Community / Fiddlers’ society marks 60th birthday
AN EXHIBITION featuring memorabilia from 60-plus years of the Shetland Fiddlers’ Society is on show in the foyer of Shetland Museum until the end of July.
Postponed for two years due to the pandemic, the fiddlers’ society was finally able to mark its 60th birthday at the weekend with a nearly full house concert in the museum’s auditorium.
Leader of Shetland Fiddlers’ Society Shirley Mills said: “The concert covered the history of the group from the 1960 Hamefarin’ with slide show photos matching musical themed tunes and various iconic photographic performances, for instance 1962 Queen Mother’s Shetland visitation photo taken outside the Town Hall.”
The highlight of the show on Saturday – which formed part of Shetland Folk Festival – was a special interview local broadcaster Mary Blance held with renowned fiddle player Aly Bain, one of the original members of the group.
The group, featuring fiddle players from all over Shetland, had been assembled for the 1960 Hamefarin’. It made a huge impression on visitors and local alike, and soon afterwards became the Shetland Fiddler’s Society under the leadership of Tom Anderson
Ever since members have been rehearsing on a Wednesday night, and this did not stop during the pandemic when practises were held when online.
Mills said a recording of Saturday’s concert will be available at a later date.
“Da Fiddlers would like to express their gratitude to many folk for making this exhibition and concert possible,” she added.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.