1962 - Jarl James Bruce Spence
The 1962 Festival took place on 13th February
This year's Guizer Jarl was James Bruce Spence from Kellister.
Galley Name:- IDUN
James's Jarl Squad
- Gilbert 'Bertie' Henderson (Skylah) [Former Jarl]
- Hamish Nicholson (North House)
- Jamie Nicholson (Breckon)
- David Nisbet (Papil)
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Proclamation not yet available for this year
Videos
Squad List
1 - JARL'S SQUAD
There bold lads wore jet black cloaks lined with a red material over white tunics with a black raven emblem. Winged helmets and swords completed a smart outfit.2 - THE BIG TOP
This was one of the most colourful squads of the night, and performed various exciting acts including the tightrope, weight lifting and stunt cycling.3 - SURGEONS DILEMMA
A humerous act this one with a white-coated surgeon attending to various "hard cases!" Some of his instruments looked quite effective too!4 - TRISTAN DA CUNHA NO MORE
The islanders did not come to Shetland - but this squad showed what would have happened if they had arrived in Yell! The unfortunate islanders were given a lecture by a spruce official on unemployment in the area.5 - DAY BOYS AT CHRISTMAS
This was a skit on a strange bird that appeared at Cullivoe at Christmas time, and was taken to be a native of the Antartica wastes. Main member of the squad was a very life-like penguin which danced and sang, and seemed to be able to drink very effectively from a whiskey glass. The rest of the members of this squad "went round the houses" in good old Christmas manner6 - SNAP HAPPY
These boys had obviously noted a Shetland photographer who makes frequent visits to the country districts. The snap-happy "photographer" came into the hall, but it took him quite a while to assemble his camera. When he did get it together, he wasted no time, and snapped the people in the hall at random.7 - MAN'S RUIN
No not whiskey! The members of this squad were dressed mainly as the "opposite sex" and they all acted in a gay mood in the hall, with much sining and dancing.8 - CULLIVOE'S INDUSTRY
Another very good squad this one - they think that sewing is just the thing to make money, and having manufactured a few striking garments they showed them off on their own "model".
3 - SURGEONS DILEMMA
A humerous act this one with a white-coated surgeon attending to various "hard cases!" Some of his instruments looked quite effective too!4 - TRISTAN DA CUNHA NO MORE
The islanders did not come to Shetland - but this squad showed what would have happened if they had arrived in Yell! The unfortunate islanders were given a lecture by a spruce official on unemployment in the area.5 - DAY BOYS AT CHRISTMAS
This was a skit on a strange bird that appeared at Cullivoe at Christmas time, and was taken to be a native of the Antartica wastes. Main member of the squad was a very life-like penguin which danced and sang, and seemed to be able to drink very effectively from a whiskey glass. The rest of the members of this squad "went round the houses" in good old Christmas manner6 - SNAP HAPPY
These boys had obviously noted a Shetland photographer who makes frequent visits to the country districts. The snap-happy "photographer" came into the hall, but it took him quite a while to assemble his camera. When he did get it together, he wasted no time, and snapped the people in the hall at random.7 - MAN'S RUIN
No not whiskey! The members of this squad were dressed mainly as the "opposite sex" and they all acted in a gay mood in the hall, with much sining and dancing.8 - CULLIVOE'S INDUSTRY
Another very good squad this one - they think that sewing is just the thing to make money, and having manufactured a few striking garments they showed them off on their own "model".
5 - DAY BOYS AT CHRISTMAS
This was a skit on a strange bird that appeared at Cullivoe at Christmas time, and was taken to be a native of the Antartica wastes. Main member of the squad was a very life-like penguin which danced and sang, and seemed to be able to drink very effectively from a whiskey glass. The rest of the members of this squad "went round the houses" in good old Christmas manner6 - SNAP HAPPY
These boys had obviously noted a Shetland photographer who makes frequent visits to the country districts. The snap-happy "photographer" came into the hall, but it took him quite a while to assemble his camera. When he did get it together, he wasted no time, and snapped the people in the hall at random.7 - MAN'S RUIN
No not whiskey! The members of this squad were dressed mainly as the "opposite sex" and they all acted in a gay mood in the hall, with much sining and dancing.8 - CULLIVOE'S INDUSTRY
Another very good squad this one - they think that sewing is just the thing to make money, and having manufactured a few striking garments they showed them off on their own "model".
7 - MAN'S RUIN
No not whiskey! The members of this squad were dressed mainly as the "opposite sex" and they all acted in a gay mood in the hall, with much sining and dancing.8 - CULLIVOE'S INDUSTRY
Another very good squad this one - they think that sewing is just the thing to make money, and having manufactured a few striking garments they showed them off on their own "model".
Photos:
Shetland Times Articles:
Gale force winds and heavy showers could not dampen the spirits of the Cullivoe folk as they celebrated their fifth Up-Helly-Aa festival on 13th February. From the start of the procession to the last dance in the public hall the festival ws a great success, and a tribute to the people who organised it.
Mr James B. Spence, of Cullivoe, made a striking Jarl, and performed his duties in fine style. His long ship "Idun" was kindly gifted by Mr Charles Smith, of North-a-Voe, and Mr Barnham of Gutcher, added a handsome head and tail. Willing helpers transformed the boat into a colourful Norse galley.
A verey rocket signalled the start of the festival shortly after seven o'clock, and the Jarl in his longship, headed the procession which moved off singing the "Up-Helly-Aa Song" in a rousing manner. A good number of spectators lined the route, and watched the torch-bearers circle the longhsip at the burning site. "The Galley Song" was sung, the torches were thrown in and, as the "Idun" went up in flames, "The Norseman's Home" was sung by everyone.
Next stop was the hall, where a packed crowd listened to the Jarl's speech and afterwards watched the squads go through their paces. Tea was then served and the dancing went with great zest until the early hours of the morning.
Telegrams / Messages:
'All the best for Up-Helly-Aa. Have a good night' - Andrew and Gilbertha, Baltasound
'All the best for a successful festival ' - Nan, Aberdeen
'All the very best for tonight ' - Bertha, Lerwick
'Best wishes for tonight. Skoal ' - Alex and Charlie, Baltasound
'Best wishes for a very happy night ' - Alma Hyslop, Forgandenny
'Wishing you a very happy night and big blaze' - Muriel and Henry, Baltasound
'Greetings. May your galley burn bright. A happy time to everybody' - May and Mac, Selkirk
'Best wishes to all for successful night ' - Robbie, Jessamine and family, Lerwick.