‘A day to Remember’ by Ian Cannell CBE

Ian Cannell’s title, ‘A Day to Remember,’ gave us an evening to remember. The illustrated talk centred on Ian’s award ceremony to receive the CBE was particularly appropriate with our minds still focussed on Her Majesty’s sixtieth anniversary on the throne, marked here, in Peel, by the visit of His Royal Highness, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

In a deliberately brief introduction, I referred to Ian’s work as Town Clerk for many years, commenting that the title should really be City Clerk, particularly as we have not just one cathedral bur two and his national and international role with the Royal British Legion. I could have added TT and Tynwald Day commentator and goodness knows what else!

Ian began by saying that he was born in Peel and this has always been his home. He regarded himself as part of Peel Heritage, as indeed he is. He then explained that he was going to talk about the honours system, how you get on it and referred to some of the Manx people recently honoured. His efforts to avoid an ‘ego trip’ left me feeling that I would have liked to know more about the work that had led to his award of first MBE and then CBE. He stressed that one did not use both titles, only the more senior one, commenting that despite his advice, Joey Dunlop’s memorial plaque, incorrectly, bears both! 

Anyone can send a letter recommending a person for inclusion in the honours list, setting out the reasons.  This should be accompanied by supporting letters from others and sent to the Lt Governor who chairs a small selection committee. Their recommendations are then forwarded to Downing Street and on to Her Majesty.

Ian outlined the process as far as the candidate was concerned and the arrangements for the day of investiture. At this point, we were treated to a DVD made by the palace, personalised for each recipient – a remarkable achievement in itself. It included the pomp and ceremony as well as the preparations behind the scenes, the arrival of guests and their progress through the palace, past wonderful works of art to the ballroom where the ceremony was to take place. We then saw the presentations along with comments rounding off a panoply of splendour yet, uniquely personal to each recipient. At its conclusion, our audience broke out into spontaneous applause.

After refreshments, Ian answered questions and we were able to see his awards, citations and photographs.

When it was time to make our usual small presentation to the speaker, I couldn’t resist the procedure we had just witnessed. Ian entered into this fully, bowing and shaking hands and retreating as he had before Prince Charles. A great sport rounding off a great evening with much amused applause!

Next event is Peel’s Secret Gardens on the 14th and 15th July. Admission programmes will be in the usual outlets and in the Market Place on the days.

“Queen of the Mountain”……Carolynn Sells

Most of us know how difficult it is to attend a job interview, speaking about your accomplishments without appearing boastful or self-congratulatory. Somehow, Carolynn Sells succeeded in talking about her remarkable motorcycle racing accomplishments in a modest, charming, entertaining yet modest manner. 

Tim Crookall, Chairman, made a splendid introduction, admitting that he’d made use of Google to assemble some key highlights. Carolynn’s sites are excellent and I cheerfully refer you to them, having dipped in myself.

Carolynn now lives in Lower Foxdale after several moves. She hailed from Preston, spending her childhood at race circuits with her family, her father being a keen racer, competing in circuits all over the UK. These trips doubled up as family holidays, sometimes with the children and luggage wedged in a sidecar hitched to a Norton ES2. This even took them to France. The bike was described as ‘unreliable’. My memory of many Norton’s of this period was their fondness for catching fire!

1985 was Carolynn’s father’s first MGP. She and her brother came over as well. In 1985 they moved here. Where else! 

Carolynn started racing just before her 27th birthday, at Jurby, having borrowed dad’s TZ250. By 2003, she obtained her National Licence allowing her to compete on TT course. Martin Bullock approached her and the rest is history!

A full list of Carolynn’s accomplishments are beyond the scope of this article but to give a flavour of her dedication to racing, include being the first woman to win a championship on the Island, highest finishing woman newcomer, 1st woman in top 10, 1st woman to win a race in the Southern 100 (2005), female lap record in 2008, success in Irish Road Races, won Lesley Anne Trophy for best performance by a female in MGP 2003 –9. Fastest lap of 113mph on Martin Bullock Racing CBR 600 holds 9 silver replicas for MGP and in 2009 became the first woman to win an MGP. The gamble of riding four laps, non stop, paid off and took many by surprise. Phew!

Just to balance all these successes, we were also shown spectacular crashes, including being helicoptered to hospital. She regrets being unable to remember the trip as her only experience of this form of flight!

In 2009, Carolynn made the cover of the MGP brochure and is in the Guinness Book of Records. Despite all this success and glamour, Carolynn showed us a photo’ of  her baby daughter as her greatest reward. To our relief, she has stopped racing but is still heavily involved in the sport, tutoring newcomers and travelling marshals.

The questions from the audience were well-informed and very entertaining. Not surprisingly, Carolynn and the audience were strongly in favour of keeping the MGP as close as possible to the present format. She also admitted that she would be very nervous if her daughter took up racing!

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th June in Centenary Centre. – Ian Cannell MBE ‘A Day to Remember.’

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!