Old Year's Night 2017
Report from Dawn Repetto with additional photos from Sean Burns and Shirley Squibb
New Years Eve was a beautiful day, there wasn't a breath of wind and the sun shone all through the day. The community went about their chores in the morning, visiting the cemetery with flowers and preparing wood etc for the evening braais. The Hokaloies went around at about 4pm in their lovely get up. I knew they must have been cooking under all their rigs. They were not to be deterred, though and went about the village looking for ladies to scare. We are extremely grateful to all those that take the effort to become an Hokaloie; it takes a lot of time and effort but is really appreciated by all. A big thank you to all those that help keep this tradition alive. The Admin's reception started from 6pm, and then at 7pm everyone went on to the Acting Chief Islander Emma Swain's home. There was lots of food and drink, and I think everyone was feeling pretty stuffed by the time they went onto their braais. By 9:30pm braais were in full swing and with the night being calm and quiet, music and smoke could be heard and smelled about the village. At midnight most congregated at the gong and Church bell to ring in the New Year and send out the old one.
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| The Adminstrator's reception at the Residency. | Marina Burns, the Admin's wife is presented with flowers. |
Some brave ladies at the Administrator's Reception.
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| Leaving the Administrator's reception. | The Hokaloies with Irene Green. |
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| Scouring the village for opportunities to do mischief. | |
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| Acting Chief Islander Emma Swain at her reception. | The Acting Chief Islander's reception. |
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| Ringing the fishing gong and the bell at St Mary's Church at midnight. | |
Happy New year to everyone, and we hope 2018 brings lots of peace and happiness to all.