Classic Fair Isle Festival
 

This is the time for saying THANK YOU and I am overwhelmed by the debt of gratitude we owe to so many people on the isle. Everyone on the committee worked hard but Dave, Jane and Anne need special mention as publicity, travel and accommodation organisers, also Jimmy managing the money.

Scene setting for the week's activities was with Classic Ramparts Rock Group on a beautiful evening outside the Hall. Thanks to Stewart Wilson who welcomed us at the Kirk for Neil Georgeson's recital, Ian's piping and the choir's Gloria; also to Hollie, Deryk and staff at the crowded observatory for Max's talk. To paraphrase Jonathan Lennie, "Dear Lord, the very walls were stretching".
 

Where else would a choir and other musicians be prepared to sacrifice so many hours for a complex composition and hone it to perfection? Lise deserves an F.R.C.M. (Fosterer of Riotous Choristers and Musical-spanners). She also succeeded in producing the final programme for the week.

To those who gave hospitality and meals for our guests, it was much appreciated by °all of them - be ready for return visits.
 

For the generosity of the Hall Committee, helpers at the Hall for the dance, between rehearsals and after the performance - 'Triona, Fiona, Patrick, Inness and others - we are very grateful. It was great to have support and help from ' members of the workcamp during the course of the week, too, and Anne managed to fit in an extra session at the Museum.
 

The children had fun at their workshops with Chroma and Ruth, and showed their skills really well, and without nerves or self-consciousness, at the dance. Brilliant! Jessie kindly let us use a quiet classroom for hot lines to the BBC and the world via Mary Blance.
 

Whilst writing this, I took a phone call from CITY, someone wishing to ask a few questions. These seemed irrelevant and my waffling became increasingly difficult until alarm bells rang at the mention of the "Levy Department". This was CITB for Northmen; Construction Industry Training Board. Such is fame.
 

I cannot finish without thanking all the singers and musicians who contributed to the huge bouquet of flowers with which I was presented at the Town Hall - they are a delight.