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!
23 April 2010
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
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.
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!
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!
17 December 2009
Christmas Party
Last month our 20th anniversary party and this month, our Christmas party - life in Peel is one long round of pleasure!
Long before the start time, more than seventy expectant members and guests were seated at the beautifully decorated tables, glasses in hand, surrounded by the enticing aroma of Nicky and Nigel Kermode’s world-famous turkey hot pot. Mike Berry, our chairman’s warm welcome had us poised for the feast. The recipe is doubtless secret but it includes a goodly range of carefully selected vegetables in a mass of bubbling turkey pieces in a savoury stock. Once on the plate, this is added to with lovely crisp ‘roasties’, chipolatas, stuffing, red cabbage and a roll. Somehow, room is found for mince pies all washed down with a choice of appropriate beverages.
Once again, we benefited from the Corrin Hall with the amount of space that we now need. Even so, the demand for tickets is so high that we can only apologise to anyone disappointed and urge them to leap in early, next year. The kitchen is much appreciated, as are the heated cabinets for plates and dishes. This ensures that the meal and plates are hot when served – so important and tricky even with a family meal. Everything was just as it should be. Our thanks will doubtless be reinforced by the plea for the same again please, next year!
The tables cleared, we settled back for the entertainment. This year’s shimmering show was head-lined by Eric Kelly and the Dinky Do’s, labelled, Keyboards R US with solo singer/guitarist, Paul Reynolds. They alternated and played a whole mixture of chansons neatly joined together, so probably fused rather than fusion! We all joined in with a range of titles spanning the last century. Some of us remembered them all.
All too soon, Mike rose to his feet, thanking everyone who had taken part, including the less glamorous behind the scenes jobs and those who had generously provided raffle prizes. Pam Quine, our illustrious secretary was the star organiser with the rest of us committee cheerfully joining in with the usual tasks.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 26th January 2010, at7.30pm in the Centenary Centre. Pat Tutt, one of our local architects, is speaking on, ‘Peel Architecture and Townscape.’ Some of us remember the fascinating display she mounted in a shop in Michael Street, years ago, showing how the town could be given an uplift with improved public spaces, enhancing rather than losing Peel’s distinctive character. This is even more important as the town expands. Hopefully, our Commissioners will be able to attend, as well. Given the newly published traffic scheme, this meeting will be invaluable, as well as fascinating.
A very happy Christmas and joyful New Year from Peel Heritage Trust.
22 November 2009
20th Birthday Celebrations
Twenty wonderful years with membership and attendance at meetings still growing! Our range of activities increases, especially with publishing. We’ve managed to continue the Peel City Guardian, with twenty editions sold out, as well as publishing walks and papers on local topics. Indeed, a book on the sailing ship, “Phoebe,” is getting close to publication. Much of this can be viewed online, www.peelheritagetrust.net Do have a look and follow the various links.
If you’ve got a landmark birthday to celebrate, do it in style! We did – in the Centenary Centre on the 19th November. Members and invited guests, including the President of Tynwald, our very own MHK and colleagues, illustrious guests from Manx National Heritage and the Manx Heritage Foundation, present and former Town Commissioners chairmen and other local politicians, enhanced by the indomitable Eddie Leece, Freeman of the City of Peel, with John Kennaugh, Captain of the Parish. Very special guests were the Mylchreest family, under the command of the colonel. They were soon to show why they were an integral part of the celebration.
We gathered in the theatre, looking down on a film screen, fronted with a display of our publications and various items to whet the appetite for a large, beautifully set out display in the Atholl Room. Equally appetising was a row of beautifully decorated birthday cakes and raffle prizes. All the tickets were free, including the raffle – well, who would want to charge party guests!
Mike Berry, chairman, welcomed us and introduced the guests. He pointed out Malcolm Kelly, the former Chairman of Peel Commissioners who suggested the founding of the Trust all those years ago. What an inspiration! Mike gave a brief resume of the work of the Trust and the contributions made to the City, its history and on-going well-being.
We were then passed over to Bill Quine who, with Vic Bates and Gordon Keith had put together a remarkable presentation. An incredibly skilful blending of the recordings of elderly people’s memories accompanied by photographs of the period passed seamlessly on the screen. The ongoing work of recording memories continues, with the support of the Manx Heritage Foundation who generously supplied the recording equipment. All the discs can be listened to in the Ward Library in Castle Street.
Colonel Brian Mylchreest is the direct descendant of the ‘Diamond King’, Joe Mylchreest who made his fortune in the S. African diamond mines, eventually selling out to Cecil Rhodes for de Beers. Joe’s Peel built ship was named the Phoebe, after his wife, and this name continues in the latest generation. Mrs Mylchreest kindly wore the famous diamond ring so that we could all admire it. Joe returned to his beloved Peel making many endowments.
Additional thanks to Kathleen Buckley, cake-maker, Ian Davison for generous chocolate donations, John Kennaugh for reading T.E.Brown’s, ‘The Schooner’ and Noel Cringle for reciting all eight verses of the Manx National anthem from memory!
Next event – Christmas Party, 19th December, 7.30pm Corrin Hall.
If you’ve got a landmark birthday to celebrate, do it in style! We did – in the Centenary Centre on the 19th November. Members and invited guests, including the President of Tynwald, our very own MHK and colleagues, illustrious guests from Manx National Heritage and the Manx Heritage Foundation, present and former Town Commissioners chairmen and other local politicians, enhanced by the indomitable Eddie Leece, Freeman of the City of Peel, with John Kennaugh, Captain of the Parish. Very special guests were the Mylchreest family, under the command of the colonel. They were soon to show why they were an integral part of the celebration.
We gathered in the theatre, looking down on a film screen, fronted with a display of our publications and various items to whet the appetite for a large, beautifully set out display in the Atholl Room. Equally appetising was a row of beautifully decorated birthday cakes and raffle prizes. All the tickets were free, including the raffle – well, who would want to charge party guests!
Mike Berry, chairman, welcomed us and introduced the guests. He pointed out Malcolm Kelly, the former Chairman of Peel Commissioners who suggested the founding of the Trust all those years ago. What an inspiration! Mike gave a brief resume of the work of the Trust and the contributions made to the City, its history and on-going well-being.
We were then passed over to Bill Quine who, with Vic Bates and Gordon Keith had put together a remarkable presentation. An incredibly skilful blending of the recordings of elderly people’s memories accompanied by photographs of the period passed seamlessly on the screen. The ongoing work of recording memories continues, with the support of the Manx Heritage Foundation who generously supplied the recording equipment. All the discs can be listened to in the Ward Library in Castle Street.
Colonel Brian Mylchreest is the direct descendant of the ‘Diamond King’, Joe Mylchreest who made his fortune in the S. African diamond mines, eventually selling out to Cecil Rhodes for de Beers. Joe’s Peel built ship was named the Phoebe, after his wife, and this name continues in the latest generation. Mrs Mylchreest kindly wore the famous diamond ring so that we could all admire it. Joe returned to his beloved Peel making many endowments.
Additional thanks to Kathleen Buckley, cake-maker, Ian Davison for generous chocolate donations, John Kennaugh for reading T.E.Brown’s, ‘The Schooner’ and Noel Cringle for reciting all eight verses of the Manx National anthem from memory!
Next event – Christmas Party, 19th December, 7.30pm Corrin Hall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)