Tristan da Cunha Community News

Obituary for Sylvia Green

We regret to report the death of Sylvia Emmy Caroline Green (nee Repetto), who passed away on 7th February 2024 aged 83 years. Sylvia was born on the 19th December 1940 to parents John (Johnnie) and Margaret (Margie) Repetto and was the youngest of their three children. Sylvia married Benny Green on 20th January 1962 at Bletchingley Church in Surrey in a double wedding ceremony with Lars and Trina Repetto. The reception was held at Pendell Camp only a few days prior to the islanders’ move to Calshot in Hampshire. Sylvia was a loving and caring lady who adored her family. She was always seen smiling as she walked through the village, often sharing a joke and bringing joy to those around her. She enjoyed working in the potato patches, a cherished activity she regularly shared with her late husband Benny and Sister Rose. On sunny days, Sylvia's passion for gardening came to life as she tended to her beautiful garden. She took great pride in her vibrant red dahlias and towering sunflowers, which were always in full bloom and a sight to behold. Sylvia's presence in our lives will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter

Sylvia is survived by her siblings Rose Glass and Lindsey Repetto, son Shaun Green, daughters Rita Repetto, and Jaqueline Lavarello, daughter-in-law Renee Green, sons-in-law Gary Repetto and Duncan Lavarello. Grandchildren: Kimberley, Janice and Dylan Green, Jonathan, Riaan, Julian and Clifton Repetto and Janine Lavarello.

Marion Green's Retirement

Report and Photos from Kelly Green.

Marion Green started working at the Island Store (also known as the canteen) when she was only 16 years old. "It was my one and only job" she told me with a tear rolling down her cheek. She had been working there almost 50 years! Marion celebrated her 65th birthday on the 4th June 2024 but the party was held on the 14th June.

Marion Green

On Friday afternoon, the island store staff put on a wonderful spread of food and refreshments. There was also a beautifully decorated cake to celebrate Marion's retirement. All the staff awaited for Marion to arrive.

It was very emotional. Marion told me that she first started working on the shop floor and then worked her way up to assistant head! She said, "I am really sad to leave, I got along with all my colleagues and we had a great laugh." Marion spent most of her days working on the till, tapping up customers' purchases.

Amanda Swain, the now head of the island store said, "When I first started, I too was only 16. I worked alongside Marion and she was the one that taught me ordering, stock control and invoicing. I am very grateful that I had her as a mentor! We will all be very sad to see her leave but wish her the very best in her retirement."

The afternoon celebrations where thoroughly enjoyed. There was a toast made to Marion, after which she said a few words. Everyone then got stuck into the delicious food prepared by Danny Swain and Glenda Rogers.

Colleagues toasting Marion (L-R) - Front: Marion Green, Anushka Hahn, Rhoda Rogers, Brenda Swain, Margaret Rogers, Francesca Green, Jackie Lavarello, Glenda Rogers; Back: Danny Swain, Debbie Swain & Island store manger Amanda Swain.

Former Island Store manager, Lorraine Repetto, who is currently in Cape Town said, "Over the years Marion has seen the department evolve from tallying customers' shopping on paper, to a calculator, manual till system and then onto an electronic system. I've had the pleasure of working with Marion since 1985 when I was first employed in the Finance Department and then more closely from 2007 when I became the Head of the Island Store. I would like to wish Marion all the best on her retirement and hope she can now spend time fulfilling her hobbies."

Judy Green who ran the island store in the 1980's fondly remembers working with Marion. She too also learned the same skills Amanda did from Marion. Judy, who is already retired, wishes Marion all the best.

The afternoon ending with a slice of cake and goodbye hugs.

Cake presented by Glenda Rogers & decorated by Amanda Swain

Marion with her colleagues at the island store (L-R) - Back: Amanda Swain, Jackie Lavarello, Debbie Swain, Brenda Swain, Anushka Hahn, Francesca Green, Danny Swain
Front: Marion Green, Glenda Rogers, Margaret Rogers, Rhoda Rogers

There's a whole lots of roofing going on

Report from Kelly Green. Photos by Leanne Swain

With the fishing and cruise season all finished islanders have been very busy doing their own essential work. There have been four different homes re-roofed or newly roofed in the past two weeks, even though there were at times strong winds and light showers.

This is hard work and always requires a large group of men and women to help. The men fit the timbers and roof. Meanwhile, the women are busy cooking and preparing tea and coffee for the hungry crowd. Recently, five days have been spent working on top roofs and it's great to see some new houses closer to completion.

Fitting roofing sheets on a new home

One islander started work on roofing their newly built home, but unfortunately, as work began it started to rain heavily. However, the men carried on. Each helper went and collected waterproofs and continued until all the beams, rafters and principles were in place. Much to their amusement one guy showed up fully suited, complete with a life jacket! This was a joke played on the young man who's home it was, as he had chosen the day for them to all work.

Roof on; now for the windows

The next day brought forth a beautiful weather. The young islander, who worked the day before, took the opportunity of completing his roof by putting all the zinc on. They didn't take long and by 2:30pm everything was finished. All the helpers were rewarded with a meal cooked by the ladies who were also helping the young family. Afterwards everyone relaxed and enjoyed lots of refreshments.

The young family's new home newly roofed (with underwear nailed up above the gable ends!)

As you can see in the above picture, it is an old island tradition to get the undergarments of the women of the house of newly roofed homes and nail them up for all to see. They are mainly brand new pairs that will be never worn due to the stretching and holes from the nails, but its always a good laugh.

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