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News for and by the people in Birsay |
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| July 2003 |
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Issue 23 |
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Contents Editorial |
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EditorialWell folks, here we are again with the first issue for 2003. Once again, packed with articles and information that will keep you going until the next issue. First of all, we would like to wish all our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year. Having said that, there is nothing much more to add so we will just remind you to keep sending in anything you think might be of interest to the people "Roond aboot Birsay" and we will keep on printing it. Johnny Johnston - Co-editors - Morag Spence
That Dear Green PlaceAs always I felt sad as I stepped off Wishart's brown and yellow bus, wondering how I'd ever survive a whole year till me summer hols in Birsay. At the age of 8, a year was a long 52 weeks, whereas now six decades later, the 52 telescopes into as many days. There was some consolation in the hope we’d visit at other days and we always tried to be in Birsay on New Year's Day, but it wasn't the same as staying over ; it was the company, of course. Perhaps the country bairns had more fun going home from school in the summer, lingering about the burns and ditches, besides us townies, throwing our schoolbags in, and off to play in a builder's yard, the woodyard, or the smelly old auction mart. A different story in the dark drear stormy days in winter when there was no transport of any kind for country bairns. It was all fun for me, tramping blankets on a hot summer day; sitting enjoying the best view from Hillhead with a bunch of lettuce, a basin of water, vinegar and sugar; playing shops; running down to Newan for milk, pulling bits of shallots as we passed Maggie’s garden; keeping house while Jessie went to help at the neep singling... While Jock and Charlie pitted their wits and skill trying to beat Jessie and Daavid at the 500 table, we played snap, batchy, spoof, and at bedtime, I Spy and the Minister's Cat. When the Scottish dance music was on we learned the Eva Three Step, etc. specially for a family wedding in the Barony Hotel. Sad to say, after all me practise when the time came, I wasn’t good enough. Some days we’d set off to torment the miller, passing in by Maggie o’ Meeron for a sweetie from her tin on the mantlepiece. We'd tear up and down the mill stairs, looking for shellings (I thought I was looking for real money). This was all thirsty work, especially eating dry oatmeal. So, across to Grannie for a drink of the crystal clear water from the Manse Well, and creamola foam, passing the bink at the back door (where is that bink, Rae?). Back across the road to the smithy and the excitement if Jock Martins was shoeing a horse. Thankfully I'm not dependent on any bus, brown, yellow or blue, and can speed off more or less anytime westwards. So you'll often see me rootin’ aboot in the Garden of Orkney. Ivy A. Cooper
COUNCILLOR CHATFirst let me thank the people of Birsay and Dounby for their support and confidence in accepting me as their councillor for the next 4 years. It is quite a challenge knowing that a large community are looking to you to represent them and look after their interests in Orkney Islands Council. I am sure that you will be aware of the funding problems the Council is having and with the present arrangements from the Scottish Executive it is very difficult to progress many of the projects and services we would like to provide to the people of Orkney. If we could get equal funding per person in Orkney to that of Shetland and the Western Isles we could make quite a difference. The Council met with our MSP, Jim Wallace, and we made plain our disquiet at being disadvantaged in comparison with the other island groups and that we expect him to fight our case robustly in the Scottish Executive. Happily we are able to proceed with the Dounby care home and work should start about the end of July. It is projected to take about 18 months so there will be a bit of disruption in the village but I am sure it will be worth it. The Reporter to the Orkney Local Plan inquiry eventually published his findings and he did not support the case that I and the Community Council made to allow Birsay be treated the same as the isles when it comes to the siting of houses. He did not acknowledge the fact that we have a declining population and the need to sustain rural communities as examples of the arguments we put forward. However last week I managed to persuade the Council that they instruct the planning officials to consult the Birsay Community about providing more flexibility in the siting of houses, so we wait the next chapter in this long running saga. (I noted from the 2001 census that the population of the combined parishes of Birsay and Harray (this used to be a civil parish up to 1929 I believe) has declined 24% in 10 years. I was most surprised at this figure as such a decline is not plainly obvious.) You may have seen the adverts encouraging people to express their interest in getting Broad Band for e-mail and internet connection. I am sure anyone using the internet will experience the frustrations of the delays in opening pages on the internet. I understand that Broad Band can make a significant difference in the speed of upload and download. Highlands and Islands Enterprise are proposing to make Broad Band available to all communities who show an interest in Broad Band so we want as many people as possible to express an interest. Send a message to 0800 0272327 or go to http://www.hie.co.uk/broadband/registration to express your interest. One last note; I understand that the new children’s playground at the school will be available after about 20 July. It is a privilege to represent the people of Birsay and Dounby and anyone is welcome to get in touch by telephone (771328), e-mail ak.johnson@btopenworld.com, call past Hundasaeter or ask me to come past your home if there are any issues I can help you with. I believe that a councillor is the advocate for the people who elect them. Issues do not necessarily have to concern the Council but any organisation which is giving you a problem. For this issue of the newsletter I am including a summary of the work of the education department, which I hope will give you a greater understanding of this important department in the Council. The Department of Education and RecreationThis department has a much wider remit than just providing schools and teachers, and is responsible for a number of different services which are all important to many different communities and interests in Orkney. The following explains what the Department is responsible for, and what the current priorities are:- · School and pre-school education The main service aims for school and pre-school education are to provide a happy, caring, inclusive and safe environment in which pupils will achieve their very best – good exam results, enjoyment and success in areas such as sports and the arts, a range of life skills, and the skills and attitudes to become good citizens of the future. New government funding means that a large number of additional ‘projects’ are underway to help achieve these aims. Standards in schools are high, and recent inspection reports show that provision is generally very good. Schools should be attractive, modern, fit-for-purpose places. The Council has recognised the need to maintain school buildings in a good state of repair unlike many other Councils whose buildings have been allowed to deteriorate. There is an ambitious programme of building – recently, a new school was opened in Firth and extensions and refurbishments have taken place at Kirkwall Grammar School, Dounby, Sanday, Papa Westray and Eday. Planned improvements will soon be started in Shapinsay and Glaitness (including improved integrated provision for pupils with special educational needs). A new school is planned for Burray. Future needs for Papdale, Rousay and Stromness Academy are under consideration. · Further education · Grainshore Training Centre Grainshore provides supported training to a small number of clients, including a number with disabilities. This includes general skills training, construction skills, IT and interview skills. Currently it is managed by Orkney College on a pilot basis, and it is hoped that trainees will in future become students of the college. · Community and Adult Learning New premises, The Learning Link in Queen Street, mean that those adults wishing help with basic literacy and numeracy have a place of learning and meeting. There are many adults requiring help, and the priority for the Adult Basic Education service is to attract and retain more learners. · Library and Archive Services The new Orkney Library and Archive is nearing completion, and will open in October. It will provide enhanced services such as internet access, a local studies centre and additional opening times for the archives and will bring a number of additional services, such as the Biodiversity Records Centre, and the Orkney Family History Society, together in one central, attractive area. · Sports, Arts and Recreation The Department runs a number of sports centres and recreational facilities, and commissions services from the Pickaquoy Centre. The recent appointment of a sports development officer will mean more support for the wide range of sporting organisations in Orkney. During July and August community consultation will be taking place on both the draft Sport and Recreation Strategy and Review of Orkney Sports Development Group. These will be launched in the autumn and will provide clarity and priorities for the new Sports Development Service. A Coaching Audit is also being undertaken with sports clubs in order to assess the coaching needs in the County with a view to allocating resources and improving coaching standards. This is being funded through the Islands Forum (sportscotland). Consultation for Healthy Living Centres is in progress with partners, communities and funding partners and work on these should commence from April 2004. The Orkney Arts Strategy was launched earlier this year, and involved the public bodies and a wide and representative range of arts organisations and individuals. There is a clear desire to make some improvements to arts venues, improve communications, support smaller arts enterprises, and co-ordinate bids for external funds. · Special Projects Special Projects continues to provide training opportunities for long-term unemployed while supporting community projects and making real improvements to the Orkney environment. Overall, the Department budget is £23 million and there are around 850 employees. Keith Johnson Hundasaeter
BIRSAY COMMUNITY COUNCILWell, the elections are all over and now we have a brand new Community Council! Or maybe not brand new but ready to face a new session. There has been only one change, as it happens, with Barbara Foulkes deciding not to stand again, due to pressure of other work. We would like to thank her for the work she has put into the Community Council over the many years she has been a member and we wish her all the best in her new career. She has been replaced by Susan Norquoy and we welcome Susan to our Council. I know she will be a valuable member, with much to contribute to the community. The new Community Council therefore consists of the following members:- Johnny Johnston, Chairman; Kenny Ross, Vice Chairman; Duncan Tullock; Sandy Scarth; Maxwell Tait; Jean Harvey; Susan Norquoy At the final meeting of the old Council, we met in a rather different venue. Sergeant Davie Mathieson invited us to the recently renovated Police Station in Stromness to see for ourselves the vast improvements which had been carried out there. It was a most interesting evening, with Chief Inspector Mike Cowdry giving us a talk on the aims of the Orkney Area Command and Sergeant Mathieson giving us a guided tour of the premises. We then held our meeting at the Station and we would like to thank all concerned for the invitation to visit. As for the normal Community Council matters, we continue to make some progress on the various things, roads, drainage etc. We have now ordered a plaque for Mans Well, to let people know a bit more about its history and we hope to have that in place soon. All the marker stones at the boundaries of Birsay with other parishes have now had the word BIRSAY painted black. This is a great improvement, as it shows up the name much more clearly. We thank Sandy Scarth for doing the job. To end on a slightly brighter note, I mentioned last time that we had ordered new gates for the Kirkyard. Well, they are now in place and I am sure everyone will agree that Alan Norquoy has made a lovely job. As always, let any of us know if there is something you think we can help you with. Johnny Johnston - Chairman. |
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The Department of trade and Industry has started a consultation process about a
“Strategic Environmental Assessment” for issuing oil and gas exploration
licenses for the waters to the west of Orkney and Shetland. This area
meets the Birsay coast line so any incident in the offshore waters could impact
on our coast. If anyone would like to see or be involved in the
consultation please let me know and I will let you have details.
Orkney College, recently extended
to include a base for archaeology and improved art and library facilities, received
high praise in its inspection last year. The college continues to attract a
large number of learners of all ages, ranging from open learning and short courses
to full degree courses. The development of its postgraduate archaeology course
and the recently developed agronomy institute are current priorities.
Community Education works closely
with local community groups to provide facilities and activities appropriate
to local needs. Current examples of this partnership arrangement are the establishment
of a community learning plan for the West Mainland, the play area at Dounby
Community School which is near completion and the computer learning centre which
will open in Autumn.
The Club's first outdoor event of the year
was the Tractor Working Day, which this year took place at the historic setting
of the Earl's Bu in Orphir. Nineteen tractors took part and it was great to
see Birsay represented. Kenny Irvine had travelled from the 'North Side' to
the 'South Side' of the West Mainland with his early 1940s Fordson diesel, and
it made light work of Jimmy Stevenson's Ransomes Mowtrac 2-furrow plough.
On 11th April the weather
was recorded as 'Very stormy. Snow Showers. NW, and this lasted
for a week. Two significant events took place in April. On the 8th,
'Meg foaled a stag', and three weeks later, 'Fanney foaled a mare'.
The sire of both foals was the stallion 'Duke of Abercorn'. Fanney
had been lame for some time and was being attended by James Kirkness of Moan.
But worse was to follow when her foal died ten days after birth. The horse
situation was relieved by using a young mare and getting the loan of a horse
from next door neighbour, Tom Paterson of Queer.
The turnips were sown in early June.
In those days the drills were opened, then dunged and closed in again, before
the turnips were sown. 55 drills of Swedes and 102 drills of yellows were sown.
From 22nd June, peat-carting took place and this went on into the
first week of July. Four loads a day was most common and the total number came
to 46. This included 12 loads that he carted for other people.
IT'S FREE!! There is no
admission charge for the Barony Mills this year. It is an experiment to see
if the increase in donations from more visitors will balance the loss from ticket
fees. So far it seems promising, as visitor numbers are up somewhat from last
year. But still we urgently NEED YOUR HELP! Bring your family, friends and
guests as often as you like; buy BERE MEAL and try it in traditional or new
recipes. We welcome new
1) Capture the Parish, that is
take a snapshot of the houses, farms, businesses and people of Birsay today.
Not a history in the formal sense but the story of a way of life as it is now.
Please contact Melvin Johnston (771-405), Johnnie Johnston (771-276), or the
undersigned if you wish to help.
Apart from Deirdre Hay, there has been the
usual steady stream of visitors, from 16 different countries this year so far.
I think it may be the first time we have had visitors from Poland, though I
haven’t had time to check. Visitors’ reactions are always interesting, and
some of the comments this year are: “very peaceful”; “a charming find”;
“thank you for being open”; “a lovely haven”; “fantastic church”;
“beautifully preserved”.
These concerts have all sorts of spin-offs,
for example, Gemma McGregor, the flautist with the Orkney Ensemble, which gave
the Festival concert in St Magnus in 2002 and again in 2003, has composed a
short piece about Magnus, and wants its first performance to be in St Magnus,
Birsay. Naturally, we are delighted, and it will be part of our St Magnus Day
Service in 2004. The singing will be shared among six boys involved in the
Orkney Children’s Choir.
What on earth is that? Well, it may
change its name before Sunday 7th September, but it sums up the idea
behind the event. We are going to have to do some repairs to the ceiling of
St Magnus, though we are not yet sure on how big a scale they will have to be.
But even minor repairs will need a major fundraising effort on our part, and
it seems appropriate that we should undertake it next year, because it will
be exactly 100 years since the last major alterations to the church, which included
the installation of the stained-glass window.
As you will see from the July issue
of ‘The Orkney Advertiser’, you can book a sales table for £4., or you
can seize the opportunity to clear out your attics and your cupboards of items
for which you no longer have any use, but which might be collectable to
somebody else, and pass them on to us. If you have big items that you would
like to donate, it would be helpful if you could tell us about them well
beforehand. We will be happy to accept small items a day or two before the
event, but we would be even happier to accept them at any time throughout the
month of August – the sooner the better! You can phone me on 721 241 or
bring items to me (or to any of the other trustees).
We held an open-air concert in the Earl’s Palace in June. Parents, locals
and tourists alike all sat out on a beautiful afternoon, and spent an enjoyable
hour listening to a varied selection of tunes.
There will be some staff changes during
the summer among the stewards [more details later] but the quieter time of year
gives us all a breathing space and time to plan for the "back end".
Please feel free to ask if you have any problems or if there is any thing that
we could be doing better. |
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Keith Johnson July 2003
