The Chairman’s Report to the AGM
18th November 2009

Important objectives for Gulberwick Together are creating community spirit and development projects to make Gulberwick an even more attractive place in which to live and, in many cases, to bring up a family.

Year three in the life of Gulberwick Together is characterised by the efforts and hard work by the committee and public-spirited members of the community working together in partnership with local groups such as the community hall, community council, councillors and SIC departments, etc in bringing people together in a number of events and projects. Activities for young people have been a particular focus for the group in recognition of the increasing number of children and teenagers in the district.

Many of the events and activities undertaken have proved very successful and with the local hall undertaking a more ambitious programme of events and training, Gulberwick residents and children have a much wider range of activities and interests in which to engage - and enjoy the company of their neighbours.

The first ever Country Sports Weekend had a wide menu of activities from clay target shooting, trout fishing, yoal rowing, coasteering, golf, quad biking, walks, archery, boogie boarding, and mountain biking, rounded off with a barbecue brunch. There is an enthusiasm to make this a regular springtime event.

An unusual lack of sand at the beach did not disappoint the participants in the Gulberwick Picnic and the sun came out just in time to make this another constructive and enjoyable event. The Halloween Party in the hall attracted a crowd of ghostly children and an impressive number of hand–made lanterns and the games and grub were greatly appreciated. This year, the Guy Fawkes Bonfire was moved from the beach to Lower Hillside and this also attracted a good crowd and a good display on a blustery evening.

Local concerns over the standard of the lower road and the greatly increased density of traffic is a cause of great concern and consultation took place with every house in the district which resulted in a very high return rate and a very clear view being expressed that immediate action is required to improve the current road to make it safer and more user –friendly. This project is ongoing and has received wide support.

Gulberwick Together has an ambitious action plan of developments including:

• Road improvements
• The Gulberwick Picnic
• Da Voar Redd Up
• Country Sports Weekend
• Environmental enhancement projects
• Local walks
• Geology interpretation
• Core Paths project
• Shetland Place Names project
• Shetland Allotments scheme
• Youth activities and training
• Senior citizen entertainment and training
• Access and signage
• Beach improvements
• Newsletters
• Website, etc.

Members of Gulberwick Together, local groups and the local community are to be heartily commended for their hard work in achieving an impressive range of social and community initiatives on a completely voluntary basis.

Maurice Mullay
Chairman