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!

Queen Victoria’s Royal Visits…Hampton Creer…15th June 2011

Hampton Creer just stood at the front of the Centenary Centre theatre, no props, no slides, just a very gentle, quietly spoken Manxman, the whole audience entranced. More than this, Hampton’s humorous presentation of the articles in the Manx Sun newspaper of the two visits of the queen and Prince Albert in 1847 had the audience laughing from the outset.

Queen Victoria was travelling in the Royal Yacht to holiday in Scotland, accompanied by a squadron of naval vessels. The only information was that the monarch and party would ‘touch in’ to the island on Friday, August 13th. All the principal towns painted themselves up, hastily gathered choirs of children were rehearsed, speeches prepared and dignitaries poised for this great honour.

Ships were readied to sail out and meet the yacht, without any knowledge of where! All were roused early in the morning, lookouts posted and horses and carriages poised to rush to wherever. The day came and went. Nothing – they had been delayed by a great welcome in Wales! Disappointed, frustrated islanders went home, only to be told that she would be here on the16th. Once more, everything was made ready.

The Steam Packet had a ship poised off the Calf to intercept the Royal Squadron, spotting them seven miles off Douglas. A pilot was requested to complete the entry safely through the then dangerous rocky approaches. Captain Gill was transferred to the Royal Yacht and all went well with her anchoring just off shore.

The crowd went wild as the queen and family waved to them, before she sketched the scene, still acknowledging them.

Lt. Governor Hope raced up from Castletown, eventually being rowed out to the ship. However, when nearly there, the paddles started, churned up the sea leaving him disgraced! Bewildered Peel children were taken home, as were others, Island wide.

The process was repeated but in Ramsey, six weeks later at the end of the Scottish holiday. Once again, confusion! Messages were sent to Castletown to inform Governor Hope. His awaiting carriage and horses had been hi-jacked by a group of young bloods who galloped wildly to Ramsey.

Meanwhile, deemsters, the bishop and other worthies were rowed out to and received on the Royal yacht. They were there for several hours with a moored barge alongside plus band playing Manx music.

Only Prince Albert came ashore and conducted by a couple of locals up to where the Albert Tower now stands for a picnic. At their suggestion, then went for a royal walkabout, possibly the first in history.

Governor Hope arrived, flustered in a borrowed carriage. He was hastily rowed towards the yacht and, as Hampton said, “You’ve guessed it,” - the Queen commanded the paddles to turn, leaving him stranded for a second time – disgraced. He was nick named, ‘ Folorn Hope’. What a hilarious evening!

Next event - Manx Concert and Supper, 7.30pm, 6th July, Centenary Centre. Tickets from ‘Celtic Gold’ or ring 843502 or 844938

Motorcycle Racing and the Manx Line – Peter Duke……18.5.11

Peter Duke began his illustrated talk to the crowded theatre by sketching in the background to his illustrious, world-famous father. Now 88, with failing eyesight, Geoff remains in good spirits, forever linked to his remarkable achievements.

Geoff Duke’s career appears to have been set when he joined the Royal Signals as a motorcycle rider in WW2. He and a number of his group became very accomplished and made names for themselves as off-road competitors. The army bikes were challenging to ride, with their rigid back ends and girder forks.

As Peter spoke, whole screen pictures appeared behind him. This was cunningly low-tech in the capable hands of Sam knight.

The secret of Geoff’s success lay in meticulous preparation, walking and then cycling the course before mounting his bike. Even this didn’t save him on one early practice session at Milntown when he hit a fresh cowpat in the gutter. The marshal apologised, later, after the ensuing ‘tank slapper’ and recovery. He said that it never occurred to him that anyone would ride so close to the kerb! From then on, the course has been meticulously cleared.

He was offered but declined to attempt 300 mph on water at Lake Coniston, in Bluebird. Sadly, of course, Donald Campbell was killed in the attempt.

Geoff invented one-piece leathers, proved to improve lap speeds by 1mph. This was in 1950 and these soon became standard wear. Many awards followed, including a TT win on Norton in 1952 – I remember it well! This was my first year of motor- cycling, so I was madly impressed. I’m still impressed and still riding.

As Norton wouldn’t produce a multi-cylindered bike, Geoff went to Gilera. He introduced great improvements in handling so that by ’54, ’55 the handling was as good as a Norton. Who can forget that unmistakeable sound as the Gilera screamed round – unassailable! At this time he was earning from national advertising – Brylcreem, he didn’t use and for Senior Service cigarettes. The ad. was modified for him, as a non-smoker. He opened a case and said that he always offered his friends Senior Service!

Experiments with fairings took him from 130 to 155mph. The statistics are amazing, including winning 52% of all races.

Peter then moved onto the Manx Line, a shipping company that Geoff helped to found. It was more comfortable and cheaper than the Steam Packet and earned a dedicated following. Clearly, the Packet fought this, backed, says Peter, by politicians of the day. Peter has provided material for Stan Basnett’s recent book, Manx Line. Many of the illustrations were used from this book. Given still current concerns about links with adjacent isles, this book is well worth a read and sharing.

Where did it all go wrong? The book should make some people feel very uncomfortable.

Peter, a splendid presentation - thank you!

Glens of the West…Gordon (Scottie) Keith

This event was billed as ‘A Picture Journey’. It proved to be so much more. This was due to a mix of Scottie’s obvious love of the natural world, his eye and skill as a photographer and his outstanding power point presentation using a mix of fade and transition shots. The outcome was a seamless presentation accompanied by appropriate music. The technical wizardry was clearly beyond most of us, judging by the appreciative comments.

We started with Glen Mooar with a dazzling array of light, shade, form and colour as we proceeded through not just the glen but also the seasons. The wide screen at the Centenary Centre gave us the impression of actually being in the picture, getting our feet wet and muddy, feeling the spray of waterfalls on our faces. Well, this was the illusion but I suppose that appropriately mounted jets will do the job in the not too distant future.

Swathes of Bluebells alternated with detailed close-ups were especially welcome as we emerge from a harsh winter.

The detailed shots of a wide variety of fungi, moss and lichens were particularly interesting and very beautiful.

After refreshments, Sam Knight paid a tribute to the late Harrison Quirk, an invaluable member of the Trust since its inception with years of service on the committee. His packed funeral service earlier in the week was a testimony to the love and affection that endeared him to us all.

As a special memorial, we were shown a tremendous DVD made by Manx National Heritage of the Peel Home Guard from WW2. It was composed of photo’s belonging to Harrison, only in his teens, at the start, as he gazed at us proudly, in the familiar uniform. It was moving hearing his voice as the presenter. The accompanying music from Dad’s Army added to the atmosphere.

The Home Guard was first entitled the Local Defence Volunteers or LDV. This earned the nickname of Look, Duck and Vanish, the title given to this remarkable film. Harrison’s passing emphasises the need to record as much as we can of the older generation and their, (our), memories! Luckily, we are building up a series of recorded interviews but it should be a full-time job to capture the past at first hand.

We then returned to the billed programme only in Glen Helen - once again, a delight. The audience watched in appreciative silence before a great burst of applause at the end.

We have a bonus meeting on 7th April to a secret defence bunker. Meet at Barford’s Engineering at 6.30pm. It’s only a short walk over the fields but wear stout shoes and appropriate clothing for coping with a vertical, metal ladder! Our next indoor meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th April. Michael Hoy MBE will give us a presentation on King William’s College.

I‘m sorry to have to omit the February AGM. Perhaps enough to say that the new programme and membership cards will soon be with you and that we continue to thrive!