Andy's Funny Farm
Posted: Thursday, 02 February 2006 |
Where do we start?
Up Helly Aa is a great Shetland tradition which helps pass the time in those long winter nights. It started as a tar-barrel-dragging contest on the 24th day of Yule, but when tar barrels were banned in Lerwick in the 1870s the locals devised other ways of entertainment, eventually deciding upon a squad of Vikings processing with torches and setting a Viking boat alight.
The tradition spread to Unst in 1911, the Uyeasound Up Helly Aa being the second oldest in the world, while Norwick on Unst has held an Up Helly Aa since 1985.
Last year, the Jarl in Norwick was our glorious leader at Baltasound School, so as visitors to Evil Twinny's blog (aka So High ...) will know, there was a teacher's squad ('Andy's Funny Farm'). And what a glamorous lot we were ...
Up Helly Aa is a great Shetland tradition which helps pass the time in those long winter nights. It started as a tar-barrel-dragging contest on the 24th day of Yule, but when tar barrels were banned in Lerwick in the 1870s the locals devised other ways of entertainment, eventually deciding upon a squad of Vikings processing with torches and setting a Viking boat alight.
The tradition spread to Unst in 1911, the Uyeasound Up Helly Aa being the second oldest in the world, while Norwick on Unst has held an Up Helly Aa since 1985.
Last year, the Jarl in Norwick was our glorious leader at Baltasound School, so as visitors to Evil Twinny's blog (aka So High ...) will know, there was a teacher's squad ('Andy's Funny Farm'). And what a glamorous lot we were ...
Comments
Quick - get this lot signed up for the Fank right away!
BoB from Lewis
Do you think we could get a grant to get you all down for our up-hellia in August? That's a fine lot of caileachs you've got there I don't want that level of competition at the fank and what does Dammacoo think she's doing in public the slapper!
Sunny from Arran
Oh the style on picture 5!!! I've already admired the outfit on Evil Twinny's blog, but the group snap didn't do it justice. It's so elegant and understated. Had Trinny and Susannah visited to do the makeover? Stockists details please!
Annie Beag from Lone Sheiling, Lewis
The image 5 ensemble was assembled in Shetland at various upmarket boutiques. The wig, however, was pure Orcadian and may be available....
Herman from Orkney
I can't believe you called me that!! I thought that was what udders were for. The milkmaid got a bit too enthusiatic though and pulled off one of my teats which then had to be sewn back on. Photographic evidence is available.
damadcoo from Unst
We would never be as bold to call you that! Does the cow like the milkmaid though? It looks like it!
Herman from Orkney
Does the cow like the milkmaid???? DO YOU REMEMBER XMAS DOO 2004???
Ruthodanort from Unst
And pass the banana??
Far North from Unst
How indiscreet are you? Me - silent as the grave. Does anyone remember the Xmas do 2004? Hic!
Herman from Orkney
How indiscreet are you? Me - silent as the grave. Does anyone remember the Xmas do 2004? Hic!
Herman from Orkney
OK, Herman - I know that you're not a computing teacher. Or are you still seeing double?
Far North from Unst
Shouldn't you be teaching Far North? Firewall prevented first posting - at least that's what it told me. Besides it means Puffin Billy has more comments.
Herman from Orkney
How's the cold frame at the school?Looks good.
Herman from Orkney
Cold frame? WHAT cold frame? My dear sir, that Stromness ale must be awfully strong. Or is it that mess burning behind that wild looking fellow in the Ben Hur outfit?
mjc from NM,USA
Ah, there are things we don't siclose on the blog! I wouldn't insult the burning of the galley if I were you.
Herman from Orkney
OOOOOOOHHHHH. That hurt. Our Jarls are very prood o their outfits. Ben Hur wis never clad so weel.
Ruthodanort from Unst
Awright! Awwriight! (Have your lawyer contact mine)
mjc from NM,USA
My wife read my comments, and she was worried and urged me to make sure you folks understand that there is no intended meanness in my comments: I am just joking. "It's a different culture, out there," she said, "and they may take your comments seriously/literally." Oh, weeel! I am sure your Jarls are all good looking (and well clad), and your children above average ...{and the Viking ships still seaworthy!}. Of course, I'll have to come to Unst etc. and see for myself, eh?
mjc from NM,USA
Too late mjc- the fleet is on its way to New Mexico (wherever that is). It must be outwith the Northern Isles.
Herman from Orkney
Smoke signals will announce your arrival as you paddle your way up the Rio Grande. Bon voyage. And we won't bury the hatchet till you get here!! We could use some new squaws from the (northern) islands. How about Miss Unst 2006? NM is north of old Mexico, and, if you were to look at the latest map of the world, it is right dab in the middle (it should be, anyway).
mjc from NM,USA
Is New Mexico in the New World?
Herman from Orkney
you mean, the old colonies? You certainly can't mean "Brave New World"? Herman, you may be too young to remember the made in England maps which often adorned classrooms throughout the Empire: The Title of the Map was "The World", and heavens help me but, for some weird reason, the UK was inevitably right smack in the middle. In New Mexico, these days, those same maps (probably made in China as are so many things, probably even the tartans sold in St. Andrew's, Glasgow and Edinburgh) titled "The World" show New Mexico right dab in the middle, with a little spot called Texas to the east and something called Arizona on the west. If those school room maps are not so designed, you can bet the teachers come from out of State, carpet baggers all (eh?!?), and should be reported pronto to the Roond Hoose (eh?) in Santa Fe. It is called the Round House because the money goes round and round and finally end largely in the pockets of the NM Representatives (so I have been told). I doubt that the Governor, himself a carpetbagger from Texas, would do much about it though: his eyes are fixed on the Potomac. The State Capitol is also round but that is quite incidental, I am sure.....
mjc from NM, USA
Did I touch a nerve? I meant the New Word (AKA Carry on Columbus).
Herman from Orkney
Yes, it should be world.
Herman from Orkney
Nah, Herman from Orkney. I was trying to be facetious/humorous, but clearly did not carry out the task competently. Map making and displaying are strangely political, and I wanted to joke about it. Yes, I settled in the New World following completion of my graduate studies, and New Mexico is part of the US (as you well know). Strangely/sadly enough, and I am NOT kidding, many Americans (US citizens) don't know that NM is one of the fifty States. As you may be aware, car license plates in the US are issued by the component States (Wisconsin, New York, California, etc), and the State name is indicated on the license plate. New Mexico is the ONLY ONE which feels it necessary following its State name to write: U.S.A.!!
mjc from NM, USA
Suggest you make Orkney the 51st State. From the photos on this blog it reminds me of parts of West Virginia. Do they play banjo's up there?
Angus from Cornwall
Unst in Shetland, Britain's Most Northerly Island
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