91热爆

I hope you all had as much fun this festive season as we did on Easdale Island. New Year on Easdale can be an energetic time, and this year was no exception.
Things got off to tasty start with a pre-hogmanay party at the old schoolhouse. Our hosts prepared us for the onslaught with a delicious mountain of shepherd's pie made with fine venison.

Easdale has a strong first footing tradition, probably due to the proximity of all the houses to each other, and the non-existence of roads and cars. So, after the bells, the 'snake' made it's way around the island's houses bringing cheer and whisky wherever it went. We even managed a tune in Ghalia's house, despite her liberal distribution of rather strong Arak from her native Syria. I survived until 6am when I though I better snatch some sleep before the football.

So, to the village square at 2pm for the traditional Ne'erday game of football. There was a good turnout of players and noisy spectators and one of the best games in years took place, with none of the mud pools of last year and none of the testosterone of the previous year. The result was fair, Easdale Island 2 - Easdale Island 2, although I am considering an appeal against my yellow card!

Then there was just enough time for a few pints and a bite to eat before heading to the community hall for the ceilidh. The usual combination of dances, tunes, songs and poems, all provided by islanders or visitors, made for a very entertaining evening.

The party in our house on the 2nd was excellent, he said modestly. Special thanks to Gica, Norman and Rab for the tunes.

Our panto took place on the 3rd, and the community pulled out all the stops to entertain a packed hall with many of the audience from the neighbouring islands and the mainland. This years self-penned production was The Wizard of Ozdale. We continue to be amazed at Mellon's ability to disguise his script. This year he had it on his wand.. the writing must have been tiny. Over 拢300 was raised for community funds.

That evening Derek and Margaret opened their unfinished house to us all and provided us with the traditional combination of stovies and Czech liquer. Thanks folks!

Things didn't finish there. We had an evening of goth nostalgia on Thursday and an 18th birthday party last night. Who knows what may happen tonight?!

Personally, this has been one of the best New Years I have experienced, and there was a real feeling of community spirit. If you have read the nonsense in the papers about Easdale being 'an island at war', take it with a pinch of salt. While the community danced the nights away, the tiny number of very vocal nae-sayers were nowhere to be seen.

May you have a happy and prosperous 2006.

Stephen

P.S. Keep your eyes on for details of the 2006 arts program. Details should be available soon.