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Groundskeeper Willie – Heritage trail

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:47:13 +0000

With the shock announcement that Groundskeeper Willie, the fictional character from the hit tv series The Simpsons, has Orkney roots we wondered about his heritage.

The Simpsons Heritage Trail

In the episode entitled The Daughter Also Rises, to be broadcast in America on 12 February 2012, Groundskeeper Willie confides in Bart that his father was a ‘doonie’ and his mother was an ‘uppie’, in reference to the two teams in the world-famous Orkney ‘Ba game’.

Possibly a new trail could be devised for visitors to Orkney to experience the islands, but what should be included and what would be the route?

To get the project underway here are a few suggestions.

Let us know, via the comments area, places you think should be listed with Groundskeeper Willie’s history and heritage.

Where to start The Simpsons Heritage Trail?

For us, the start has to be on Broad Street, Kirkwall and the home of the Ba’ Game.

From here any visitor can then explore either of Groundskeeper Willie’s roots and get a flavour of the area.

To follow his fathers roots, as a Doonie, the explorer would travel north of St. Magnus Cathedral.

Walking in the opposite direction as an ‘Uppie’ the historian would re-trace his mothers family.

Family History

The Orkney Family History Society, based at Kirkwall Library, is a fantastic resource full of Viking and Norse genealogy.

With his striking red eye brows and full beard, it is highly likely that Groundskeeper Willie’ s ancestors are Viking, travelling over the water from Norway and Scandinavia .

His temperament may also be an indicator to his past, being unafraid to get stuck in to sort things out.

Where next?

Just for fun, what areas and places do you think are linked to Groundskeeper Willie’s history and heritage ? Add your comments below…Similar Posts:

Willie from The Simpsons is from Orkney?

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:55:43 +0000

The hard-drinking, hard-fighting Springfield resident with the bright red beard, Groundskeeper Willie from The Simpsons is from Orkney – if this article from the BBC is to be believed.

He will reveal more about his Scottish roots and his personality conflicts in an episode of the show to be broadcast later this month in America.

Rob LaZebnik is The Simpsons writer who came up with this storyline.

Willie reveals all in the episode when he explains that he is from Kirkwall.

Rob LaZebnik said: “We felt it was time and we are very pleased to identify him as an Orcadian.”

The writers appear to have settled on Orkney due to the ba’ game.

Update – Sunday, 5 February 2012

It would appear that the debate between Glasgow, the assumed home of groundskeeper Willie and Kirkwall is set to heat up after a motion was filed in the Scottish Parliament.

MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur , Liberal Democrat, called upon Glasgow City Council to give up Willie as a “Son of that fair City.”

*S4M-01921 Liam McArthur: Hands off Groundskeeper Willie—That the Parliament notes that it has been confirmed that Groundskeeper Willie of The Simpsons fame hails from Kirkwall, Orkney; understands that the revelation is made in an episode entitled The Daughter Also Rises, to be broadcast in America on 12 February 2012, where Willie confides in Bart that his father was a ‘doonie’ and his mother was an ‘uppie’, in reference to the two teams in the world-famous ‘Ba game’; understands how the tension created by this modern day version of Capulets and Montagues tore his family apart but welcomes the fact that the long-running debate over Willie’s heritage is now at an end, and calls on Glasgow City Council to renounce its claim to Orkney’s Groundskeeper Willie as a son of that fair city.

Famous Glaswegians listed on the City of Glasgow website include Groundskeeper Willie – from the Simpsons.

Under the heading, fictional characters, the entry now reads:

Groundskeeper Willie - from the Simpsons. Once claimed he was “the ugliest man in Glasgow”, but now says he is from Orkney.

Will this now mean Orkney will see an influx of characters from The Simpsons in next years ba’ game ?Similar Posts:

Experience Orkney’s Churchill Barriers

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:51:15 +0000

What better way to enjoy the journey over the Churchill Barriers in Orkney, than by motorbike.

The Churchill Barriers were constructed by Italian POW’s during World War II and now form an important road link between the southern Orkney islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray and Lamb Holm.

This video was taken using a GoPro HD camera attached to the helmet of a motorcycle rider on his Yamaha FJR1300.

His journey starts at Barrier number 4 which links the island of South Ronaldsay to the island of Burray.

To the right are clearly visible, the remains of one of the most complete and oldest sunken block ships, The Reginald. Built in 1878 and sunk in Weddel Sound in 1915, the 930 ton 3 masted motor schooner is today used to store lobster creels.

From the Island of Burray, the short second barrier links to the small island of Glimps Holm and continues on to the second barrier to Lamb Holm where the stunning Italian Chapel built by the prisoners of war can be found.

The journey continues onto the first barrier which links to the southern part of the western mainland.

Turning left through St Mary’s the A961 follows the coastline of Scapa Flow toward Kirwall.Similar Posts:

Painting by AR Woods found in Canada arrives in Orkney

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:44:09 +0000

A painting by AR Woods, found in a box of junk at an auction in Canada, has arrived safely in Orkney as the hunt for the mystery Ness Battery artist continues.

A campaign to find more about a large mural at the Ness Battery in Orkney was launched in February.

Tower Bridge - by AR Woods

Since then the AR Woods mural has attracted attention from historical researchers around the world.

Global search

In July, thanks to an article on this website, Julian Branscombe, Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme (SFLPS) manager, was amazed to be contacted by Joan Hollander, of Toronto, Canada.

She had found a charming picture by AR Woods, and soon realised that this painting might be a vital clue to a very special story.

“I’d gotten the painting in a box lot and was first attracted to the frame poking out of the box,” she said.

“I saw it was solid, bird’s eye maple and that made my curiosity jump.

“Someone, obviously put thought and care into a painting, to frame it so solidly. And I was also intrigued by the subject matter.

We are really hoping that it [the painting] will spur someone to come forward with recollections of AR Woods
Julian Branscombe SFLPS

“The painting and frame were filthy, but ah, so are lots of beautiful things, until you look past the dirt.”

The oil painting features Tower Bridge, London and is thought to be by Gravesend-born artist, Albert John Rycraft Woods, who signed all his paintings ‘AR Woods’.

AR Woods in Orkney

Joan has gifted the painting found in Canada to the people of Orkney.

Julian said: “When the package arrived from Joan, I was just overcome with emotion. It feels so precious to be able to hold it.

“Now that we’ve got it, we are really hoping that it will spur someone to come forward with recollections of AR Woods, so we can find out exactly why he came to Orkney in WWII.

“However, we still need to establish the link between this artist and Orkney.”

Mr Branscombe added that the generous gift of this painting encourages his team to take the search to London, to see if there are any living relatives, or archive records, which indicate why this piermaster in his sixties might have come to Orkney in World War II.

Could the same AR Woods be responsible for the mural in Orkney and the painting of Tower Bridge?

Second painting found

The painting found in Canada is one of two that have come to light since the search was launched earlier this year.

A Brighton-based television script-writer, James Payne, also took up the challenge to find AR Woods.

He discovered a number of records of an AR Woods amateur painter, including a description of his painting at the 1932 Port of London Authority staff show as being “particularly noteworthy” (published that year in an edition of art magazine, The Studio).

James went on to find that an AR Woods painting of the Pool of London, his workplace as piermaster, was available and soon it was also on its way to Orkney.

AR Woods on display in Orkney

AR Woods was born in Gravesend in 1876 or 1877, and after a life at sea he worked for the Port of London Authority in the 1930s, through until his retirement in 1947.

Both of the known AR Woods paintings will be on public display at the Public Talk on Ness Battery, Past, Present & Future, which is being held in the Lecture Theatre of Stromness Academy on Thursday 8 December.

The talk starts at 7.30pm with military historian Geoffrey Stell speaking on Ness Battery: Defending Hoy Sound in Two World Wars.

The evening is free, and all are welcome – but come early to see the paintings.

The lecture theatre will be open from 7pm.

Do you know the history of AR Woods?

If you think you can help in the quest for more information about Mr Woods and how he came to be in Orkney please get in touch via our contact form or via the comments area below.Similar Posts:

Orkney Island’s dark ale is best in the world

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:42:58 +0000

Already judged Europe’s best, the 10 per cent speciality Dark Island Reserve ale from Orkney Brewery beat off stiff competition to take the global “strong dark, dark ale” title in the World Beer Awards 2011.

Orkney Brewery’s Dark Island Reserve has been named the world’s best strong dark, dark ale in a major international competition.

The best in the world!

Judging in the competition is blind, with regional style heats held in Europe, the USA and Asia under the careful eye of a regional chairman.

They choose the style winner in each region, which is then tasted against the other regional winners to select the World’s Best Style.

News of the highly prestigious award was greeted with jubilation at the Orkney Brewery in Quoyloo, with company boss Norman Sinclair hailing it as the most important accolade ever won by his experienced team.

“This is an outstanding and hugely important result for us and we’re immensely proud to have produced an ale that has gained this level of global recognition,” said Mr Sinclair. “We put a lot of care into the creation of all our beers, but we’ve always known that Dark Island Reserve is something truly unique.

“This award reflects the brewery team’s commitment to crafting a superb ale that has come to epitomise everything we stand for in terms of quality, taste and innovation.

It also further strengthens Orkney’s reputation as a key player in the international high quality food and drink market. Suffice to say, this is a fantastic milestone for the Orkney Brewery.”

Dark Island Reserve is created by maturing Orkney Brewery’s iconic and award winning Dark Island Ale in aged Orkney malt whisky casks for three months.

Produced in limited quantities and for exclusive markets, Dark Island Reserve is renowned for its flavours of smooth roast malt, dark chocolate, caramel, figs and dates, which combine with vanilla, spice and bitter orange flavours from the wood and whisky.Similar Posts:

Papdale Woods new lease of life

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:44 +0000

The long term health of the Papdale Woods is being boosted with help from Pupils of Kirkwall Grammar Sschool.

Assisted by the Orkney Woodlands Project, a group of S3 pupils will be planting around 50 young trees including sycamore, beech, oak, elm, holly and hazel.

Pupils at KGS show off their handywork at the Papdale tree planting project

This will extend the lifespan of the wood and increase its diversity.

The new trees and species will gradually become established to replace existing mature trees when they finally come to end of their natural lifespan.

Kirkwall East Councillor Steven Heddle who attended the first planting session said: “It’s good to see work done to help the woods thrive for further generations to enjoy, and great to see the enthusiasm and effort shown by these young members of the community. I am sure they will remember the trees that they plant, and enjoy the opportunity in the future to tell their grandchildren about it.”

Ronnie Bruce, Project Director for Morrison Construction said: “We are delighted to support today’s planting initiative organised by Orkney Woodland Project who carry out a lot of good work in the local community to conserve and enhance our landscape.

“The range of species of young trees and shrubs being planted will add to the overall diversity within the Papdale Woods.

“Hopefully the children who have been planting with us will find it rewarding not just from their efforts today but in the future as they watch these saplings develop into mature trees over the years.”Similar Posts:

Churchill Barriers under new ownership

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:46:56 +0000

The Churchill Barriers that link the southern islands of Orkney have been purchased by Orkney Islands Council.

Churchill Barriers looking towards the mainland

Built during World War two as a defence against submarine attack following the sinking of the Royal Oak in 1939, the barriers now form an important road, linking the southern islands with the mainland.

The council purchased the barriers from the MoD for a nominal fee in order to address an “anomaly” in the ownership of the road network but this sale has also given the local authority ownership of the seabed underneath the barriers.

The purchase from the MoD may lead to a marine energy project harnessing tidal flows beneath the installations.

David Hartley of Orkney Islands Council said:

“Orkney Islands Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee has discussed possible options for incorporating renewable energy generation within the Churchill Barriers”.

“Members agreed there should be more detailed discussions of the proposals at a future meeting of the Policy Resources Committee – and on potential options to tackle the problem of waves breaking over Barrier No. 2 during severe weather conditions”.Similar Posts:

Orkney Botanist Exhibition at Stromness Museum

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:04:48 +0000

A winter exhibition opening this month will celebrate Stromness Museum’s roots as the Orkney Natural History Society. ‘James Sinclair, the Botanist from the Bu’ celebrates the life a Hoy man whose love of plants took him from the Bu to Borneo.

James Sinclair Orkney Botanist

Exhibition launch

The exhibition will be launched at Stromness Museum with an evening of informal talks. Bea Watson will read from her highly commended Fereday project on her great-great uncle James Sinclair. John Crossley, Orkney Plant Recorder, will give an overview of the attraction of Hoy for plant-lovers in his illustrated talk ‘The island of Hoy: a great place for plants and botanists’.

James Sinclair wrote the chapter on Orkney Flora in the New Orkney Book. His interest in plants developed early, when he was a schoolboy, with his interest being encouraged by the Orkney botanist Henry Halcro Johnston. James discovered a number of plants which were new to Orkney.

He went on to Edinburgh University in 1932 graduating with a degree with honours in Botany. James then studied to become a teacher, teaching in Stronsay and Kirkwall. He collected plant specimens including algae, mosses and ferns throughout Orkney and by 1937 he had collected over 500 species and scores of varieties.

Royal Air Force

He joined the RAF in 1941. James made a collection of specimens of local plants in Burma during the war in Burma. After the war he joined the staff of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, then moving to Singapore to take up post of curator of the Herbarium there. He lived and worked in Singapore for nearly 20 years undertaking collecting expeditions in various parts of the Malay Peninsula also to Sarawak, Sabah and the Philippines. Characterised by his intense attention to his work, James excelled in botany becoming an authority on the custard apple and nutmeg families.

Although work took him abroad and he enjoyed his travels, his heart was in his native Hoy, and he intended to settle there after his retirement. Sadly, ill-health brought him home early. James Sinclair, born at the Bu, Hoy in 1913, died in 1968 and is buried in the Hoy churchyard.

This exhibition travels from the Hoy Kirk where it was shown as the first exhibition of the Hoy Heritage project. The papers of James Sinclair will be part of the Hoy Heritage digital archive.

On show for the first time is an artwork by Orkney artist Laura Drever, inspired by the walk ‘In the footsteps of James Sinclair’ which launched the exhibition in Hoy in July.

The exhibition launch, with talks, takes place on Friday 11 November at 7:30pm at Stromness Museum – all welcome. The exhibition will run until March 2012. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday 11am to 3:30pm.

Stromness Museum

If you want a glimpse into Orkney’s Maritime Past and Natural History, then Stromness Museum is a must. Since 1837, the museum has amassed a unique and fascinating collection, which has something for everyone.

The James Sinclair project is part of the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2007-2013 Programme, and also by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme will spend around £2.2 million over three years on 48 projects promoting and supporting the heritage – wildlife, landscape, cultural heritage, history and archaeology – in and around Scapa Flow and the South Isles of Orkney. The scheme has received £1.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with further support from Orkney Islands Council, the European Union, Historic Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB, trusts and private donations.Similar Posts:

Stenness reveals new archaeology

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:54:20 +0000

Orkney Archaeologists may have discovered one of the largest stone circles in Britain.

A large stone circle may lay under the waters of the Loch of Stenness

A report in the New Scotsman on 9th October announced findings from Seismic images taken in the Loch of Stenness, which appear to show a large circular feature in the water south of the Ring of Brodgar.

Archaeologists are now planning to send a diving team into the area to investigate the findings.

Similar in size to the Ring of Brodgar, which to date is the third largest in Britain, Archaeologists are excited about discovering a much earlier structure.

Read more…Similar Posts:

Royal Australian Navy to visit Scapa Flow

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:55:40 +0000

The Royal Australian Navy are to present Orkney with a picture of HMAS Australia leading the surrendered German fleet into Scapa Flow in 1918. This visit forms part of the Royal Australian Navy centenary year events.

Scapa Flow, Orkney

Visitors from RAN include renowned Naval historian and Director of RAN’s Strategic and Historical Studies, Dr David Stevens, who has been commissioned to write a history of the RAN in the UK, and Commander Henri Nord-Thomson. Also visiting is retired Royal Navy Commander David Hobbs.

Ceremony

Councillor Eoin Scott will formally accept the gift to the Orkney public at a ceremony and public lecture by the three visitors on the connections between the history of the Australian Navy, Scapa Flow and Orkney in general, in the St Magnus Centre on Tuesday October 4 at 7.30pm.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Councillor Scott said: “Scapa Flow was at the heart of the allied war effort in WWI and II, and many nations played a vital role, including the Australians. The HMAS Sydney’s rescue boats were first to reach the stricken HMS Vanguard on 17 July 1917 following a massive internal explosion killing all but two on board, and HMAS Australia led one of two columns of allied ships surrounding the surrendered German High Sea Fleet into Scapa Flow on 21 November 1918.

“We are pleased to host this important visit which will help serve the memory of those who have served and died here in Orkney and stimulate interest in our rich wartime history.”

The group will be arriving in Orkney on the Pentalina, sailing into Scapa Flow past Hoxa and Stanger Head, affording a good first view of Scapa Flow. The trip will include a visit to The Royal Oak and Vanguard, on which two Australian sailors died, and the laying of a wreath at Lyness Cemetery.

Further information

Royal Australian Navy – Find out more about their 2011 Centenary celebrations.

HMS Royal Oak – 70th Anniversary article

Blockade Ship – Download your own desktop wallpaper blockade shipSimilar Posts: