Fof stn chairman's annual report 2020 1

1. Friends of St Nicholas – Annual Report 2020
It’s been a busy year again with much activity and a good number of visitors to the Auld Kirk.
Our Vestry Open Days have been much appreciated and well used by both locals and visitors taking some time to look
through the old photos, documents and artefacts or just seeking shelter from the weather! Thanks to all the folk who
have turned out morning and evening to unlock/lock the building.
We reviewed and increased the insurance value of the building as the works done over the last few years have
increased the overall value and we felt this needed to be reflected in our insurance policy.
Erlend and Tommy continue to fight the weather and attend to any wind and rain leaks! They provide very much-
appreciated help with such an old building.
In June, an event “Peace- Land”, was held, and I include the response of Marlene’s
visitor Marjorie.
A visitor to Orkney, by great good fortune I attended Peace- Land in the tranquil
setting of St Nicholas Kirk by the shore in East Holm, on Thursday 20th June.
The narrated piece of one hundred verses, written by Gabrielle Barnby, was
supported by four striking glass panels that told the story of the German high seas
fleet which went to its ultimate fate in the waters of Scapa Flow one hundred years
ago.
Gabrielle’s gentle reading was interspersed with verses translated into German,
read by Andrea Freund, and a section in Orcadian spoken by Marlene Mainland. The evocative music of the Borealis
hand bell group and the violas of Elizabeth Duncan and Francesca Barnby created a haunting atmosphere as the evening
sun filtered into St Nicholas and lit up Ralph Robinson’s glowing glass panels.
Gabrielle’s depth of research was impressive, catching deep truths, and I was left feeling profoundly moved by the flaws
in humans which stain our history.
Keep memory honest, And peace safe, A whisper, In the noust of the heart.
MO and MM, Friends of St Nicholas
During August and September, we received good support for our
exhibition in the Auld Kirk. We received many display items which were
appreciated by the visitors who came to see them.
Many conversations and memories shared of Holm’s people and places
were enjoyed over the two months and the gratifying sum of £752 was
raised.
September; we were fortunate to have secured a week in the Blue Door. Volunteers
collected, carted, sorted, stored, and helped-out in the shop. Through these efforts and
the huge support, we received from the wider community; we raised the sum of £2,800

2. In November, we set up stall at the annual Holm Christmas Craft Fair and
received great support from all the folk who attended. We were delighted to
have raised £566 through the sale of crafts, baking, and a bottle stall. Again,
thanks to all the folk who donated sales goods and made this event a successful
and enjoyable fundraiser.
In December, we held the Christmas
Celebration in the Auld Kirk. This was
a great success with Ruth Harvey leading the afternoon. Fraser Murray and
Balfour Wylie harmonised in several festive songs. This was followed by Zak
Brewer playing Mistletoe and Wine on fiddle, Marlene Mainland reciting a
very moving poem, before our last performers, The Pop Tarts performed an
angelic selection of harmonies to round off the afternoon. As Marlene had
recently retired from the committee after 11 years as secretary to the
Friends of St Nicholas, she was presented with a small gift to acknowledge
her huge contribution towards the success of the organisation. We are
pleased to say that she will be continuing to assist the organisation through
the collating and cataloguing the donated photos, documents and artefacts that continue to roll in. For this event, the
amazing sum of £702 was raised through ticket sales and raffle and will go towards the preservation and maintenance
of the Auld Kirk.
Although no major works were carried out this year, we continued to improve the building and now have planned
activity to take us through 2020, and perhaps beyond, depending on the income and volunteer’s availability to manage
such works. Subject to funds being available we hope to progress: -
1/ External painting of all windows
2/ Sand and varnish the raised floor area
3/ Oil or varnish the wooden panelling in the main hall area
4/ Sand and varnish the stairs and banisters
5/ Vacuum the upper areas and ceiling of the main hall
6/ Carry out further internal plaster repairs
We have secured another year’s lease from Orkney Islands Council on the Gravedigger’s Hut. Although not used to a
great extent, we are pleased to have this historic building as a store for the gravedigger’s tools and associated kit where
anyone that would like to see inside it can do so.
Thanks again this year to Athole for her Treasurer and finance role and to Ivan Houston for independently examining
our Annual Accounts.
As I intimated some months ago, I am standing down at this AGM following 3 years as Chairman. Therefore, I’d like to
take the opportunity to thank all the committee, the wider membership, our events helpers, and the general public for
their ongoing support. When I look at what has been achieved on a modest sum of money, much through rolling the
sleeves up and getting on with it, it has been quite an remarkable. The building, and its contents, are in good hands but
the organisation needs new support to make sure the restoration and archiving continues for future generations.
Should you feel able to contribute to the aims of the organisation, through management or general membership, please
have a chat with the existing members in order to find out more about the Friends of St Nicholas and where you might
be able fit in and continue the good work.
Andrew Drever
Chairman
Friends of St Nicholas - SCIO Charity Registration Number SC044541