Tristan : Tristan Celebrates Queen's Day
Submitted by Tristan Times (Sarah Glass) 26.03.2008 (Article Archived on 21.05.2008)

But the proceedings commenced in dry if overcast conditions with the ceremony outside Prince Philip Hall to bestow the Freedom of Tristan da Cunha upon the Task Force, following which the visitors demonstrated their military prowess by marching around the Settlement and delivering a Salute to the Administrator and the Chief Islander during a march past the Administration Building.

Tristan Celebrates Queen's Day

As told to Sarah Glass by the Administrator

When Chief Islander Connie Glass rang the dong at 0600 to indicate Queens Day some thought him rather optimistic.  But the proceedings commenced in dry if overcast conditions with the ceremony outside Prince Philip Hall to bestow the Freedom of Tristan da Cunha upon the Task Force, following which the visitors demonstrated their military prowess by marching around the Settlement and delivering a Salute to the Administrator and the Chief Islander during a march past the Administration Building. Shortly after the parade was dismissed, the heavens opened and the rain poured down.  However, the showers passed quickly and by late morning the busy Queens Day programme was steaming ahead.  The fishing competitions (adult and children) were under way, the soccer pitch was being prepared and the School Hall was filling with the exhibits for the various shows.  By lunchtime the skies had cleared and a lovely day was in prospect.

While the Atlantic Fresh ladies prepared lunch, the childrens’ sports and games got under way.  The Tug of War competition between Tristan and the Royal Engineers attracted great excitement, especially when the islanders’ team comprehensively defeated the visitors.  Meanwhile the team of judges was busily examining the show exhibits and entries, ranging from art to potatoes. Thanks go to Father Chris, Doctor Carel and the Task Force Nurses Amanda, Chippy and Catherine plus James Glass who diligently carried out their judging duties.

Lunch was served, and everyone enjoyed some excellent food, including chilli and rice, burgers and chips, pizza, sausages and hot dogs followed by a range of traditional desserts, washed down by a soft drink.

The high spot of the afternoon, which cased a great deal of excitement amongst the younger members of the community, was the “Children’s Excavator Challenge”, which allowed the kids to try their hand at moving a bucket of water from A to B while at the controls of two of the Engineers’ JCB diggers.  All the while under the careful control of the Sappers, of course.

The afternoons’ events culminated in a soccer match between Tristan and our visitors, which resulted in a convincing victory for the Engineers.  But honours can be considered as even, given the Tug of War result earlier in the day.

At 1900 the Administrator’s Reception commenced at the School Hall, with music provided by Sapper Bunn. Prize giving intervened, as well as the raffle draw.  Captain Paddy McAlpine presented the prizes assisted by Connie Glass and Major Mike Forster.  The winners are listed below.  Debbie Elsmore won top raffle prize, a free trip to Cape Town courtesy of Ovenstone Agencies.

The Administrator then formally presented the Task Force Command with certificates of Freedom of Tristan, copies of which will be distributed to every member of the Force.  David Morley also presented each of the three Commanders with a model Tristan longboat, as a memento of their visit and a big thank you for the work they have carried out.  In response, Captain McAlpine presented Connie Glass with a Royal Engineering plaque in memory of their visit.

The Administrator proposed the Loyal Toast, which was followed by the National Anthem.  Dancing then got under way and carried on into the small hours.  All in all, a fine day’s entertainment enjoyed by everyone who attended.  The Administrator wishes to thank all those who worked so hard to make the event a success, especially the Task Force, whose enthusiastic support and participation made Queens Day 2008 one to remember.

COMPETITION RESULTS

Produce Show

Best Cabbage – Herbert Swain

Best 3 Onions – Dereck Rogers

Best 4 tomatoes – Cliff Swain

Best Pot Plant – Joyce Hagen

Garden Flowers arrangement – Debbie Elsmore                                   

Wild Flowers arrangement (Adult) – Emma Rogers

                                            (Children) – Kelly Swain

Heaviest potato – White Blossom - Tristan

                              Smooth Skin – Allan Green

                              Darius – Ronald Rogers

Knitted Garment – Rita Repetto

Socks – Debbie Swain

Coffee Cake – Felicity Glass

Art

Playgroup – Dillon Green

Class 1-2 – Rhyanna Swain

Class 3 – Dean Repetto

Class 4 – Danny Swain

Adult – Debbie Elsmore

Adult Sack Race

Men – Nicky Swain

Women – Kirsty Green

Throwing the Seaboot

Men – Warren Glass

Women – Denise Rogers

Fishing competition

Adults – Steve Swain (41,5 cm)

Children – Julian Repetto (31.7cm)