The name "Vital Spark" is derived from a series of books called "The Para Handy Tales" by the Scottish author Neil Munro (pen name Hugh Foulis). The books and short stories were a 1905 Glasgow Evening News series and the subject of the tales was Para Handy, a stocky, bearded, whiskey-drinking West Highland Scot who was the captain of a small, steam powered coastal tramp vessel called "Vital Spark" (pictured right with Bobby and Alison visiting their birthplace on the Isle of Arran).
The Vital Spark had a crew of four consisting of Peter "Para" Handy (a nickname) as captain, Dougie the first mate, McPhail the engineer and "Sunny Jim" the cook and deck hand.
The books were the subject of a Hollywood production called "The Maggie" and twice later in the 1960s a British Broadcasting Commission TV series called the "Vital Spark", starring the famous Scot Roddy McMillan as Para Handy, Walter Carr as Dougie, John Grieve (Upstairs, Downstairs) as McPhail and Angus Lennie or Alex McAvoy as Sunny Jim. The series was a huge success with audiences all over the British Isles and highlighted the beautiful scenery of the highlands and Islands of Scotland and in particular the Isle of Arran, where most of the episodes were filmed.
Acorn AwardThe Durham Council for the Arts, a charitable organization established in 1963 to support and promote the arts throughout Durham Region, has instituted Acorn Awards to recognize those who make a positive difference to the region's artistic and/or intellectual life. The awards, consisting of a pewter pin in the shape of an acorn and a certificate, are intended to thank both the creators of new initiatives and those whose behind the scenes efforts keep a cultural organization or activity going.
Nominations from the public are welcome and should be directed to (905) 576-0359.
The first Group (of 24) Award winners... spring/summer 2002 included The Vital Spark Folk Society -- for years of bringing world-class performers to Durham.
