Events

“The Shetland and Orkney Connection” 

Plains FM 96.9 – 8.30pm last Monday of each month and repeated Monday two weeks later at Noon. Streams live on broadband at the scheduled time, or available on pod cast for three months from the last Tuesday of each month on the website www.plainsfm.org.nz 

Who's behind the mic? Check out Heather in the Studio 

Heather at Plains FM

Annual Events

Up Helly Aa 

As celebrated in Shetland each year we have our own version in January.  We can't burn a real galley but we do have feasting, music, song and film.

For 2021 this was held in the Old Stone House in Cashmere with video presentations to get that Northern Winter atmosphere. We also enjoyed a whole hearted attempt at Scottish dancing with members from a local society giving us guidance and live music.

Annual General Meeting

Held in April each year. An opportunity to get involved with the running of the society.

Following the 2021 AGM part of a Shetland and Orkney lecture from the Institute of Northern Studies was watched.  A quiz was then held, no one got the ten questions right, but a good number got close.

Genealogy

Each year around September our meeting focuses on genealogy.  Members tell their family stories of their Shetland and Orkney ancestors.

This year, August 2021, we had our "Soup and Buns" lunch followed by members relating why they joined the society and their connection to the Islands. We had a native Shetlander,  various past ancestors going back to the days of sailing ships, to ones who had visited and have an ongoing interest. One  aspect we shared was a desire to  visit again but maybe that will be a  long time off. 

Hororata Highland Games 

This is held every year early November in which we have a stand in the Clan area. These games are great fun and worth a visit for all things Scottish with a local flavour.

Christmas Meeting 

End of year get together usually around late November. Food and entertainment  with Santa and friends.

For 2020 it was picnic fare at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens in the old Kiosk. A lovely venue where we shared stories around the fireside.