St Mary’s Church Nativity Play
A Nativity Play was held in St Mary’s Church on 12th December 2008, organised by Father Chris Brown and by Emeline Dumouilla who masterminded the popular production.

The photo left shows left to right :

Father Chris Brown, Kimberley Green, Riaan Repetto, Linda Green, Dean Repetto, Natalie Swain, Caryn Green, Lynette Green, Emeline Dumouilla and Kelly Swain

Front Row: Leo Glass, Kaitlyn Hagan, Janice Green, Randall Repetto, Nathan Swain, Jade Repetto and Rhyanna Swain.

Chief Islander Conrad Glass’ speech to those gathered at the Old Year’s night Reception on 31 st December 2008 :

I would like to welcome everyone to my reception, especially the contractors who choose to be away from their families during the Christmas holidays.

2008 has been a momentous year for Tristan, with sudden and tragic occurrences that affected the whole community. It was born of fire with the Factory been burnt to the ground. However a new one is being built, the steel frames taking shape on the original site. It’s like the Phoenix rising from the ashes—stronger more efficient to cope with the demands of the 21 st century, something the old factory was not up to. Some may think it was divine intervention that this happened?

During my visit to London I was surprised how little was known about Tristan and its lifestyle and problems. Many meetings and several copies of “Rockhopper Copper” handed out soon changed that.

The objective of my visit was to raise awareness of Tristan, and to seek support for the community. I departed from UK optimistic I had achieved this. The FCO, DFID, Crown Agents, Foreign Affairs Committee, Ministers, and other stakeholders, was sincere and genuine in their support for Tristan.

I made it clear to all Tristan was not looking for handouts, or wanted aid policy that was given to St Helena . Tristanians wanted to retain their independent way of life, to do their utmost to achieve a more financially, stable and prosperous economy, which would flourish for the benefit of future generations. We have made sacrifices and would do what it takes to endorse it.

To support this we need a more efficient system of Administration and infrastructure that offers us the benefits of the 21 st century, without undermining the ethos of our way of life. That is the foundation of family ties that binds the community together. In short give us the tools and training so we can do the work ourselves. Yes we need help with medical, harbour, roads, etc; but as British Citizens we have the same rights as other UK citizens - not left out in the wilderness to fend for our self.

On behalf of my family I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Please join me in a toast to absent family and friends.
Conrad Glass 31st December 2008

Old Year's Night Revellers

The unique Tristan da Cunha Community has established a tradition of men dressing up in disguise on 31st December - Old Year's Night and not New Year's Eve on the island.

On 31st December 2006 Administrator Mike Hentley
was able to host the men, (known locally as Okalolies) on a fine night at an evening Reception on the Residency lawns.

Unusually the men brought flowers for their hostess Janice Hentley (but it was later discovered they were from her garden!) , perhaps also because the usual male party was swelled by a group of ladies providing food and acting as barmaids!

The forthcoming Tristan Newsletter will contain a full report and more pictures (including the unmasking of a reveller for the first time!) of Tristan's Christmas and New Year celebrations.

See also an article on Old Year's Night
on the UK FolkPlay Website

Photos from Janice Hentley taken during the Old Year's Night Reception
Above : The Arrival of the Okalolies
Below : The men posing in appropriate foliage setting!

Above : 14 men in costume shows the traditional custom is alive and well in the 21st Century

Below : Thirsty work this dressing up