By Bernie Bell

There’s always so much going on, on Orkney.  Take next weekend for example.  Already there’s the Free Fringe Festival, on Saturday, in Kirkwall, and now I’ve just received this poster from Andrew Appleby, Chair of The John Rae Society, telling of a weekend of events aimed at bringing the public up to date on developments regarding the progress of the John Rae Society, which includes an open day at the Hall of Clestrain, with tours of the Hall led by folks as knows about all things John Rae and Clestrain related.

I’m jumping the gun – right – as the poster says – Saturday  11 am to 4pm – Open Day at the Hall, with tours.  I’ve been to open days at Clestrain before now, and they are well worth going to. Here are a couple of experiences of visits to  the Hall……..

https://theorkneynews.scot/2017/07/31/the-two-johns-a-personal-perspective/

https://theorkneynews.scot/2017/07/26/john-rae-society-open-day-at-clestrain-house/

Then, Sunday 24^th March, in Stromness Town Hall, there will be an exhibition and display about John Rae and his achievements with, I’m told, JRS merchandise for sale! And, later in the evening, from 7pm to 9.30, a series of talks, again in Stromness Town Hall.

The theme of this weekend, entitled – ‘The Progress So Far’ – ties in nicely with the fact that John Rae’s route is to be re-traced by an expedition setting off next month – April 2019

https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/04/23/retracing-john-raes-expedition/

Very nicely timed.

For a full program of the weekend, and also for more info. on The Man Himself and the progress of the JRS, go to https://www.johnraesociety.com/

And where are we supposed to fit in doing some gardening?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, for such a small place, there’s an awful lot going on, in Orkney.  Always has been – it’s that kind of place.