are sad to lose her as head teacher. She has been good for the Urafirth School and we wish her well for the future.”

Hillswick quiz

There will be a chance to get those brain cells working again after the festive season at a quiz night in the Hillswick Hall next Friday night.

The event starts at 7.30pm and teams should not contain more than four people.

Maree Hay