We saw a notice advertising an exhibition in St. Ninian’s Kirk, Deerness
St. Ninian’s, and the exhibitions held there, are always of interest so we decided to go and see for ourselves.
Parking by the Kirkyard wall we entered the building and turned right, we then worked our way clockwise round the exhibits. This room holds much of the history of the people of Deerness in times which are not long past, but the memories of which could be easily lost in today’s very different world.
My first picture is of the name board of MV Tennessee, displayed with a teak bowl made of wood from the ship by Jim Mitchell (Anne Mitchell’s Dad)
Nearby is a photo of The Tennessee, with the camera that took it
A very different matter to today’s Smartphone cameras which do everything but make a cuppa tea!
For my next image I’ll quote from the label…..
“This little blue ornament came off MV Hastings and you can read about it in ‘Almost An Island’ page 231-234”
A fine selection of fishing equipment from those times…. a cubbie (which could also be used to carry peat/eggs/ just about anything), a herring basket, some fishing net, and some glass fishing floats which Alec at Birsay Antiques described to me as being ‘like hen’s teeth’ to find these days
A corncrake and a spinning wheel – both rare sights now
Island life = music
Home life
‘The Journey of Granny Mainland’s Crock Jar’
A beautiful bowl and ladle, which I would gladly have taken home with me
The Kirk Communion Tray – take away the glasses and its purpose would be a puzzle
Remembrance
I coveted the bowl, and I covet the converted buoy
I’ve presented some of what most caught my attention. There are also folders containing information. It’s well worth giving yourself plenty of time to study them.
Crossing the hall, we had a look round the Art Exhibition. The exhibits in the Kirk show something of the life of the people of Deerness’ past, these pieces are by the people of Deerness present. There are paintings, glass-ware, a little story-book and cards
I suggest you give yourself plenty of time to peruse this exhibition too!
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