M.N.H. Archives for Peel…Wendy Thirkettle

Wendy Thirkettle, archivist at Manx National Heritage, gave us a tantalising glimpse of the wealth of archive material held by Manx National Heritage. She entitled her talk, ‘Aspects of Peel and the West.’ To contain this in a reasonable time frame was an obvious challenge, so she had, sensibly, concentrated on items and events that appealed to her and were likely to be of interest to this largely local audience.

We saw the relatively new five- storey storage building referred to as ‘the stack’. Fresh to our eyes were the internal, mobile racks that can be wound to and fro to allow access between them. Personally, having viewed films where victims were deliberately crushed between them, I would feel a little wary of using them!

Business archives were illustrated by Irving’s Peel pop works with views of original accounts, including supply of drinks to the Knockaloe Internment Camp in the First World War. Usefully, members of the audience were able to help identify people and places or to give dates such as when the pop works was demolished. Its name lives on in Pop Works Cottage on the corner of Atholl Street and Douglas Street. Other business accounts we examined included Peel Fishing Co. 1893 – 1905 and J. Teare, ships’ chandlers, 1866 – 1929. Wendy commented on the way people helped each other out, exchanging goods and services rather than relying, totally, on a cash economy. Mind you, in Peel, at least, we still have a strong tradition of mutual help -an important element in a community as in a family.

Court records were shown as an important archive. We were shown a couple of examples. One striking one was the Peel Riot of 1758.

An interesting item was the proposed swing bridge in 1900. The plans we saw showed a remarkable similarity to the one we now enjoy, a century later. Patience is a virtue! The original was set aside because it was felt that there would be too much delay if it was hand operated and a hydraulic drive would cost too much to recover in a reasonable time. Tolls were predicted to raise about £235 pa but the construction cost would be £4k. The famous ferries and wheeled boards continued for another half-century or so.

Various committees’ archives were displayed, as were letters and testimonials, some relating to loss of life at sea and courageous rescues. Lots of material is available from the Knockaloe internment camp. We can, of course, see much of this in our own Leece Museum on the quay.

Wendy has referred us to a new website, www.manxnationalheritage.com  I’ve just accessed this and recommend it to follow up any interests you have in the past, including the new I.Museum in Kingswood Grove, soon to be on line.

Next meeting, Wednesday 16th May, 7.30 pm in the Centenary Centre. M.G.P. winner, Carolynn Sells will tell us her adventures in this male dominated sport. Non-members are always welcome, with or without ‘bikes!

‘Roy Moore Remembers’

Good grief, where do I start or end! Roy took us on a wander through his memory bank moving to and fro, from topic to topic from infancy to the present. Yes, he did get to his experiences as a commentator for Manx Radio T T at the Gooseneck, as billed! 


Roy began by saying that at a previous talk to the Dyslexia Association, he was hailed as a shining wit. The chairperson was, presumably, Dr Spooner. Another triumph was at the Haemorrhoid Society where he received a ‘standing ovation’! 


Within a few moments, we heard about Geoff Cannell, a relative, an uncle Jack who raced here and was in THE film, ‘No Limit’ – (I think!) We were then swept along by Geoff Duke, on his 4 cylinder Gilera, as we all were, at the time and Reg Armstrong. Help, hold on tight, we were now in Lea Terrace, one of his several homes. We had been in the Glencrutchery Road a few seconds back. 


Rowing boats in the harbour came and went – a lot faster than my efforts at rowing them against wind and tide. Then we seemed to be in Peel with a brother called the Olympic Torch because he never went out! Peel generates some wonderful nicknames. Fortunately, you do not always know your own!


Douglas Head ferries were recalled, together with Pierrot shows and the “Snotty Bridge” at Kewaigue – so called, Roy, said, because of ‘what hangs from it.’ Presumably, stalactites from lime leaching out with water ingress. This is a guess - you’ll have to ask him.


The much-loved Clypse Course, surfaced next. I liked this because the bikes came round so often. It was very intimate – you lifted your legs to let the sprung hub Triumphs bounce round. These must have been difficult to overtake, as you never knew which way they would bounce next.


A coach-driving uncle came and went at this point and memories of his hero, Mike Hailwood.


Roy’s cousin (?), Geoff Cannell, started commentating in 1968 and Roy followed on in 1984. Refreshments were announced but we had got to the Hairpin!


Back at the start line – a tap on the shoulder and we were away again.


The broadcasts are set up so that all the commentary points are linked to the control room at the grandstand. The commentaries were carried down a special, pure telephone line to avoid interference. The producer says, when on air, how long before the commentator has to speak and gives a count down. It is often necessary to listen and to speak at the same time – a difficult skill to master.


Roy mentioned how difficult it can be to fill in gaps between riders or when racing is delayed.  One rider hit a seagull that, fortunately, did no more than embed itself in the fairing. Roy found himself saying, “Shows how easy it is to pick up a bird in Ramsey!”


Next meeting – Wednesday, 18th April, 7.30, Centenary Centre, Wendy Thirkettle, MNH.

Ian Young….Gobbag Vooar and a Bit More!

Ian’s fine slide show on the wide screen of the Centenary Centre with photographs and video taken from his boat, Pegasus, was so realistic that, even two days later, people told me they were feeling sea-sick!

Ian’s trips from Peel Harbour, concentrate on the coastline immediately north and south. Craftily, a second boat can head off in the opposite direction, shark, dolphin and whale spotting.

The images above and under water were amongst the best I’ve seen. Having worked as a skipper for the original Basking Shark Watch with Ken Watterson and Pauline Oliver in the 1980s, Ian’s experience is probably unmatched.

Adults longer than a London Bus and with a greater mass than an elephant cannot fail to impress. The importance of keeping still and letting these huge but harmless plankton feeders come to you was emphasised. They have a natural curiosity but are no threat, although people in kayaks and small boats feel vulnerable seeing the animal under and either side of them. Indeed, one of my own daughters had a dorsal fin brush against her kayak!

A highlight was a video clip, taken by John Galpin, of a Basking Shark broaching (leaping clear of the water), all seven tons of it. This is one of only two know, filmed examples. Less happily, we saw pictures of two dead animals. One was hoisted on a crane in the harbour, taller than a lamp post. The other had been washed up in a cove. We could see detail in its mouth, including a line of teeth.

Research has shown that the reason the west coast of the Island is such a popular area for sharks is that the plankton bloom heading up with warmer waters from the south is diverted by the volume of water coming down the Mersey.

Great clouds of jellyfish are sometimes seen. The occasional sunfish may be seen feeding on these and more rarely, leather backed turtle. Ian reeled off the animals to expect, including dolphins, fin, orca, minki whales and seals. We saw a picture of a six-foot long tope, weighing 60 – 70 ponds. These are returned, once caught and recorded.

Birds to be seen include sandwich terns, gannets, shags, cormorant, guillemot, razor bills, puffins, gulls. We are so fortunate to live in this wild life haven. I wonder what they think of us! The emphasis, throughout, was how we must protect these fellow residents on the planet. Sea trips and shows, such as this are so important in keeping us all aware of this fragile, fascinating natural heritage.

Following refreshments, the AGM was soon romped through. The new committee was elected and will meet on the 27^th March. Then, I’ll be able to publish the officers for the year and the programme card will be sent to all members.

Note the next meeting, carefully. It’s Wednesday, 21^st March, 7.30, Centenary Centre. Roy Moore, Manx Radio’s TT Voice, will speak of his host of memories.

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.