We are often asked; "What goes on in Coll?" The usual answer is: "Not much." Perhaps a run through the year reveals the varied and exciting life we lead!

After the magazine went to print last year, one of the first events was the arrival, in Tiree, of a new policeman: Constable Danny Lapsley. We wish Danny well and hope he has a very quiet time amongst us.
Early summer saw the Island roads resurfaced - again. A large squad were involved and were finished and away in a week.

The `Superstars' competitions were run at this time and they look like being annual events. John Fraser won the men's event; Barbara Jones the ladies'. John was delighted, proving to himself that all things are possible. Barbara and Lee Bell were the two oldest `ladies' in their competition. The achievement of first and second places says much for the determination and fitness they had to bring to bear to conquer the other athletes' feats.

The usual Fishing Competition took place in July. We must congratulate the Committee on producing a tremendous spectacle, a real treat for visitors and locals alike.

Golf was played on Cliad Bents throughout the summer on a course kept playable chiefly by Deryk Stove.

Some musicians from Coll made the journey to Tiree for the Feis in July. They were warmly received by the locals and enjoyed playing in the Lodge and Scarinish Hotels. A grateful thanks goes to Monica for her hospitality in the Hynish Centre. The Boat Band, from Cheshire, brough Cajun music to the Coll Hotel one night in June. Those who were there will never forget a marvellous night of rip-roaring music.

Early August saw the wettest Coll Show people can remember for years. The results can be read elsewhere in this magazine.

The new school year began with a new Head Teacher. Louise Gallagher left the Island after some years of service and was replaced by Lorna Barr. We hope Lorna, her husband Boyd and their children have many happy times in Coll.

There were many celebrations throughout the Island during the last year. Alec and Flora McLennan, Kilbride, had their Golden Wedding Anniversary; Barbara Jones, Moira MacIntyre and Linda English held a joint 40th. birthday party in Arileod Byre. Almost ever person on the Island was there and a great night was had by all, so much so that Brian says he may repeat the evening in two years time on his 40th. birthday. Young Robert Sturgeon graduated from university and Robert and Ruth Sturgeon celebrated their 25th. wedding anniversary.
Major Nicholas MacLean Bristol was awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List for his work with Project Trust over their successful 25 42 years sending young people abroad. The third stage of the Hebridean Centre, Ballyhough, was opened by the Duke of Argyll in May. The Centre ran an historical course mainly concerned with Hebridean landscape.

Coll featured in broadcasts on radio and television over the last year. There was a radio series following Johnson and Boswell's Tour of the Hebrides on which various people were interviewed. It went out on Radion 4 and it was quite an eerie experience listening to Pete Smalley on that frequency! On the subject of Johnson and Boswell, Robbie Coltrane and John Sessions played the two travellers in a special BBC 2 film. The production deviated from the truth, somewhat, though it was interesting watching the scene where they meet up with `Lady Coll' on a beach (probably filmed on Skye!) Mairi Hedderwick was the subject of an arts programme shown near Christmas. A film crew stayed on the Island for a few days culminating with the Bonfire night celebrations being filmed along with a showing of old film of Coll then a dance in the Hall. Christmas was soon with us bringing a successful Children's party and Pantomime.
Winter passed on quietly with the occasional social event such as Tina and Alfie's engagement party and two evenings of fun and frolics in the Hotel, i.e. a `Tarts Night' and a 'Poofter's Night' to follow. Our reporter bravely attended both (hard to imagine), and a review appears elsewhere in this magazine.

The Territorial Army, from Irvine, came here in February this year to clear scrap cars from the Island. There were tears in the eyes of many people as their old vehicles left the Island on the back of the lorries. As it turned out, one of these wrecks was still fully insured.

British Telecom was quietly busy throughout the year progressively upgrading and burying the telephone lines. When the Exchange is likewise upgraded, Coll will have a fully digital system complete with itemised bills.

The Art Exhibition and Sale held on Tiree and was sufficiently successful to be repeated in 1994. Several Coll artists were involved and attracted both prizes and sales.

So, as you may see, many unusual events and happenings take place in a year in Coll. What will happen next?