Shetland Hamefarin 2010

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Latest News Relating To Shetland Hamefarin 2010

Emblem Approved for Shetland Hamefarin 2010

25th June 2008

The emblem for the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 has been agreed by the Hamefarin Committee. Designed by Andrew Morrison of Shetland Litho, the emblem represents the journey home and the growing excitement for the traveller as the land appears from the sea in the near distance. It also reflects Shetland’s strong relationship with the sea, until recently the main link between the isles and the world that thousands of Shetlanders have travelled. The warm oranges and reds of the sky recall the long, magical summer night – the Simmer Dim, stressing Shetland’s unique northern location. This glowing sky is also a symbol of Shetland’s fiery heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the Hamefarin Committee, Douglas Irvine congratulated Andrew Morrison for his clever design of mixing traditional vibrant colours of Fair Isle patterns with more modern shapes and styles. He said that “ the emblem will be used in every aspect of the promotion of the Shetland Hamefarin in 2010 and it can also be used for the merchandise such as bags, car stickers, jewellery and clothing.”

The next meeting of the Hamefarin Committee in September will concentrate on the use of the new emblem in the planning of the event. In the meantime the Hamefarin website www.shetlandhamefarin.com will be updated to use the new emblem.

 

Shetland Forwirds

25th June 2008

We are delighted to announce that Shetland Forwirds, the organisation set up to promote the use of the Shetland dialect, has joined the effort to make the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 programme as varied as possible. During the fortnight of celebrations there will be dialect workshops at the Hamefarin Club, a lecture in the New Museum and Archives, at least one evening of Shetland plays and a CD of Shetland poetry will be produced for sale.

 

Book About Shetland's Emigrants

12th February 2008

To mark the Hamefarin in June 2010 a book on Shetland’s emigrants has been commissioned by the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 Committee. The author will be Laughton Johnston who has already published several books on Shetland, most notably ‘A Naturalist’s Shetland’.

Douglas Irvine of Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit said "We are very pleased that Laughton Johnston is available to do this work for the Hamefarin 2010 Committee. A book on the achievements of Shetland emigrants will be a centrepiece to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Hamefarin to Shetland. This will be a keepsake that many hamefarers and Shetland residents will want to buy and will in itself be an important part of Shetland’s heritage for generations to come."

Two years is too short a time to write a definitive account of the thousands of Shetlanders who have emigrated over several centuries and to all corners of the world but, as a first step, the author is looking for information so as to include as many as possible. Emigrants, includes those from the earliest dates right up to the present and who have settled outwith Shetland (though they may have returned), including those who settled in the British Isles. They also include anyone born in Shetland or who has Shetland ancestry. In addition to the well-known and famous emigrants, Laughton is looking for information on ordinary men and women, even the infamous, who took that fateful and courageous step. It is planned that the book should be enlivened and illustrated by personal accounts so Laughton is looking for letters, photographs, documents, sketches, poems, newspaper accounts etc.

Perhaps they took part in the goldrush in California, Australia or New Zealand; were at Trafalgar, the American Civil War, the front in the First World War; worked on the construction of the Forth Railway or Road Bridges; explored Canada; went whaling in the Antarctic; made a fortune in Charleston; named streets in Monterey; sailed ships from Liverpool; became Chancellor of the Exchequer. Perhaps they were musicians, artists, novelists, academics, doctors, judges, shipbuilders, nurses, craftsmen, sportsmen or labourers. Perhaps they invented something; were the cause of some tragedy; found themselves observing a world-changing event.

If you know of someone, whether or not they are a relative, whom you think might be included, however trivial you think their story might be, please contact Laughton at shetland.emigrants@googlemail.com or write to him at Muckle Bousta, Sandness, Shetland, ZE2 9PL.

 

Shetland Hamefarin New Year Update

16th January 2008

The Shetland Hamefarin 2010 Committee is pleased to report that plans are progressing well for the 50th anniversary of the first Hamefarin, which took place in 1960.

Sandy Cluness, who chairs the Committee, is particularly happy with the levels of co-operation both in Shetland and from prospective Hamefarers. Active participants from Shetland now include: Shetland Islands Council; VisitShetland; Shetland Family History Society; The Shetland Museum and Archives; Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa Committee; Shetland Folk Festival Society; Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club; and Shetland Arts. At a more local level community groups such as the local history groups, sports groups and churches have expressed a willingness to be involved.

The online survey has generated a good response with 144 individuals, representing 477 prospective hamefarers, participating in the survey so far. The feedback received is providing a great deal of useful ideas and information that can be included in the planning of the event. Douglas Irvine of Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit said "The online survey together with e-mail communication and the use of the website means that there is much better engagement with the people who will travel here in 2010." He added "People should get a better holiday because of the improvement in communications and also local service providers would know further in advance about specific requirements. For example it will be easier with the modern communications to plan smaller sub-events such as sea trips and even air trips around Shetland well before the Hamefarers arrive in 2010."

While new communications are opening up wider possibilities for the Hamefarin, it is still an old stalwart that is stirring up the imaginations of Shetland exiles abroad. The call for a mid summer Up-Helly-Aa has come a-ringing over the internet and it is a challenge that the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 Committee is determined to meet, working in partnership with the Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa Committee. Speaking in support of the idea Andy Angus of the Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa Committee, is seeking an old 25 to 30ft wooden boat that could be converted into a floating galley before being burned as part of the festivities. Anyone who knows of such a vessel should contact Andy on 01595 696861.

The Hamefarin Committee is very keen to have a clear understanding of the number of Hamefarers who will be visiting Shetland in 2010. In addition to the people who have already expressed interest over the internet there will still be a large number of people who do not have access to the internet or who do not wish to use this form of communication. Sandy Cluness is therefore asking people in Shetland who are in contact with people living outside Shetland with Shetland connections to make sure that they know about the Hamefarin in 2010. He stressed "The Hamefarin Committee is trying to connect with people who have lived in Shetland in more recent times as well as those with Shetland ancestors. We would also like to see some of the many thousands of people who came here in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the people who helped to build our modern Shetland."

Another project that the public could assist with concerns the publishing of a book to illustrate the lives of notable people with Shetland connections. It is intended to publish the book as a legacy to the Shetland Hamefarin in 2010.

Suggestions on people of note, or notoriety, can be made to Laughton Johnston, Muckle Bousta, Sandness, Shetland, ZE2 9PL. Email Laughton at shetland.emigrants@googlemail.com.

Anyone who has not already registered their interest in the Shetland Hamefarin 2010 can do so here or by contacting Nicola Halcrow as detailed above.

 

Plans For 2010 Hamefrain Take Shape

25th July 2007

The dates for Shetland Hamefarin 2010 have been set by the organising committee.  A mid summer event has been favoured between the 14th and 27th June 2010. From day one to day 14 a packed programme of events is being organised to attract as many people as possible back to Shetland to celebrate 50 years of Hamefarin.

Headline events include the Welcome to Shetland function on day one, the Flavour of Shetland Event over the first weekend, a Hamefarin dance on the Friday night of the second weekend and the final extravaganza on the last Saturday night.  A number of concerts are being planned featuring local and hopefully a few visiting artists. Every district of Shetland will be given the opportunity to plan its own day for returning visitors. Shetland is organising a holiday where hamefarers can relax, explore the Auld Rock, research kin, and have fun!  Music workshops and lectures on all aspects of Shetland’s past, present and future aspirations will give visitors every chance to find out about their Shetland roots.  A central Hamefarin club will provide a peaceful atmosphere for people to “redd kin” and exchange yarns from all over the planet. There will also be ample opportunity for people to engage in leisure pursuits and to join local congregations for worship on the two Hamfarin Sabbath days.

Shetland’s New Museum and Archives will be a major attraction in the Hamefarin 2010 festival. The newly opened Museum and Archives is an architectural triumph and its situation at Hay’s Dock could not have been planned any better. Exploring this new treasure will take at least half of one day so Hamefarers are advised to plan this into their holiday. The Museum is also planning to host exhibitions and lectures as part of the Hamefarin programme.

Over the next few months communities throughout Shetland will be encouraged to come forward with ideas for Hamefarin trips to every corner of Shetland. Some places have made early approaches to the organising committee. The programme has days built in to take Hamefarers all over Shetland to see and experience the Shetland way of life in the modern world.

To date there have been 196 clear expressions of interest registered on our website. This is very encouraging so early in the planning for Shetland 2010. Shetland casts a wide net over the globe. The respondents have replied from 15 different countries and  while countries such as England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Canada and USA feature highest, it would be really fine to welcome people back from as many countries as possible. We still need to hear from people living in Africa and South America.

 

New Year 2007 - Update

28th February 2007

Hello everybody. A belated Happy New Year to you all.

The Shetland Hamefarin 2010 Website has been up and running for 8 weeks and we now have well over 100 people who have registered their interest in the event. This is very encouraging so early in the planning phase. We have received a number of very useful ideas for the Hamefarin and I would like to share some of these with you to get more feedback.

First of all, the Shetland Outdoor Bowling Club has offered to host a bowling tournament involving people "fae aa erts" during the Hamefarin. If there is enough interest in this perhaps we could organise an international competition for the Hamefarin 2010 trophy. Let us know if you want to bowl, amateurs only!

Music is clearly a popular theme. There appears to be enthusiasm for music workshops where people can learn the latest Shetland styles and new tunes. Again, if you are interested in this use the site to show an interest.

The Lerwick Church of Scotland is planning to hold a service for the Hamefarin on one of the Sundays, perhaps both. A warm invitation is open to all Hamefarers to attend these services. If there are other religious groups who are seeking to worship as part of the Hamefarin, then I am sure that other services can be organised.

The Thordale Shetland Driving Centre has kindly offered to put on Shetland pony driving, particularly aimed at the younger and more adventurous Hamefarers. Why not visit their website at www.thordale.co.uk for more information.

The final piece of news at this stage is to alert you to the interest being shown in various local history groups throughout Shetland. If there is a particular area that you would like to find out more about (trace family ties etc.) then use this site to tell us.

Keep the ideas flowing.

Douglas Irvine

 

Launch Of ShetlandHamefarin.com Website

12th January 2006 - MEDIA RELEASE

Shetland Hamefarin 2010 is pleased to announce the launch of its website, www.shetlandhamefarin.com.
 
The site gives an overview of Shetland’s highlights and linking websites in order for people to plan their trip to Shetland and gives details on the developing programme of activities that will be available in the summer of 2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversity of Hamefarin festivals.  
 
A very important part of the site allows users to register their interest in Hamefarin 2010 and gives people the opportunity to tell the committee what they would like to do whilst they are in Shetland. This feedback will allow the committee to prepare a fantastic festival that will be enjoyed by all participants. Registering your interest on the site will also allow participants to receive updates on the fesitval plans as the take shape.

There are many Shetlanders who have left to earn a living overseas over the last fifty years and this festival aims to provide an opportunity for people with Shetland connections to return and re-establish links with relatives and friends.
 
The importance of people’s heritage and roots can be seen through the formation of many “Shetland Societies” which have sprung up around the world to keep links with our islands. In fact, in New Zealand, the Shetland Friendship Society is already planning their return trip in 2010.
 
Shetland Hamefarin 2010 committee Chairman, Convenor Sandy Cluness said “ We look forward to welcoming all visitors to Shetland for this event. We hope that everyone who is interested in the Hamefarin will register their interest with the site and from there we will be able to build a exciting programme of events to make this a spectalar homecoming for all those with Shetland links from around the world”.