WHILST DRIVE BY CANDLELIGHT.

Over the winter there were various functions of a regular nature such as dances, whist drives and an Easter Daffodil Tea run by the Mothers' Committee.

But the most irregular event must have been the Candlelit Whist Drive. The whist drive billed for the Tuesday before Xmas was in aid of the Village Hall Funds. At 6.50pm, precisely, as sandwiches were being buttered, and champions like Calum and Hugh were honing their actuarial minds. and extra socks and jumpers were being layered on prior to leaving cosy firesides for the Hall. the mains electricity supply was cut off. A clamboat dredging off Sorasdal had severed the mainland supply cable.

Telephones buzzed. Forty eight islanders arrived at the Hall armed with candles, gambling spirits a-glow. The pace of play and shuffling was somewhat tardy on account of the golden but dim light but all agreed that the atmosphere was very romantic.

By 10.30 pm the Hydro station generator on Tiree was supplying electricity. Vision and speed were greatly improved and with £100 added to the Fund, everyone agreed it had been the best night out for a long time. Suffice it to say that the mainland supply was only reconnected in the middle of May, all being grateful, however, for the precautionary retention by the Hydro Board of the generator in Tiree. This was decided two years ago when the connection with the national grid via Mull was established.

Now we know why there is a need for so many poles on Coll.