1964 - Jarl Bruce Spence

The 1964 Festival took place on 25th February

This year's Guizer Jarl was Bruce Thomas Spence from Easterhouse.

Galley Name:- JORD

Bruce's Jarl Squad

  • Charlie Spence (Hillend) [Former Jarl]
  • Angus Henry (Haa 'o' Houlland) [Future Jarl]
  • Jamie Nisbet (Kirkabister)
  • Ivor Tulloch (Gronadjeld)

 

Downloads

Proclamation not yet available for this year

Videos

Squad List

1 - GUIZER JARL'S SQUAD (5)

Gay and colourful as before

2 - THE BEATLES (9)

They just had to be Beatles and five happy fans

3 - POST OFFICE ROBBERS (6)

The postman came in, was beaten up and robbed, and got rid of while the rest made off with the mail

4 - FORECAST FOR NEXT FEW MINUTES (5)

A very amusing lot, one working with corn, one with a cycle with weather slogans, the wireless giving out the forecast, and the abominal snowman coming in at the end.

5 - S.W.R.I. FLOWER SHOW (10)

The members with their flowers, and judges for the night, started with reading funny minutes for the last meeting; next item was any questions, then a tune on the accordion. When they were closing up they were chased by an Indian pedlar.

6 - THEY WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER EWE (5)

A very funny lot as the ewes were really rabbits, which after being captured and examined were let go again

7 - DA TROWS

A very amusing lot. One entered and after going very hard on the rum, and listening to the record player, went into a coma, this was when the trows he was supposed to be seeing entered and were a very funny looking lot. They danced around the drunk man and tried to revive him before leaving

Photos:

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Shetland Times Articles:

Another very successful Up-Helly-Aa was held at Cullivoe on the Tuesday in February. Weather conditions were not very good - strong south, south east winds with drizzle, but the guizers all mustered at the usual time.

Just before 8 p.m. Mr Bruce Spence, this year's popular choice for Guizer Jarl, moved up the ranks. Promptly at 8 p.m. the signal for lighting-up time went, the Jarl boarded his longship 'Jord' and with his viking squad led the procession on 50 guizers to the Public hall.

Here the Jarl called for three cheers for Up-Helly-Aa, the galley makers and the torch makers and to the singing of "the galley song" he descended from the galley. The torches were thrown in and the galley was soon alight, watched by a good number of spectators.

Thereafter guizers and spectators adjourned to the Cullivoe Public Hall, and following the Jarl's speech, reading of the telegrams and guizers acts, the dancing continued until 5.30 a.m. next morning.

Mr Bruce Spence proved a most capable and efficient Jarl and along with his viking squad and marshallers, carried out their duties in a very efficient manner.

Telegrams / Messages:

  • 'Hoping everyone has a good time tonight. Wish I were there with you' - Laurence, Tillicoultry

  • 'Wishing you all success tonight, may the weather keep fair and your galley burn bright. Sorry we cannot be with you' - Cathy and Vina, Aberdeen

  • 'Wishing you a successful festival' - Henry, Muriel and Ruth, Baltasound

  • 'Best wishes for a successful night' - Baltasound Bakers

  • 'Best wishes for a good night' - Marjorie, Baltasound

  • 'Best wishes for a successful festival' - Robbie, Jessamine and family, Lerwick

  • 'Big blaze, good night to all ' - Joy, Edinburgh

  • 'All the best for a good night ' - Andrew Nisbet, Lerwick

  • 'Every good wish for a grand night ' - Robert and Norman, M.V. Mabel Warwick, Newport

  • 'All the best for a good night ' - Andrew, Gildre and family, Haroldswick

  • 'Best wishes for a successful festival ' - Uyeasound Up-Helly-Aa Committee

  • 'Brighter to-night than ever before ' - May and Mac, Selkirk