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!