16 November 2010

Celebrating Manx National Heritage - Edmund Southworth

We counted ourselves very fortunate in having Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage, as our November speaker. He began by sketching out his previous experience and specialised interests. This included archaeological work in a number of museums culminating in running all the sites for Lancashire County Council, including two castles. Well, we can match that!

Edmund traced the geological and geomorphic history of the Island from the last ice age, 12 000 years ago, when land started to become inhabitable. Finds from the earliest times show a hierarchical system and a range of buildings and artefacts showing variations in quality of life – larger homes in the best situations, more farming activity and finer possessions. Nothing changes!

The Island is unusually rich in remains. It is curious that the Romans never came here, despite it being visible from the mainland, (no, our speaker did not mention boat fares!) The odd Roman coin has been found on the Island, but how they got here is guesswork.

Christianity arrived early in the Island’s history and survived a whole series of conflicting forces, including the Vikings. These were young men, in their prime, with all the natural passions associated with this age. Most came via Viking centres such as York but others from as far away as Arabia. The indigenous Manx maids were not indifferent to these manly charms and it didn’t take too long to assimilate them. The Christian faith was embraced by many and still continues, affecting all lives with its principles underpinning law, education, hospitals and social provision.

Despite being so close to the UK and formerly joined to it, even major events there such as the Norman invasion in 1066 had little effect here. Of more interest was the Viking line of influence through the Isles – Lewis, Skye, Mull, Islay and Mann.

The Middle Ages saw transference of power with the island being treated as a chattel to be bought and sold. It was seen as more of strategic importance than anything, sitting in the middle of the Irish Sea.

Throughout the evening, each point was illustrated with fascinating slides, many quite fresh to the audience.

From the earliest times, mining has been exceedingly important with metals such as Copper and Lead found in large quantities. More valuable metals such as Silver and Gold can be found but to a lesser extent. All of these workings have left a rich industrial archaeology, as illustrated in the Laxey valley with its world famous water wheel.

Industry led to a transport heritage of dozens of mining and quarrying rail lines. Now, the survivors support the tourist industry that has almost drifted into heritage, itself - bar motor sports, of course.

Internment camps, preserved sites, family history and social events were all melded into a fantastic evening.

December sees the Christmas Party, then Andrew Johnson, MNH – Finds at the Airport, Wednesday, 19th January, 7.30 Centenary Centre. Note the date change!

20 October 2010

Our Manx Connections with Lindsay and Bernie Quayle

Our October meeting was billed as ‘Our Manx Connections – Some Thoughts and Pictures with Bernie and Lindsay Quayle.’ This was a mixture of talk and pictures and was very much enjoyed by a goodly crowd, as always.

Lindsay opened the talk with a brief history of her family and its Manx connections through the Crellins of
Orrisdale and Robert Quayle of West Hill, Castletown. Many family connections in Peel have recently been unearthed. Perhaps we will learn more about these at a later date.

Bernie then spoke about his family and referred to his paternal grandfather, E.C.Quayle, the artist. He showed a few family photographs and pictures of some of E.C.Quayle’s paintings. He then referred to his father’s great love of photography, giving some examples. The visual arts, as is so often the case, appear to run from one generation to another.

The next topic was Bernie’s work with Manx Radio in the mid-sixties and how that came about. He then went on to describe his life as a DJ in the United States for eleven years and a brief account of his other jobs prior to his return to the Island in 1989. This marked a start to his presentation of the ‘Late Show,’ a post he still holds and enjoys, as do his fans.

Bernie showed a fascinating film, contrasting Manx Radio in its early days to its present, high – tech form. This helped to remind us all of the incredible changes in communication that have occurred over those few years. What will happen over the next period – brain implants!

The break was happily covered by the Friends of the Centenary Centre – a cuppa’ and a chat is so welcome!

Bernie then finished off his talk, giving Lindsay an opportunity of sharing her sponsored trip in November, 2009 along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. This raised funds for the Isle of Man Children’s Centre. What a wonderful way to support such a worthwhile cause. How superbly energetic!

There was a brief time for questions and thanks before heading home. Another great evening!

Our next event is 7.30pm on Tuesday, 9
th November in the Centenary Centre. This will be a talk by the ‘nearly new!’ Director of Manx National Heritage, Mr Edmund Southworth. As always, everyone is welcome, members or not, so get this date into your diary!

13 September 2010

Rocks and Shifting Sands

We opened our packed September meeting by introducing Lorna Spiers, the worthy, eight-year old winner of our newly awarded Les Quilliam Trophy essay prize. The splendid engraved plaque with her name on a brass plate on the polished wood base was on display, beside her.

Les was our first chairman and we thought that an essay prize on Peel’s heritage would be an appropriate memorial to this fine, former schoolmaster and enthusiast for all things Manx. The essay was published in the August Peel City Guardian.

This was followed by another notable event, the presentation of a cheque for a remarkable £10 000 to the trust by Eddie Lowey, MLC, on behalf of the Cockfield Trust. As many will know, we have established a substantial publishing arm and have been seeking ways of encouraging research projects in Peel, its rich environment and history. In particular, we are working to establish closer links with young people, enabling them to appreciate their home and to maintain our work.

Our warm thanks to the Cockfield Trust and to Eddie, son of Peel, for arranging this generous boost to Peel Heritage Trust and its work.

We then moved on to our principle speaker, our former vicar, Canon Brian Kelly.

Brian began by referring to his 50 years of ministry. He mused on the sands of the beach here and the wonderful work of the Beach Mission before drifting into the reflection on a recent walk around the cemetery where he found that he knew more people there than around the town, now! This, in itself, marks part of the shifting sands of life, brief as it is.

Following his first curacy at St Georges, the bishop sent him to Foxdale to “Make his mistakes there.” What Foxdale had done to deserve this, we know not! The only mistake I’m aware of was when he drove his car into a ditch outside our first home, Tynwald View, at the junction of Ballavar and the Lhoobs Roads. A borrowed tractor from Sammy Leece soon put that right, if not his front bumper.

Third posting was to Bolton, in Lancashire, to gain some inner city experience before being urgently recalled because the then bishop was desperate to have a Manx appointment as Manx Nationalism was rife with groups torching houses of incomers and the like. This appointment was to Maughold.

Fifth and final stint was to Peel, and thank heaven for that. Memories included two sessions of BBC Songs of Praise, including one in the old cathedral. The recording took so long that the tide could be observed going in and out!

Shifting Sands of new bibles (4 million copies of the New English Bible sold in just the 1st year), services, appointments, attitudes and ceremony all led us to the central Rock – Jesus and His church. This is the Rock on which we can stand firm.

Next meeting – Tuesday, 12th October, 7.30pm - Methodist Chapel, Mr Bernie and Mrs Lindsay Quayle.

15 July 2010

Walk at Lynague 19.6.10 & Secret Gardens 10/11.10

Having been away on holiday, this is a bonus edition with two for the price of one!

At the kind invitation of the Rev Ian Faulds and his wife, Claire, members of Peel Heritage Trust were joined by members of Michael Heritage Trust to enjoy a conducted walk down the cliffs and through the wonderful sea caves. This had to be very carefully timed to take advantage of the tides.

The weather was glorious and more than forty members negotiated the tricky path and the succession of caves with their stunning views. Many were the photographs and new friendships as the two groups mingled.

The socialising continued with the Faulds generously entertaining the group to refreshments in their front garden and invited members to have a look around their beautiful home. Ian and Claire, thank you so much for your generosity and in sharing your enthusiasm for such a wonderful part of the Island with us.

The week-end of the 10th/11th July saw the latest in a wonderful long line of Peel’s Secret Gardens. Once again, crowds flooded in. Gardens were spread from the edge of town on the Ramsey Road to the quayside. Everywhere you looked, people were consulting the map in the centre spread of the souvenir guide, seeking directions from each other and following up recommendations to visit particular favourites.

Eleven of the twenty-one gardens were new to us, some brand new. This blend of old favourites with well-established planting, gardens a few months old, sweeping banks of planting and glittering jewels of small courtyards make this event so special.

This event is non-competitive and was founded and continues as a biennial event to share some of the mysteries that make up this stunning, ancient city.

As in the Lynague walk, a very important element is the friendship that develops between garden owners and the crowds who visit. Counts failed this year because of the numbers but all the brochures were sold, the plant stall in the Market Place was emptied and many came for both days.

As for two years’ time, I’ve already got a list of people keen to include their gardens.

Thank you gardeners and all those who took part. Joy unbounded!

Our next event is on Wednesday, 8th September, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre. The much-loved, long-serving former vicar, Canon Brian Kelly will be talking to us. Do come in good time.

6 May 2010

From Steam to Hot Air - Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK

Geoff opened his fascinating talk from when he joined the Steam Packet, straight from school, in 1969, in the parcels department. He remembered the winter cold in the unheated building and the poor lighting, absence of any aids such as computers or calculators.


Dougie Cowley, all 25 stone of him, was his boss so that alone put an end to any disputes! When inquiring as to when he might take a holiday, he was told to wait until informed. This turned out to be the end of October and the start of November.


Deliveries were by the 3-wheeled scarab tractor units and trailers, immensely popular at railway stations, as they were so easy to manoeuvre.


The bulk of cargo traffic was to and from Liverpool – no Heysham Harbour, then. Calves were wrapped in sacking with their heads sticking out. Coffins were loaded into a large box on the deck before the live passengers arrived and used it for seating. I recall a group of bikers being asked by a rather intense lady to desist playing cards on it as her husband hated cards and he was under the pack!


Telex was the means whereby information about the actual sailing time, number of passengers and cargo was communicated.


Drugs for chemists were sent in tea chests with no special security needed in those happier days. Now sniffer dogs have to be used to check passengers and freight. Why were our precious standards abandoned so lightly?


In the season, boats were packed with trippers, the Wakes Weeks being particularly popular. Porters raced with handcarts between the boats and hotels, (we have a restored one in the Manx Transport Museum, in Peel.) Many of the men got little further than the now-demolished Yates’s Wine Lodge!


Manxman, King Orry, Ben-my-Chree, Lady of Mann, Tynwald tripped off the tongue. We all loved these lovely, dignified vessels with their evocative smells of steam, kippers, polish and Brasso. One could go on. I used to love watching the log spinning in the water with the flickering needle showing our speed. No doubt, all electronic, now.


The restaurants with silver service have never been replaced. What a pity. Courtesy was such that a sailing could be delayed for a few moments whilst some soul threw family and luggage on-board before leaping on as the last rope splashed into the sea. Oh Mr Health and Safety, what now?


Even peoples’ ashes were scattered at sea by the captain. The details of this were amusing.


The illustrious service in two world wars was covered, as was the development of car ferries and fast craft. As for the hot air, well that’s Tynwald!


Next, 19th June – be at Lynague, 10.15 for 10.30am. Share cars where possible and use special car park for Rev Ian Fauld’s conducted tour. Cancel, if wet as path tricky, so walking shoes, please. Timing is to suit the tides for cave exploration – terrific place!

23 April 2010

Old Ramsey Town

Norrie Radcliffe excelled in his illustrated presentation on old Ramsey.

We began with the retreating ice sheets that left the island a very different place to before. Melt water coursing down bringing masses of rocks and silt changed the landscape. It might have been 20 000 years ago but the effects of 600 feet of ice sitting on us is still clearly visible.

Ramsey is situated in a very watery setting with the sea on one hand and the Sulby River on the other. Early pictures showed how man fought back to maintain a foothold. Fishermen were ordered, in the 16th c., to bring in loads of stone, once a year, to help build up the town’s defences and yes, flooding still occurs and we still have to be watchful.

Ramsey soon became the second largest settlement to Douglas and thrived. The first slide of 1790 showed this and the rich harvest of the sea when the bay was full of fish was compared to the over-exploited seas of today.

Bit by bit, street by street we saw the town grow. Simple fishermen’s cottages, larger elegant houses in Georgian times for captains and merchants with another surge of building of substantial, richly decorated Victorian houses for the well-to–do and visitors, enriched the town in its fine setting.

This glorious range of buildings were set off by fine churches, chapels, picture houses, schools a town hall and court house. Who could have predicted that so much of this, particularly in South Ramsey, would be destroyed, not by earthquake or enemy action but by its own citizens? Norrie returned to this extraordinary, wilful destruction in the 1950’s, time and again. Originally a Peel man, he returned to the same theme as Eddie Lowey, last month, namely, Peel - be ever watchful and alert! You are one of the last bastions of this heritage. Continue to fight to protect it. Very powerful forces in the most unexpected places are keen to destroy it under their own distorted banner of ‘progress’.

We marvelled at the modesty of the ladies in their bathing machines. What a contrast to today!

Not many of us knew that one of the driving forces for shipbuilding was the lack of wood tax on the Island. This enabled ships to be built here much more cheaply. This was comparable, I suppose, to today’s tax breaks for film-making. Even iron- hulled ships such as the Euterpe, re-named the Star of India, were Ramsey built. She’s still sailing, of course, in Santiago. Four hundred men were working in the shipyard at that time.

Rope walks, soup kitchens, 1890 Big Snow, railways, cattle yards, schools, the new catholic church by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, paddle steamers, fire engines, the soon to be sunk Ellan Vannin entering her home port all flashed by in rapid succession – phew, what a treat!

Next meeting, Wednesday, 5th May, 7.30pm, Centenary Centre, Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, ‘From Steam to Hot Air’ – unmissable!

22 March 2010

Eddie Lowey, MLC, Memories of Childhood

Pam Quine, secretary, introduced our new chairman, Bill Quine, to the meeting. He opened with the sad task of recording the death of Les Quilliam, RBV. We recorded his passing with a one-minute silence, remembering his work for the Trust and the scholarship of his Manx publications. We recorded our sympathies to his wife and family.


Bill also gave us an update on former secretary, Sam Knight who’s across for work on his heart. He should soon be back on the Island and will continue with his excellent posters for us. These are collectors’ items. We wish Sam a speedy recovery.


Eddie Lowey, MLC, PG (Peel Gobbag) then began his long-awaited journey through his childhood from birth, in 1938. Yes, some memory and he’s younger than me! Although leaving Peel in 1945, his heart was still in this place. He raised a great laugh by saying that he was sounding like Lord Ashcroft!

His early home was in the Duke Street cottages. These were due to be demolished, some years ago but with a bit of persuasion, Nigel Kermode stepped in and saved them. We are so dependent on private individuals and organisations such as the Trust, in saving our heritage. The authorities and developers treat it as a sick game to defeat us whenever they can but much of old Peel still survives to delight and inform us and, hopefully, future generations. Be vigilant!


Eddie’s early memories include tin baths and hot towels and much affection. He admits to a fetish for Scots fisher girls in rubber aprons. This dates back to the lovely fishy hugs he enjoyed as a child. He made the serious point that this loving childhood in the still warm embrace of Peel gave him the security and confidence that led him from a ‘humble beginning’ to meeting with the most senior world figures as part of his political career.

The re-cycling of the old Methodist rooms in Atholl Street to produce the magnificent Centenary Centre, now one of the premier arts centre in the nation drew particular praise. To marry old and new to enable a happy marriage between past, present and future needs clearly shows the way forward for us. Shun the all too easy slash and burn policy of most developers, Street Heritage having been a notable exception.


Eddie surged from his father, a ‘Fantastic fisherman’, the role of the railway as the principle transport link, (if only!), to tales of entertaining world leaders in the Viking Longhouse – the late George Cowley adorning them in helmets and sheepskin cloaks and installing them as honorary Kings of the Vikings. A role many still treasure.


The leaders he met and worked with as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association included Nelson Mandela, Joan Sutherland and St. Mother Theresa.


This isn’t a Peel boy made good. It was Peel that made him good!


Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 20th April, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre when Norrie Radcliffe presents, Old Ramsey Town.

27 February 2010

Annual General Meeting, and talk by Pat Skillicorn

A dreadful evening - sleet, and snow, an annual meeting and yet still a good crowd in the Centenary Centre. True, we also had Pat Skillicorn giving us one of her splendid talks in the second half as a sweetener, if any were needed. It’s very comforting to enjoy such a level of support from intrepid people of all ages, including two in their 90’s!

Mike Berry welcomed us all and we moved swiftly through the formal agenda. Minutes were approved and signed before Mike gave his report on the year’s activities. This included pleasure at the recent award of the Island’s top, national cultural award of the RBV to Joan Caine for her services to the Manx language and related activities. In congratulating her, we were reminded that this was the third award to Peel - Robbie Farrer RBV and Les Quilliam RBV being previous recipients. These represent a mere tip of an iceberg in this centre of the nation’s cultural heritage.

A survey of the year’s activities and warm thanks to all our speakers, committee members and the Centenary centre for hosting us so splendidly, brought Mike’s second term of office to a jubilant end.

Richard Banyard, our treasurer and membership secretary presented a very encouraging set of accounts and membership figures.

Committee elections added Jane Killey and Corrie Wooding.

The Peel City Guardian newspaper has grown in size and popularity. We actually sold out the last edition in a few days, which is pleasing in some ways but a disappointment if you missed out. We’re going to increase the print run for April but get in quickly!

The open part of the meeting brought some splendid suggestions for future meetings.

It now fell to me, to thank Mike Berry for his ten years of service on the committee. One usually delivers a panegyric following someone’s demise. What a treat to do this when the recipient is still very much alive! I feared that when Mike retired as head of the Clothworkers’ School, we would lose him and his dynamism, but not so. A chairman who leads from the front, including mundane tasks such as preparations for parties is hard to find. Mike will no longer serve on the committee but will be concentrating on his local involvement ‘over the bridge’ but has promised to visit whenever he can. Thanks and good luck!

With worsening weather, we waved Mike off, enjoyed our refreshments and I had the pleasure of introducing one of our regular, local speakers, Pat Skillicorn.

Pat’s talk on Peel’s Wesleyan Chapel and Guild Room was fascinating. This ranged over the buildings, and the little known burial ground from 1839. Much effort, even then, was dedicated to try and keep youngsters profitably occupied and not going astray. The Minister in 1887 said that, “Only Eternity will judge as to whether or not they had been successful.” This still applies!

Next meeting, THURSDAY, 18th March in the Methodist Chapel. Eddie Lowey will reveal more ‘Memories of Childhood’.


John Slater

24 February 2010

Programme for 2010-11

Wed 5th May 2010 Mr Geoff Corkish, M.B.E., M.H.K. "From steam to hot air" 7:30pm, Centenary Centre.

Sat June 10th 2010 "A tour of Lynague" with Mr Ian Faulds. Time to be decided.

Sat July 10th and Sun July 11th 2010 "Secret Gardens"

Wed Sept 8th 2010 A talk by Canon Brian Kelly. 7:30pm, Centenary Centre.

Tues Oct 12th 2010 An informal chat by Mr and Mrs Bernie Quayle, 7:30pm, Wesleyan Chapel.

Tues Nov 9th 2010 A talk by Mr Edmund Southworth, Director of M.N.H. 7:30pm, Centenary Centre.

Tues Dec 14th 2010 Christmas party, Corrin Hall 7:30pm.

Tues Jan 11th 2011 Andrew Johnson, M.N.H. "Finds at the Airport" 7:30pm Centenary Centre

Tues Feb 8th 2011 A.G.M. followed by a talk by Mrs Jennifer Leece 7:30pm, Centenary Centre

Tues March 8th 2011 "A Magical slide show" by Mr Scottie Keith 7:30pm, Centenary Centre

Tues April 12th 2011 Mr Michael Hoy M.B.E. "A talk about King William's College" 7:30pm, Centenary Centre.

17 February 2010

Peel Architecture and Landscape……26th January 2010

Wow – what an evening! More than ninety of us knew that we were in for a very special treat and all but filled the Centenary Centre.

Pat Tutt, one of our local architects and specialist architectural photographer who once had a practice in Peel before lecturing at the Isle of Man College, was our star of the evening. Her love of the ancient city of Peel and its setting shone through her presentation.

We were invited to consider a wide range of attributes of the built and natural environment and the effects they have on our well-being. This goes far beyond the layout of particular buildings and their fitness for purpose. Consideration was given to their juxtaposition, nestling up, in old Peel, like good friends supporting and sheltering each other. Deliberately narrow, twisty streets breaking the force of sea gales, driving spray and sand. These early builders knew what they doing. Compare this to the featureless, windswept, desolate estates attempting to strangle this gorgeous, ancient place. Why aren’t those responsible rammed into spiked barrels and rolled down Peel Hill? This last comment is mine, by the way and certainly not aimed at those living there for want of anything else on the market! Many old Peel properties change hands long before reaching the agents, such is the intensity of demand!

The opening slide was of the now intensely yellow building abutting St Peter’s churchyard. We are growing increasingly fond of this striking colour as with the splendid orange on a cottage at the head of Station Road hill. This intense vibrancy of colour is reminiscent of some Mediterranean towns. Thought needs to be given to neighbouring colours, of course.

The talk began with a potted history of Peel from earliest recorded time with defensive structures and religious sites on what is now known as St Patrick’s Isle. The ancient cathedral and proposed 19th c. plans to restore it, as on Iona, were studied. If only……..!

The progression from a fishing and trading port, surrounded by farmsteads, to a tourist centre were illustrated by gorgeous photographs of fine quality. Each was imaginative, capturing not just a scene or a building but also its unique atmosphere.

The renowned artist, Archibald Knox , in 1896, valued Peel as the most attractive place in Man. The author, Hall Caine was equally complimentary.

The architect, Gordon Cullen, 1914 –94 produced a wonderful scheme for enhancing Peel, creating public spaces and enhancing existing buildings and vistas. Pat showed us some of his scheme and we hope to have this, with more of Pat’s work on display before too long. The T.V. presenter, Dan Cruickshank, praised Cullen’s work. Pat said that the time had come for a serious re-appraisal of Peel, particularly with regard to traffic being given precedence to people.

Next meeting, Tuesday, 23rd February, 7.30pm, in the Centenary Centre. Our famous AGM will be followed by Pat Skillicorn. Don’t be left out!