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!
4 March 2011
18 February 2011
‘Of Course you Can’t Print this!’…Jennifer Leece…A.G.M….16.2.11
‘Of Course you Can’t Print this!’…Jennifer Leece…A.G.M….16.2.11
Bill Quine, Chairman, opened the crowded meeting with a warm welcome and then allowed me a few moments to hold up a section of floorboard that the Cathedral Carpenter had uncovered whilst working on the pews. Several people had written on the underside, in pencil. I can’t guarantee the accuracy but as far as I can decipher it this is what is recorded – H.Corlett Joe Good 13 Aug 1883
W.Caine J. Boyd Jan 26 1902
W.Keown (Bible Class January 16th 1902) 13 August 1804
J.Watterson Sailed to America January 18th 1902
J.Boyd Dec 1887
W.S. Caine 1887
It’s all a bit disjointed but if you think there’s a relative there, just ring me on 842541. I guess that the best home for it will be the Leece Museum. It aroused a good bit of interest during the evening.
Bill then introduced Jennifer Leece, seated at a small table complete with a tasselled table lamp in a very homely manner. She reminisced about her years working on various newspaper titles on the Island and how vulnerable this can make you. On one occasion she described a journey made by a lady on the Orient Express. Goodness knows how, she hadn’t enjoyed the experience. Jennifer quoted her to be greeted by a furious ‘phone call saying that this passenger would be sued by the company. Jennifer suggested that this was unlikely as they were unlikely to read the West page in the Examiner!
Jennifer contrasted this anxiety with a leading figure in the church who re-assured her about his controversial remarks by saying, “I spoke it – you print it!” If only more people had this attitude how much easier reporting would be and just think of the racy articles editors could publish.
Computers have never been popular with Jennifer, although she has made a start and finds that they don’t bite. She used to send her copy through to I.O.M. Newspapers, by bus, in a box, three times a week. Buses weren’t allowed to carry envelopes to avoid competition with the Post Office.
From 1979, Jennifer loved visiting events all over her area, welcomed and highly regarded. Her natural sympathy made her ideal for obituaries - that fascinating part of a paper where one has to attempt to compress a life into a few hundred words. Indeed, we’ve nicknamed her, the Obituary Queen for our own, Peel City Guardian!
Jennifer spoke fondly of her late husband Eddie and his wonderful support.
Sam Knight then served refreshments at the back of the theatre. Another event in the Atholl Room precluded access to the kitchen now that it has been walled off from the corridor. This explains the plastic mugs – sorry!
Bravely, everyone stayed for the 22nd AGM. We have had a wonderful year and next year’s programme looks superb. I’ll have to hold over the details until next month.
Note the date, Wednesday, March 2nd 7.30pm, Centenary Centre when Scottie Keith presents ‘A Magical Slide Show.’
Bill Quine, Chairman, opened the crowded meeting with a warm welcome and then allowed me a few moments to hold up a section of floorboard that the Cathedral Carpenter had uncovered whilst working on the pews. Several people had written on the underside, in pencil. I can’t guarantee the accuracy but as far as I can decipher it this is what is recorded – H.Corlett Joe Good 13 Aug 1883
W.Caine J. Boyd Jan 26 1902
W.Keown (Bible Class January 16th 1902) 13 August 1804
J.Watterson Sailed to America January 18th 1902
J.Boyd Dec 1887
W.S. Caine 1887
It’s all a bit disjointed but if you think there’s a relative there, just ring me on 842541. I guess that the best home for it will be the Leece Museum. It aroused a good bit of interest during the evening.
Bill then introduced Jennifer Leece, seated at a small table complete with a tasselled table lamp in a very homely manner. She reminisced about her years working on various newspaper titles on the Island and how vulnerable this can make you. On one occasion she described a journey made by a lady on the Orient Express. Goodness knows how, she hadn’t enjoyed the experience. Jennifer quoted her to be greeted by a furious ‘phone call saying that this passenger would be sued by the company. Jennifer suggested that this was unlikely as they were unlikely to read the West page in the Examiner!
Jennifer contrasted this anxiety with a leading figure in the church who re-assured her about his controversial remarks by saying, “I spoke it – you print it!” If only more people had this attitude how much easier reporting would be and just think of the racy articles editors could publish.
Computers have never been popular with Jennifer, although she has made a start and finds that they don’t bite. She used to send her copy through to I.O.M. Newspapers, by bus, in a box, three times a week. Buses weren’t allowed to carry envelopes to avoid competition with the Post Office.
From 1979, Jennifer loved visiting events all over her area, welcomed and highly regarded. Her natural sympathy made her ideal for obituaries - that fascinating part of a paper where one has to attempt to compress a life into a few hundred words. Indeed, we’ve nicknamed her, the Obituary Queen for our own, Peel City Guardian!
Jennifer spoke fondly of her late husband Eddie and his wonderful support.
Sam Knight then served refreshments at the back of the theatre. Another event in the Atholl Room precluded access to the kitchen now that it has been walled off from the corridor. This explains the plastic mugs – sorry!
Bravely, everyone stayed for the 22nd AGM. We have had a wonderful year and next year’s programme looks superb. I’ll have to hold over the details until next month.
Note the date, Wednesday, March 2nd 7.30pm, Centenary Centre when Scottie Keith presents ‘A Magical Slide Show.’
23 January 2011
Flight Into Pre-history - Andrew Johnson
To nearly fill the theatre in the Centenary Centre for a talk on archaeology might seem a tall order but Andrew Johnson succeeded, holding the attention of the audience throughout with just the traditional refreshment break. All returned to their seats for the second half and that’s the touchstone of a good talk!
Andrew is Field Archaeologist for Manx National Heritage. His illustrated talk concentrated on finds on and adjacent to Ronaldsway Airport. These works were planning-led because of the runway extensions, setting off a whole chain of exciting, significant finds.
Care was taken to set the discoveries in physical context by the use of maps from 1860 onwards and in historical sequence by reference to earlier digs and finds. These did enough to set templates for future work, showing what an incredible area this is for study.
We were shown a 700 year-old lead smelting site for the Cistercian monks of Rushen Abbey, a Viking longhouse c.1000 years old and one of their balances, for weighing small quantities of silver. This is still usable and of such interest that it is ‘on tour’ to other collections. A fine, 98% gold ring was also found.
A 3000 year old stone grave had been discovered together with a fine, inscribed cross. Amusingly, a famous German archaeologist internee was enlisted to assist with one dig but because it was a wartime airfield had to view the dig from a protected area through binoculars. A 4000 years old Neolithic house was found, probably the first discovered in Britain. Oh the crass stupidity of war! Mind you, masses of Stone Age defence and hunting weapons were also found in abundance.
Clay storage pots for keeping food fresh for extended periods by sealing and burying were also displayed. Evidence from 8000 years ago of worked flints with indications of a mixed diet of molluscs, crustacea, eggs, nuts and birds were discovered. It has been calculated that the food source was so abundant that an hour’s hunting/gathering would provide one day’s food. It also sounds a good, organic diet!
Close co-ordination between the contractors, continuing aircraft movements and M.N.H. was critical. Design amendments such as slightly raising the runways rather than scalping down the adjacent land protected many potential finds.
Bronze Age remains have survived on this site because of its alkalinity –bones and shells gradually dissolve in acidic soil. This has left us with the remains of round houses with hearths and sleeping platforms and drains to keep the houses dry. A burial was found of a male, in the foetal position. A careful examination showed that the poor chap had been attacked, with a deep, unhealed cut to a kneecap and ribs cut by a deep, penetrating wound. It is rare to find a surviving Bronze Age skeleton and even rarer to discover a murder victim!
Andrew sets us up for our brief AGM and a talk by the incomparable Jennifer Leece on Wednesday, 16th February, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre.
Andrew is Field Archaeologist for Manx National Heritage. His illustrated talk concentrated on finds on and adjacent to Ronaldsway Airport. These works were planning-led because of the runway extensions, setting off a whole chain of exciting, significant finds.
Care was taken to set the discoveries in physical context by the use of maps from 1860 onwards and in historical sequence by reference to earlier digs and finds. These did enough to set templates for future work, showing what an incredible area this is for study.
We were shown a 700 year-old lead smelting site for the Cistercian monks of Rushen Abbey, a Viking longhouse c.1000 years old and one of their balances, for weighing small quantities of silver. This is still usable and of such interest that it is ‘on tour’ to other collections. A fine, 98% gold ring was also found.
A 3000 year old stone grave had been discovered together with a fine, inscribed cross. Amusingly, a famous German archaeologist internee was enlisted to assist with one dig but because it was a wartime airfield had to view the dig from a protected area through binoculars. A 4000 years old Neolithic house was found, probably the first discovered in Britain. Oh the crass stupidity of war! Mind you, masses of Stone Age defence and hunting weapons were also found in abundance.
Clay storage pots for keeping food fresh for extended periods by sealing and burying were also displayed. Evidence from 8000 years ago of worked flints with indications of a mixed diet of molluscs, crustacea, eggs, nuts and birds were discovered. It has been calculated that the food source was so abundant that an hour’s hunting/gathering would provide one day’s food. It also sounds a good, organic diet!
Close co-ordination between the contractors, continuing aircraft movements and M.N.H. was critical. Design amendments such as slightly raising the runways rather than scalping down the adjacent land protected many potential finds.
Bronze Age remains have survived on this site because of its alkalinity –bones and shells gradually dissolve in acidic soil. This has left us with the remains of round houses with hearths and sleeping platforms and drains to keep the houses dry. A burial was found of a male, in the foetal position. A careful examination showed that the poor chap had been attacked, with a deep, unhealed cut to a kneecap and ribs cut by a deep, penetrating wound. It is rare to find a surviving Bronze Age skeleton and even rarer to discover a murder victim!
Andrew sets us up for our brief AGM and a talk by the incomparable Jennifer Leece on Wednesday, 16th February, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre.
16 November 2010
Celebrating Manx National Heritage - Edmund Southworth
We counted ourselves very fortunate in having Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage, as our November speaker. He began by sketching out his previous experience and specialised interests. This included archaeological work in a number of museums culminating in running all the sites for Lancashire County Council, including two castles. Well, we can match that!
Edmund traced the geological and geomorphic history of the Island from the last ice age, 12 000 years ago, when land started to become inhabitable. Finds from the earliest times show a hierarchical system and a range of buildings and artefacts showing variations in quality of life – larger homes in the best situations, more farming activity and finer possessions. Nothing changes!
The Island is unusually rich in remains. It is curious that the Romans never came here, despite it being visible from the mainland, (no, our speaker did not mention boat fares!) The odd Roman coin has been found on the Island, but how they got here is guesswork.
Christianity arrived early in the Island’s history and survived a whole series of conflicting forces, including the Vikings. These were young men, in their prime, with all the natural passions associated with this age. Most came via Viking centres such as York but others from as far away as Arabia. The indigenous Manx maids were not indifferent to these manly charms and it didn’t take too long to assimilate them. The Christian faith was embraced by many and still continues, affecting all lives with its principles underpinning law, education, hospitals and social provision.
Despite being so close to the UK and formerly joined to it, even major events there such as the Norman invasion in 1066 had little effect here. Of more interest was the Viking line of influence through the Isles – Lewis, Skye, Mull, Islay and Mann.
The Middle Ages saw transference of power with the island being treated as a chattel to be bought and sold. It was seen as more of strategic importance than anything, sitting in the middle of the Irish Sea.
Throughout the evening, each point was illustrated with fascinating slides, many quite fresh to the audience.
From the earliest times, mining has been exceedingly important with metals such as Copper and Lead found in large quantities. More valuable metals such as Silver and Gold can be found but to a lesser extent. All of these workings have left a rich industrial archaeology, as illustrated in the Laxey valley with its world famous water wheel.
Industry led to a transport heritage of dozens of mining and quarrying rail lines. Now, the survivors support the tourist industry that has almost drifted into heritage, itself - bar motor sports, of course.
Internment camps, preserved sites, family history and social events were all melded into a fantastic evening.
December sees the Christmas Party, then Andrew Johnson, MNH – Finds at the Airport, Wednesday, 19th January, 7.30 Centenary Centre. Note the date change!
Edmund traced the geological and geomorphic history of the Island from the last ice age, 12 000 years ago, when land started to become inhabitable. Finds from the earliest times show a hierarchical system and a range of buildings and artefacts showing variations in quality of life – larger homes in the best situations, more farming activity and finer possessions. Nothing changes!
The Island is unusually rich in remains. It is curious that the Romans never came here, despite it being visible from the mainland, (no, our speaker did not mention boat fares!) The odd Roman coin has been found on the Island, but how they got here is guesswork.
Christianity arrived early in the Island’s history and survived a whole series of conflicting forces, including the Vikings. These were young men, in their prime, with all the natural passions associated with this age. Most came via Viking centres such as York but others from as far away as Arabia. The indigenous Manx maids were not indifferent to these manly charms and it didn’t take too long to assimilate them. The Christian faith was embraced by many and still continues, affecting all lives with its principles underpinning law, education, hospitals and social provision.
Despite being so close to the UK and formerly joined to it, even major events there such as the Norman invasion in 1066 had little effect here. Of more interest was the Viking line of influence through the Isles – Lewis, Skye, Mull, Islay and Mann.
The Middle Ages saw transference of power with the island being treated as a chattel to be bought and sold. It was seen as more of strategic importance than anything, sitting in the middle of the Irish Sea.
Throughout the evening, each point was illustrated with fascinating slides, many quite fresh to the audience.
From the earliest times, mining has been exceedingly important with metals such as Copper and Lead found in large quantities. More valuable metals such as Silver and Gold can be found but to a lesser extent. All of these workings have left a rich industrial archaeology, as illustrated in the Laxey valley with its world famous water wheel.
Industry led to a transport heritage of dozens of mining and quarrying rail lines. Now, the survivors support the tourist industry that has almost drifted into heritage, itself - bar motor sports, of course.
Internment camps, preserved sites, family history and social events were all melded into a fantastic evening.
December sees the Christmas Party, then Andrew Johnson, MNH – Finds at the Airport, Wednesday, 19th January, 7.30 Centenary Centre. Note the date change!
20 October 2010
Our Manx Connections with Lindsay and Bernie Quayle
Our October meeting was billed as ‘Our Manx Connections – Some Thoughts and Pictures with Bernie and Lindsay Quayle.’ This was a mixture of talk and pictures and was very much enjoyed by a goodly crowd, as always.
Lindsay opened the talk with a brief history of her family and its Manx connections through the Crellins of Orrisdale and Robert Quayle of West Hill, Castletown. Many family connections in Peel have recently been unearthed. Perhaps we will learn more about these at a later date.
Bernie then spoke about his family and referred to his paternal grandfather, E.C.Quayle, the artist. He showed a few family photographs and pictures of some of E.C.Quayle’s paintings. He then referred to his father’s great love of photography, giving some examples. The visual arts, as is so often the case, appear to run from one generation to another.
The next topic was Bernie’s work with Manx Radio in the mid-sixties and how that came about. He then went on to describe his life as a DJ in the United States for eleven years and a brief account of his other jobs prior to his return to the Island in 1989. This marked a start to his presentation of the ‘Late Show,’ a post he still holds and enjoys, as do his fans.
Bernie showed a fascinating film, contrasting Manx Radio in its early days to its present, high – tech form. This helped to remind us all of the incredible changes in communication that have occurred over those few years. What will happen over the next period – brain implants!
The break was happily covered by the Friends of the Centenary Centre – a cuppa’ and a chat is so welcome!
Bernie then finished off his talk, giving Lindsay an opportunity of sharing her sponsored trip in November, 2009 along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. This raised funds for the Isle of Man Children’s Centre. What a wonderful way to support such a worthwhile cause. How superbly energetic!
There was a brief time for questions and thanks before heading home. Another great evening!
Our next event is 7.30pm on Tuesday, 9th November in the Centenary Centre. This will be a talk by the ‘nearly new!’ Director of Manx National Heritage, Mr Edmund Southworth. As always, everyone is welcome, members or not, so get this date into your diary!
13 September 2010
Rocks and Shifting Sands
We opened our packed September meeting by introducing Lorna Spiers, the worthy, eight-year old winner of our newly awarded Les Quilliam Trophy essay prize. The splendid engraved plaque with her name on a brass plate on the polished wood base was on display, beside her.
Les was our first chairman and we thought that an essay prize on Peel’s heritage would be an appropriate memorial to this fine, former schoolmaster and enthusiast for all things Manx. The essay was published in the August Peel City Guardian.
This was followed by another notable event, the presentation of a cheque for a remarkable £10 000 to the trust by Eddie Lowey, MLC, on behalf of the Cockfield Trust. As many will know, we have established a substantial publishing arm and have been seeking ways of encouraging research projects in Peel, its rich environment and history. In particular, we are working to establish closer links with young people, enabling them to appreciate their home and to maintain our work.
Our warm thanks to the Cockfield Trust and to Eddie, son of Peel, for arranging this generous boost to Peel Heritage Trust and its work.
We then moved on to our principle speaker, our former vicar, Canon Brian Kelly.
Brian began by referring to his 50 years of ministry. He mused on the sands of the beach here and the wonderful work of the Beach Mission before drifting into the reflection on a recent walk around the cemetery where he found that he knew more people there than around the town, now! This, in itself, marks part of the shifting sands of life, brief as it is.
Following his first curacy at St Georges, the bishop sent him to Foxdale to “Make his mistakes there.” What Foxdale had done to deserve this, we know not! The only mistake I’m aware of was when he drove his car into a ditch outside our first home, Tynwald View, at the junction of Ballavar and the Lhoobs Roads. A borrowed tractor from Sammy Leece soon put that right, if not his front bumper.
Third posting was to Bolton, in Lancashire, to gain some inner city experience before being urgently recalled because the then bishop was desperate to have a Manx appointment as Manx Nationalism was rife with groups torching houses of incomers and the like. This appointment was to Maughold.
Fifth and final stint was to Peel, and thank heaven for that. Memories included two sessions of BBC Songs of Praise, including one in the old cathedral. The recording took so long that the tide could be observed going in and out!
Shifting Sands of new bibles (4 million copies of the New English Bible sold in just the 1st year), services, appointments, attitudes and ceremony all led us to the central Rock – Jesus and His church. This is the Rock on which we can stand firm.
Next meeting – Tuesday, 12th October, 7.30pm - Methodist Chapel, Mr Bernie and Mrs Lindsay Quayle.
15 July 2010
Walk at Lynague 19.6.10 & Secret Gardens 10/11.10
Having been away on holiday, this is a bonus edition with two for the price of one!
At the kind invitation of the Rev Ian Faulds and his wife, Claire, members of Peel Heritage Trust were joined by members of Michael Heritage Trust to enjoy a conducted walk down the cliffs and through the wonderful sea caves. This had to be very carefully timed to take advantage of the tides.
The weather was glorious and more than forty members negotiated the tricky path and the succession of caves with their stunning views. Many were the photographs and new friendships as the two groups mingled.
The socialising continued with the Faulds generously entertaining the group to refreshments in their front garden and invited members to have a look around their beautiful home. Ian and Claire, thank you so much for your generosity and in sharing your enthusiasm for such a wonderful part of the Island with us.
The week-end of the 10th/11th July saw the latest in a wonderful long line of Peel’s Secret Gardens. Once again, crowds flooded in. Gardens were spread from the edge of town on the Ramsey Road to the quayside. Everywhere you looked, people were consulting the map in the centre spread of the souvenir guide, seeking directions from each other and following up recommendations to visit particular favourites.
Eleven of the twenty-one gardens were new to us, some brand new. This blend of old favourites with well-established planting, gardens a few months old, sweeping banks of planting and glittering jewels of small courtyards make this event so special.
This event is non-competitive and was founded and continues as a biennial event to share some of the mysteries that make up this stunning, ancient city.
As in the Lynague walk, a very important element is the friendship that develops between garden owners and the crowds who visit. Counts failed this year because of the numbers but all the brochures were sold, the plant stall in the Market Place was emptied and many came for both days.
As for two years’ time, I’ve already got a list of people keen to include their gardens.
Thank you gardeners and all those who took part. Joy unbounded!
Our next event is on Wednesday, 8th September, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre. The much-loved, long-serving former vicar, Canon Brian Kelly will be talking to us. Do come in good time.
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