Current News

An inaugural meeting of the proposed John Rae Society was held on Tuesday 30th April at the Royal Hotel Stromness at 7.30 p.m. It was very well attended by a keen gathering.
After an introductory address by Andrew Appleby, who explained his childhood connection to John Rae, Rick from Canada told a fascinating tale of Rae’s time in the Arctic Circle.
He explained how even now John Rae is a legendary and hallowed figure amongst many peoples there. He is regarded almost with a spiritual reverence in some circles, where stories of his great exploits still echo. His long strides, his vast journeys in amazing time set him above the norm. Rick has agreed to write further observations down for the society’s records, which it is hoped will be a valuable resource.
After a public discussion it was overwhelmingly agreed to form the society. Proposals were made for a steering committee.
The first Patron of the society is the Earl of Orkney, Mr. O. Peter St John, who bides in Canada. He will be visiting Orkney in October when his wife, Ms Barbara Huck, will launch her new book on William Tomison.
Now it is time for the first committee to begin the work of agreeing a constitution, obtaining charitable status, setting subscription rates, determining policy etc.
It is hoped that the society will become a truly international one to help spread the word of John Rae’s incredible story and effect. It would like to work closely with other organizations here, for example, Stromness Museum.
Shortly it is hoped that another open meeting be held to invite those who have expressed interest in joining and others who were unable to attend the inaugural event.

A meeting to discuss the possible formation of a John Rae Society is to be held in the Royal Hotel, Stromness on 30th April 2013 at 7:30 pm.
Dr. John Rae was an explorer of immense international importance. His fame is now beginning to be more widely appreciated. 
Much work has been done locally to grow his splendid reputation over the years. Writers, filmmakers and authors have and are contributing to this.
In this year of his 200th anniversary it is surely apt to now form an official society in his name.
If it is agreed, this Society could take on an international role. Even greater links with the Arctic regions, which he was so smitten with, can be developed.
Part of the Society’s proposed role would be to explore further the possibilities of restoring his ‘native’ home, The Hall of Clestrain. If this can be accomplished, it would make an excellent dedicated John Rae Centre.

The Agenda for the meeting will be:
Public discussion over the merits of forming a society for John Rae
1. Proposal to form The John Rae Society, proposed by Andrew Appleby.
2. Discussion of policy, aims and activities of said society.
3. Election of temporary steering committee.
4. Election of Officers.
5. Election of other committee members.

This committee will confirm subscription rates, write a Constitution, apply for Charitable status, organize meetings, set up networks with other bodies, procure Patrons, act on objectives discussed during the meeting.

The following statement was released to the Press In February 2013:

Winding-up the Friends of Orkney Boat Museum

Winding-up the Board of the Orkney Boat Museum: The Board of the Orkney Boat Museum have advised the Friends’ committee that they propose to wind up the Board at their AGM in April. The Board have explained that they were set up by Orkney Islands Council to carry forward the project to build a boat museum at the Hall of Clestrain. As it is clear that this is no longer achievable and that it is a matter for the Council to consider other options in relation to their boat collection, the Board have come to the decision to wind up

Winding-up the Friends: As a result of the Board’s decision, the Friends will be holding a Special General Meeting on 9th April (the same evening as their AGM) where the members will be asked to approve the winding-up of the Friends.

Achievements: Although it has not proved possible to build a boat museum at the Hall of Clestrain, the project has achieved some of its aims. The public profile of John Rae and the Hall of Clestrain is much higher than before the project started. The Friends were also instrumental in the return of the bank boat, the Otter Bank, to Orkney and have played a major part in funding and carrying out her restoration.

Proposals for the Future:  Although the decision to dissolve the Friends may be a sad one, the committee of the Friends have proposals to set up two successor bodies to take forward some of the Friends’ objectives. These bodies will be able to focus on individual objectives more directly.

The first of these bodies is The John Rae Society. This will seek to enhance the reputation of John Rae through publicity and education and to continue to seek to maintain and renovate the Hall of Clestrain as John Rae’s birthplace.

The second successor body is the Friends of the Orkney Boat Collection. This will work with the Council’s museum service to seek to support the boat collection by sponsoring and manning exhibitions, renovating the boats under the Council’s direction and encouraging research into and publicity for the collection.

These successor arrangements will be subject to enough people demonstrating their willingness to actively support either or both bodies. However, the Friends’ committee consider that the proposals are worth pursuing as a way to ensure that the work of the Friends and the Board  continues.

Andrew Appleby, Acting Chairman of the Friends has said: “I think the proposals for the successor bodies give an excellent path for the future. These proposals should ensure that the two bodies are sharply focused on the interests of their members. The money raised so far by the Board and the Friends will ensure that both organisations start life well funded.”

If you want to discuss any aspect of this press notice, please contact either Hugh Halcro-Johnston, Chairman of the Orkney Boat Museum or Jack Drever, Secretary of the Friends via the links on the Committee page of this website.

Notices of the public meetings to announce and organise the successor bodies will be placed in the local press and on this website.

The St Magnus Festival's  2013 community drama production will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Orcadian explorer John Rae's birth.
They invite actors, singers and backstage helpers of all ages to come to a meeting to find out more about the project. 
The play will be written by Pamela Beasant and directed by Gill Smee and Chris Giles. 

Initial meetings will take place on:
Friday 18th January, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Upper Library, Stromness Academy
Saturday 19th January, 2pm - 4pm, Supper Room, Kirkwall Community Centre.
All ages are welcome.

Please contact the Festival office (by FB message, phone or email) if you want to take part but can't make either of these sessions.

Email: info@stmagnusfestival.com

Telephone +44 (0)1856 871445
Fax +44 (0)1856 871170

Their postal address is:
St Magnus International Festival
60 Victoria Street
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1DN