Community Party in the Prince Philip Hall on 20th April 2016
Community Party in the Prince Philip Hall on 20th April 2016
to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday
and begin the celebration to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Tristan becoming British.
Reports and photos from Dawn Repetto and Shirley Squibb - Speech below from Alex Mitham |
The community party to celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday and the 200th Anniversary got underway following the RMS departure. It was very disappointing that no visitors were able to attend
but the celebration soon lifted everyone spirits after what had been a very hectic week. |
|
|
Above: Carpenters preparing the original settlers flags
to be hung outside the Prince Philip Hall.
Right: Flags representing the home countries of
Tristan da Cunha's settlers.
|
|
|
Above: Posters prepared by school children
to show the original Tristan settlers (right)
and to commemorate the 90th birthday
of Her Majesty the Queen (left).
This display was set above the buffet table
in the Prince Philip Hall (below).
|
| |
|
Administrator Alex Mitham's Reception Speech:
Thank you for all coming tonight, and thank you to everyone for all their hard work in making today a success. I would also like to thank the school for all their incredible pictures around the walls for Atlantic Fresh for providing all the wonderful food you’re consuming and for ladies looking after the bar.
As everyone knows this really is a momentous occasion for many reasons. While that can be hyperbole – in this case it really is appropriate - and we are obviously very fortunate to have the Governor Designate visiting our isle at such a special time.
Firstly - We are welcoming and celebrating the last voyage of the RMS St Helena, and while it is wonderful to see the ship again. It is a poignant moment knowing that a vessel that has so many fond memories for the island will never be seen again. Hopefully a buyer can be found and you never know we may see it down here again under another guise?
Secondly - Tonight we will also be recognising Her Majesty the Queens 90th Birthday. Her majesty is our longest reigning Monarch, and the Royal Family - and in particular Duke of Edinburgh has great interest in this island. Later on a beacon and small fireworks ceremony will be lit in her honour.
|
Alex Mitham delivering his speech
at the Community Party
|
Thirdly - And maybe most importantly for the island – we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first British settlement on Tristan. It is truly an incredible achievement. When HMS Falmouth arrived in 1816 – little did they realise that a community would be here for another 200 years. The islanders have overcome many challenges over the last two centuries, but the founding principles of the community remain strong and the community’s tenacity to survive and persevere has shone through.
So before I hand over to Ian – I think you all deserve a round of applause. It is time to commemorate, honour and celebrate this community on the remotest inhabited community in the world – to Tristan da Cunha!
|
|
|
Above: The crowd gathered in the
Prince Philip Hall for the party. |
Left: Children waiting in anticipation
for the
Queen's 90th Birthday
beacon and fireworks display. |
|
|
|
The Queen's 90th Birthday Beacon
lit on the night before Her Majesty's 90th Birthday
on 20th April 2016
as the Community Party was held on this day
to be shared with passengers from the RMS St Helena.
Sadly the ship
had to leave early: see 2016 RMS St Helena Trip
Above left: Chief Islander Ian Lavarello and Administrator Alex Mitham light the beacon
Above and right: Island Councillors gather around the beacon.
|
|
|
|
Views of the beacon and fireworks display:
Above: Chief Islander and Administrator by the beacon
Left: Spectacular view from the 1961 lava flow
of the Settlement lights and firework display
Below: Fireworks as seen from the village.
|
|
|
|
God save the Queen!
Here's to the next 200 years for the UK Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha. |
|
