John ‘Dog’ Collister….Rushes….19.1.12….John Slater

I was a little anxious about this event. Given the large numbers who attend our meetings, I wondered how everyone could be involved in following instructions in the ancient craft skills using rushes.

My concerns were swept away in moments. John’s lovely, gentle manner had us all under his spell within moments.  He had a long table at the front with piles of rushes, completed examples of a wide range of articles and a glamorous, though bearded, assistant, introduced to us as Kevin. He leapt into action at intervals, in between making pieces, himself.

John paid credit to George Quayle who had taught him, including many ancient legends associated with this craft. George’s book, Legends of a Lifetime was recommended reading.

Traditionally, reeds were used for thatching spud butts, stacks in the yard but not on houses. They were used to cover earth floors, in houses, making bee skeps and are still used on the processional way at Tynwald.

Another important use was in making rush lights as a cheap alternative to candles. They might just be dipped in tallow or, better still, a mixture of bees’ wax and tallow. All ingredients were found to hand and did not involve any extra expense. We were showed how to strip off most of the bark by pulling over the thumb as an anvil which prevented tearing. One strip was left on to give some rigidity. The strips pulled off weren’t wasted but made into rope.

Amongst the items we were shown were playthings such as rattles, bumbee (Bumble Bee) cages, St Bridget Crosses, hot mats, egg cups and goodness knows what else. Children used to weave a bumbee cage, leaving a hole at one end. They caught a Bumble Bee on a flower and pushed it into the cage, completed the cage trapping the insect inside. This was then used as a rattle!

The tradition was that bumbees were fairies that had been naughty and were changed into bees by the fairy captain, sentenced to bumble around for the rest of their lives. However, when the children were asleep, parents would release the bee, replacing it with stones to maintain the rattle. In the morning, the children were told that the fairy captain had released them as they had completed their punishment!

Following more delightful tales came refreshments followed by practical sessions where we tried our hands at making various articles. John, generously, gave a number of items to members who had birthdays on particular dates. This was an amusing version of pantomime when sweets are thrown into the audience,

We brought home an instruction sheet on making a bumbee cage. I’ll have to have a go!

John and Kevin, thanks for a lovely evening.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 15^th February at 7.30 in the Centenary Centre. Ian Young will give a slide show on his boat trips along the coast from Peel plus our brisk AGM. Not to be missed!

The Hon Phil Gawne BSc., MHK “This and That.”2.11.11..John Slater

Having asked Phil Gawne, some months previously, if he would care to make a return visit to Peel Heritage Trust, I was particularly sorry to be off Island for the chosen date.

It was apparent, I’m told, that Phil’s passion for the island, the language and its people were evident all evening.

Before the break, Phil showed his Youtube videos. Having missed these, I’ve just taken the opportunity of looking at some. Just type in Youtube and then Phil Gawne and all (well some!) will be revealed. They are, apparently, intended for his constituents to see what he works for on their behalf. The clips are, in fact, of much wider interest and are to be applauded. They seek to show a vision for the ongoing development of the Island. It might be worth checking to see if any other MHKs have similar sites.

After the break, there was a question and answer session on a range of topics on his involvement with agriculture, fisheries and forestry and his more obvious work with the DOI. Obviously, our roads and the now (in)famous roundabout were hot topics!

Phil was far from insular, dealing knowledgeably with Overseas Aid and other broader subjects. Avery big Thank You from the Trust to a very busy man.

In a previous article I said that we were looking for someone to lead the team for the 2012 Secret Gardens. Jenny Alford has answered the call, supported by Myra Glitheroe and my wife, Helen. This experienced team will be very happy to recruit others and you can now volunteer your garden to Jenny on 845827. The dates are 14^th and 15^th July. We have a goodly list, already, but there’s room for more.

Secret Gardens is totally non-competitive and has developed into a lovely social occasion. Some gardens are newly emerging from bare earth, others are old friends but all change over time and provide increasing interest over the years. If you miss this chance, you’ll have to wait until 2014!

Not for the first time, we’re looking for someone to replace Vic Bates to lead the editorial team for the Peel City Guardian. If you have experience, knowledge or enthusiasm in this area, please ring Vic on 844113. He has done a splendid job over many editions but is overdue a change of activity. He will, of course, help with the change over. Thank you Vic for your loyal service.

Our Christmas party brings a wonderful year to a close with thanks to all our speakers and supporters. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 18^th January at 7.30 pm in the Centenary Centre with John ‘Dog’ Collister. He will introduce us to the art of making objects from rushes. Given the state of our boat service, perhaps we might construct some rush rafts! This evening will be really good, so come early.

Have a very happy Christmas and splendid New Year!  

Pam Kerruish….Tajikistan’s Children

The scene was set by our Chairman, Bill Quine when he opened the meeting by reminding us of the important work done by so many Manx people, worldwide, for the needy. He pointed out that one of the co-founders of Oxfam was Manx as was a co-founder of War on Want. As a much-travelled people, this compassion is understandable. Pam had recently returned from V.S.O. in Tajikstan.

Pam opened by pointing out the fabrics from the region. She was wearing a sample dress and had her own male model to show what a young man would be wearing. There were more than hints of Cossack about this. 

Pam showed us a teapot explaining that the brew was drunk by sucking it through a large sugar crystal. This is part of the travel experience.  The tea ceremony is an important social event, as it can be, here.

Just in case you’re not too certain where Tajikistan is, look at the N.E. border of Afghanistan and there it sits, a mountainous region with China on its eastern boundary. This probably sets the scene in your mind

Pam had long been interested in VSO and was accepted and sent to this remote region to work in an institution for children with mental and emotional problems. She found that staff was warm and welcoming outside but cold to children inside. They were obsessed by cleanliness and orderliness. So much so that there were no toys, children just sat on the floor or, in the case of some handicapped ones, roped to their beds so that there were red wheals cut into their skin. Blind children were kept in bed and no one talked to them.

Food was spooned into children so that they would not make a mess feeding themselves. Apparently, this was not some deliberate act but an inherited culture. Needless to say, she worked to change this but it had to be done with care, as there is always a risk of VSO being asked to leave.

Pam was assisted by a young translator. He went far beyond this role, helping with the children. Between them, they got children untied and started to improve stimulation and human contact. Another guardian angel was Eddie Lowey, administrator of the Cockfield Trust. This paid for mobiles over beds and pushchairs so that the children could be taken outside. The photographs she took of smiling faces experiencing fresh air and sunshine for the first time were so moving.

Before too long, Pam had them playing with toys and even organised sports that all could delight in, even if being pushed in a wheel chair. Eddie’s money also paid for a playground and, additionally, a university place in England for her translator. Do arrange to hear Pam and give thanks for warm hearts as hers and Eddie’s. Naturally, we made a collection for the children. Donations may be sent to her – address in phonebook.

Next meeting - 7.30pm Wednesday 2^nd November in Centenary Centre. Phil Gawne MHK  is to be unleashed.

Dr David Moore - Confessions of a Faded Politician

David Moore’s urbane charm and gentle wit had the audience charmed from the start. Many knew him as a former MHK and highly regarded author and had come along specially to meet him.

This meeting was perfectly timed, given that we are in the throes of a general election. David’s opening remarks gave edge to this. He felt that the next ten years could be ‘the most significant in our history’. Given Viking invasions and a couple of world wars, this had to be serious. His concern was whether or not we would import more and more UK and European legislation out of a laziness to develop our own legislation appropriate to our nation’s needs.

Interestingly, David read extracts from an election address he made in the same hall thirty years ago. These had a striking resonance with current worries. In the meantime, though, GDP has steadily risen from a miserable two-thirds of the UK and a 10% unemployment rate had fallen to a mere 2%. Banks now held £50 billion compared to just £2billion pounds when he came into office. This is a huge improvement, even allowing for inflation.

Who should take credit for the improved economy? Surprisingly, it was the collapse of a bank – S.I.B. This forced government to get a grip of the banking sector and drew world attention to the Island and approval for the steps that were taken as a consequence. It’s an ill wind…………

M.H.K’s should make use of fine professionals in their own fields of expertise and keep their own meddling fingers out. David emphasised that it was treasury officials who set up the very generous terms of the common purse – not politicians.

Less successful areas included fishing, where we were dwarfed by the much more powerful U.K. and Ireland. When pushing for more housing for the population he did not envisage the saturation of any bit of flat land that speculators could overwhelm. David was still conscious of the lack of work opportunities in Peel, despite all the intervening years. However, the marina has been a much bigger success than he expected.

Why do people vote for a particular candidate? He gained one vote when a woman discovered that his middle name was Lancelot. “Ooh, I’ll have to vote for you, that’s the name of my cat!” He still feels that a candidate is successful just by chance - a compound of masses of whims.

The most remarkable result was in 1903 when a blacksmith, Cormode, beat a High Bailiff, in Peel. He and his team issued a free daily paper, entitled the City Star, delivered to every house. This was seen as a success for the working class and Methodism. It set the scene for a fairer representation in politics.

Amusing tales followed, aplenty. ‘Faded’ – David positively sparkled, outshining some present members!

Next meeting, 7.30pm Wednesday, 5^th October in the Centenary Centre. Pam Kerruish will talk about her work with children in Tajikestan.

Visit to Ronaldsway

In January, Andrew Johnson, Field Archaeologist for Manx National Heritage, gave us a talk entitled, Flight into Pre-history. This dealt with the remarkable effort made by Andrew and his team to monitor the runway extension. It is an important requirement for all works involving digging, to call in M.N.H. to check for archaeology before and during works.

Even before the construction of the airfield and its rapid growth as a WW2 operational station, many finds had been made. Unfortunately, partly due to the unavoidable haste of the times and previous efforts, knowledge of the site was rather haphazard. The science and methodology we now enjoy was not available.

Amongst the finds Andrew referred to was a Viking longhouse, 1000 years old, a 700 year-old lead smelting site for the monks of Rushen Abbey and incredibly, given the wartime airfield, help from a German archaeologist internee identifying a 4000year-old Neolithic house, possibly the first found in Britain. Evidence of 8000 year- old flint tools had been found along with supporting evidence of human occupation.

Armed with this evidence and splendid co-operation from the airport and runway contractors, the stage was set for another mass of exciting finds. These included a Bronze Age murder victim, a tricky one even for New tricks and the unsolved crimes squad!

Andrew’s illustrated talk was so well received and aroused so much interest that he kindly agreed to lead a walk around the site bringing maps, pictures and descriptions to life. This he did, most ably in increasingly brisk conditions. Such was the continuing interest that the large group of more than thirty hardy souls loved every minute, winding up on the promontory fort. Our ancient ancestors would have approved, even if a little puzzled by the arrival and departure of aircraft!  

After two bravura performances, Andrew will certainly be on the ‘most wanted ‘ list for future speakers.

Next year should be a ‘ Peel’s Secret Gardens’ year. This has grown into such a popular event that we are already being asked by tour groups, from across, for the dates. Now, this is where you can help. We are looking for someone to lead the organising team. They do not have to be a wondrous gardener any more than the twenty odd gardeners poised to take part in this strictly non-competitive social event.

If anyone, member or not, lurking in a potting shed somewhere can be enticed out, this will help to save this hugely enjoyable feast of gardens and exploration of the secret byways of this ancient city. To find out more, just telephone our chairman, Bill Quine on 844938 or me on 842541. There’s loads of willing help available, so please don’t hesitate.

Our next meeting is in the Centenary Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21^st September. Dr David Moore’s talk is entitled, Confessions of a Faded Politician.  Good grief, who could miss this one! 

Visit to Milntown

Forty members of Peel Heritage Trust descended on Milntown on a pre-arranged evening visit. As a group of about twenty is ideal for the house, half of us visited the house first, whilst the rest of the party toured the grounds. We changed over after an all-too quickly passing hour. Further visits are a must.

As we strode towards the house, we were met by the ever-congenial Paul Ogden, curator, hand outstretched, in a lovely personal welcome. I’d last seen him when I visited the house when a member of the Planning Committee, so I was particularly keen to see how the dreams had come to fruition.

Our volunteer guides were first class – very affable and well informed. Heaven knows, the history of the house is exceedingly complex as are the histories of the families who have lived there. I must confess to refreshing my memory by looking at a couple of the excellent internet sites, including some lovely photographs of the interior. I can only indicate some points of interest.

The Christian family, long associated with the house, are thought to be descendants of Gillochrist, an associate of the Viking king, Godred Crovan. The family held various positions of power for the next 400 years. They also had important property in Cumbria. Notable members included the Manx patriot, Illiam Dhone and Fletcher Christian, forever associated with the mutiny on H.M.S. Bounty.

Having rented out Milntown, the Christians returned to refurbish the house in 1830. Unfortunately, by 1886, the family was bankrupt and the bank rented the house back to them, the last member of the family dying there in 1915.

Much of the surrounding land had been sold off, including Sky Hill, the golf club and Ramsey Grammar School sites.

There followed a succession of owners and uses until 1963, when the house and remaining 15 acres of grounds were bought by Lady Kathleen Edwards. They were left to the nation by her son, Sir Clive, in 1998. This included a fine collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and extensive motoring library built up by Sir Clive and his long-time friend, Bob Thomas.

Paul Ogden kindly opened the car collection for a few of us transport enthusiasts to photograph and drool over. They are on display and even on the road from time to time. The workshops are fascinating, being water powered.

The house is open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons in June, July and August but telephone 812 321 to ensure a place. The grounds are open separately and are a delight – matching the pleasures of the house and surrounding grounds. The restaurant is excellent and is operated as a separate franchise.

Our next meeting will be another treat. We meet at Ronaldsway, near the Manx Flying Club, on Sunday, 4th September, when Andrew Johnson, Manx National Heritage, will show us the sites of the excavations featured in his talk to us.

Traditional Supper and Sunset Concert……..6.7.11

The Centenary Centre was filled to capacity for this very special joint event with Ballaugh Heritage Trust. The stage set was very striking, a 3 – D silhouette of our ancient castle and cathedral with a large orange sun and sky projected on a backdrop. This was so effective that it must be used again. Sam Knight was the multi-talented craftsman.

Bill Quine, chairman, made the welcome and introduced Marilyn Cannel, in costume, setting the scene for 1911. She was a brilliant compere, setting the scene for one hundred years ago - the date that was being recreated. This was helped by reading various news items between acts, starting with the information that the Steam Packet had carried one million passengers to the Island in that year!

The opening act raised a great aaagh as a line of beautifully uniformed year 3 children processed onto the stage to sing and accompany themselves on percussion instruments. This was a great credit to them and their staff. For many, it was their first time on a theatre stage and should encourage them in further performances. We look forward to seeing them back in some of the many musical, dance and theatrical events that we hold. It is so important to involve children in this way. It often leads to life-long love of the arts.

Mike Durber, suitably attired, used his fine bass voice to great effect, singing I’m a Native of Peel and Asleep on the Deep, reflecting the terrible loss of life at sea a century ago. Marilyn played the accompaniment.

Sarah Christian recited a poem about King George V’s visit to Peel, followed by Andrew Williamson’s fine singing of two sea songs. Fenella Bazin was his accompanist.

The news of the launch of the Titanic was followed by Bill Quine’s dialect recitations. The delightful chanteuse, Doona Lambden, sang two songs, most sweetly. A promising young performer.

More news. Graham White made the first flight in the Isle of Man.

Karen Elliott sang Come to the Fair and the Deemster’s Daughter. Another fine performance. Then Andrew Williamson’s fine voice gave us two more sea songs.

Edgar Cowin, Captain of Ballaugh parish, recited some passages from T.E. Brown, the poet having died a couple of years earlier.

A further news item recorded the death of an 8 year old killed by a car when they jumped out of a cart in front of it. A freak accident in 1911.

The great excitement was the TT races run over the mountain course for the first time.

Tony Quirk then did a recitation dedicated to his late father, Harrison, a favourite in his repertoire. This was a poignant moment, Harrison having been such a key figure in both Peel and its Trust.

Karen Elliott, radiantly costumed, sang Linden Lea and the Manx folk song, Home - one of her favourites.

All too soon came the raffle and supper. What a marvellous evening. Here’s to a repeat!