There’s never a dull moment in Orkney, and January is no exception. It kicks off with a game that dates back decades called The Ba’. This is traditionally played on Christmas day and New Year’s day unless they fall on a Sunday then it is postponed to the next day. Prior to the Ba's being played all the windows of the local streets are blocked to protect them from breaking. When the cathedral clock strikes one, two teams of men Uppies and Doonies, fight over a large weighted cork ball called a Ba’ in the street. the object is to the get the Ba’ up the street to touch a wall or down the street and land in the harbour (called the basin) There are no rules and the game can go on for hours as the pack gets pushed this way and that. It’s a game taken really seriously and for many people is the highlight of the Orkney calendar. Hundreds of people turn out to watch and cheer many players are from a long line of Uppies or Doonies in the family. Playing is not for the faint-hearted, people have broken ribs and dislocated limbs and bumps and bruises are pretty standard; but it’s a great way to blow away the new year cobwebs, but wrap up well!
We’ve had some severe storms this winter in Orkney. Strong winds over Christmas which lasted for days, followed by a second round earlier in the month. Things have settled down now and we are currently being treated to amazing skies sunsets and frosty mornings. This fills me with inspiration for creating more beautiful jewellery and my head is whirring with new ideas. I can’t wait to get started and show you my new creations.
Last week I had an end of line sale and the response was overwhelming causing the site to crash. It’s the nearest I’ve come to breaking the internet and I can only apologise to those of you who were disappointed and not getting the piece you wanted. Those of you who got the piece you wanted should be sparkling very soon.
