Summer Newsletter 2016

1. Friends of St Nicholas
Reg charity no: SCO 44541
Chairman: Andrew Drever Treasurer: Athole Thomson Secretary: Marlene Mainland
Telling the story of Holm’s people
Summer Newsletter 2016
Dear Friends
Since our AGM, it might have seemed that little
has been happening on the St Nicholas front.
However, appearances can be deceptive, and many
people have been busy for the benefit of the old
building.
Back in April the trustees and helpers gathered to
clean the floor of the raised area, along with our
new chairman who rolled up his sleeves for this
initiation by scrubbing brush! Decades of grime were removed and Erlend followed
this up by oiling the wood, giving it a smart and resilient finish.
Emergency pointing was carried out on the roof after Erlend noticed daylight through
the slates during an attic inspection. Heddle’s crane was
hired by Marty Flett, and Terry Drever was the plucky
mason who carried out the pointing on a rather breezy
morning. This was attended to promptly and we are grateful
to them all for their efficiency.
The uneven stone flags in the central aisle have been bedded
in sand and pointed by Erlend Flett and Kenny Marwick.
Not only does this make the area safer to walk on, it
prevents the entry of mice!
The largest project has been the
repair of all the windows and the
replacement of the west door. The
interior with natural light once
more, after decades of gloom and
access to the building has been
improved. This work involved
craftsmen from Fletts; - George
Miller and Craig Horne, who are to
be congratulated for their excellent
work. The removal of the boarding
means that the ‘eyes’ of the Ould Kirk are once more open and
are ready for pointing by Robbie Thomson and painting by
Donnie Campbell.
Thanks to Athole, two antique museum cases have been acquired from the Orkney
Museum, who have donated these to our charity in recognition of our efforts to
preserve Holm’s heritage, and the story of its people.

2. Friends of St Nicholas
Reg charity no: SCO 44541
Chairman: Andrew Drever Treasurer: Athole Thomson Secretary: Marlene Mainland
Meanwhile, many of you have been taking turns at opening the Vestry daily, and a
good number of visitors have been recorded. Thank you all for your support.
Since this picture
was taken, the
memorial stone
Andrew has
cleaned, so that it
is no longer this
delightful shade of
green.
We are having an open afternoon on Sunday the 21st
August,
from 3pm until 6pm.
There will be a sales table, raffles and a cup of tea, and of
course as usual, donations of any kind will be welcome.
There may also be aerial flights, for a donation to our
charity.
Please pass on the word, and be sure to bring along a friend or
two.
Ps. We are in the Blue Door next June, 19th
-24th
, so start
collecting. Non fabric items could be stored in St Nicholas,
and I’m sure we could arrange collection.