London Manx Society (Yn Cheshaght Manninagh Lunnin)

PATRONS: HE THE LT GOVERNOR OF THE THE PRESIDENT OF THE SPEAKER OF THE

President – Professor Bryan Corrin

NEWSLETTER Autumn 2017 Editor – Douglas Barr-Hamilton

London Manx uphold Tradition The day dawned, sun blazing and sky blue: exactly like our grandparents claimed always used to be. So as Islanders were making their way from the seventeen parishes to St. John's, a number of the Manx Diaspora were heading to Cambridge from far and wide in the South-East of England where Sally and Peter Miller were opening their house and garden for the annual Tynwald cooish of the London Manx Society.

Joining them were Elaine Abraham, Margaret Hunt, Vic and Pam Quayle, Elizabeth and Nicholas Watson and Maureen Wigley along with officers, Bryan Corrin, the Society's president with his wife Sheila, Sam Weller, its treasurer with his wife Mary and secretary Douglas Barr-Hamilton and his wife Margarita. Greetings were received from some who could not be there: Mavis and Dave Bell and Terence and Chrissy Brack who now live on the Island again and past president Alastair Kneale who was representing the society at St John's itself. Sadly there were some who missed the gathering because of ill health. Maisie Sell had a severe stroke a month before but we were relieved to hear from Maron Honeyborne who had visited her two days earlier that she was making good progress after being transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurological Surgery*. Colin Gill was suffering from pneumonia and being treated at Addenbrookes Hospital. Carol Radcliffe was recovering at home following a cancer operation. Their greetings were reciprocated with wishes for a speedy recovery. Finally, Tynwald greetings were received from the Queensland Manx Society who had held their Tynwald Cooish in Keperra, near Brisbane four days earlier. After some 90 minutes of conversation catching up with news and reminiscing old experiences lunch was served in the beautiful garden furnished with tables and chairs under gazebos to provide welcome shade. Kippers, generously provided by the Millers along with wine and soft drinks were, of course, the dish of the day: this year Devereau's, and the accompanying fare provided by individual members could not have been bettered had there been a detailed menu. The excellent meal formed part of a wonderful afternoon.

In due course it was time to wind things up with Ellan Vannin fanning across the Fens then car or train to Hertfordshire, London and beyond. This summer's day was over.

*We are pleased to add that Maisie is making steady progress in the rehabilitation unit of St Pancras Hospital (Oakwood Ward) in St Pancras Way, Carol has had another operation and is encouraged by her progress and Colin has recovered from his pneumonia.

Photograph President Professor Bryan Corrin and his wife Sheila get to know new members Vic and Pam Quayle

2 Obituary Phyllis Ada Long 1921-2017 Phyllis died peacefully in Peel in July. A highlight of her later life was the publishing in 2009 of 'A Native of Peel’, now out of print, which describes her life story. In the book Phyllis tells of her childhood in Peel, born in 1921 above the grocery shop at Street to Ada and Stanley Quirk. The family moved to larger premises at 8 Michael Street, Peel with a bakery and large warehouse at the back in 1928. Harrison, her younger brother, and she enjoyed many visits to Birkenhead to stay with their Gill grandparents. Phyllis told of an idyllic childhood in Peel, surrounded by her family of Quirks and Kellys. She worked hard at Peel Clothworkers’ School and won many prizes, but missed out on going to secondary school in Douglas because she was ill the day of the examination. She attended private schools in Douglas and later in Liverpool. She developed high speeds of shorthand and was nicknamed 'Miss Quick' rather than 'Miss Quirk'! When World War Two began Phyllis grasped the opportunities that came her way and having worked on the Island, then travelled as a Wren to Liverpool, Scotland and London. Her strong Manx connections took her to London Manx Society where she met Frederick Long her husband of almost fifty years. She recorded in her diary ‘I met, or rather re-met, Fred at the London Manx in 1947 and in that year our friendship developed into an engagement at Christmas in Peel. How thrilled my parents were that I was to marry a Manxman: Fred and his twin brother Walter had been born in Douglas'. Both Phyllis and Fred were presidents of the London Manx Society and their association with the society was a long and happy one. Phyllis and Fred were married in Kirk , Peel Parish Church, in September 1948 and by all accounts it was the happiest alcohol-free wedding ever! Phyllis took on family life in Sidcup - it can't have been an easy transition from being a Wren, served breakfast in the grand Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich alongside Prince Philip to the arrival of her son, Christopher in 1949 and Carol in 1952. Fred died in 1992 and Phyllis continued to live in Sidcup while enjoying holidays at the family house at Castle View, Marine Parade in Peel. She returned to Peel in April 1997 to a marvellous flat overlooking the beach at Shore Road in Peel. She adapted well and enjoyed how people on the Island had time to talk to one another. In her pragmatic way, like her own mother, she took up residence in the Corrin Memorial Home in 2005 and latterly at Castle View Nursing Home in Peel. Phyllis had a happy and fulfilled life. She enjoyed family and friends at all times – a true native of Peel! Christopher Long The Society sends its condolences and extends its best wishes to all the family. Phyllis was President of LMS in 1993-94 and the Society was pleased to be represented at her funeral on 3rd August by Terence and Chrissie Brack, now resident on the Island and by Maron Honeyborne who had been a childhood next-door neighbour, staying in Peel that week. Members will be interested to know that Peel Heritage Trust has an interesting item on its programme this winter: The Quirks of Peel in Picture and Sound - Vic Bates and Bill Quine In 2008 they recorded a conversation between the late Harrison Quirk and his sister Phyllis Long née Quirk. Vic has put together a series of Peel slides old and new to complement this chat between brother and sister. Centenary Centre, Atholl Street, Peel at 7.30 on 17th January.

Beryl Gardner Only in the past few days, Beryl's daughter Lucy has let us know that her mother Beryl (née Clucas) died on the 8th of July, two days after her 94th birthday. Lucy tells us Beryl always enjoyed reading the London Manx newsletters and hearing news of the Isle of Man. She too has fond memories of going to the Christmas parties as children - everyone was always so welcoming even when they were rather rowdy ! Unfortunately, Beryl had a stroke some six years ago which partially paralysed her and made getting out a real effort. Especially sad, her husband died in January this year which after 66 years together was a great loss to Beryl who was at home when she died which was her dearest wish. The connection with London Manx is even longer; like her daughter, Beryl attended Society events with her parents, her father serving as both treasurer and president as long ago as the 1920s. We are much saddened by losing this link with history and want to assure Lucy that she is in our thoughts. DBH

William Kennish Fund winds up Its aims achieved, the New York memorial stone in place, the fund's residual balance of £373.00 has been donated to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust in respect of Kennish's contribution to naval history. The trustees, however, are reflecting on the possibility of setting up a Charitable Trust to support financially those in full time engineering education who are of modest means while thanking London Manx, among others, for their support. 4

Holiday highlights from the Isle of Man 2017 We were fortunate to be in the Isle of Man for the last day of the Celtfest at the Centenary Centre in Peel We heard a wonderful concert which included performances by young Manx singers Annym, a new Manx duo consisting of Cairistiona Dougherty (vocals, whistle) and Isla Callister (fiddle) with accompaniment from professional Scottish harpist and teacher of Celtic Harp in the Isle of Man, Rachel Hair. This trio was so talented, playing a lot of music they had composed themselves - some of it when they were studying far away in Glasgow and thinking about home. It was wonderful to hear such a fresh take on traditional Manx harmonies and traditional songs. I hope they make a CD soon. Rachel Hair has her own website if you would like to hear a sample of her Celtic Harp music: www rachelhair com At Celtfest I also discovered there is a new CD and DVD called Mona’s Isle paying tribute to the influence of Mona Douglas in keeping the heritage of Manx music alive. It is on sale in the museum and various other shops such as the Lexicon in Douglas. We also attended a great concert by the Lhon Dhoo Male Voice Choir at the Peel Lifeboat station. (The lifeboat had been taken out to let the audience in!). The thirty strong choir were in great voice and sang many very well known favourites with gusto: ‘Oh When the Saints’, 'There is Nothing Like a Dame’ and a lovely setting of the ‘Sunset Poem' from Under Milkwood were among my favourites. The concert was followed by lavish refreshments and a very efficient Raffle. At the House of Mannanan in Peel we enjoyed the exhibition of summers past –with fantastic photos and video of the summer in the 50s, 60s and 70s. This all brought back many memories for me. It was amazing to look at the old photos of Douglas and Peel promenades and beaches absolutely crammed with people relaxing in deckchairs, and the crowds in the Villa Marina every day for the Ivy Benson concerts and the bathing beauty contests. I remember how much my parents enjoyed going to the ballroom dancing at the Palace and to the variety shows in the Villa where we saw Cilla Black in her prime. Back in Douglas it was good to see that the Carnival was much bigger and better than in recent years, with lots of floats representing local charities and businesses .The whole event was very colourful and attracted a lot of spectators-and the weather was good! Sadly we couldn’t make it in time for Tynwald Day but I love the recent video showing the whole Tynwald Day celebrations being assembled in Lego at top speed. It is on the website Voirrey Carr

A recent visit to the Island My wife and I have four married children who each have two children of their own, a total of eighteen spread over three generations. We have had summer holiday together at various properties in England, Wales and France but until this year I have been unable to find a property in the Isle of Man that is big enough to house us all. Now I know of two. The first, which I speedily booked last year, is situated in a lonely spot not far from the Clypse reservoir and the second is situated between Patrick and St John’s. The latter, sounds very nice but I suspect that the family will vote to return to the first for future visits as we all enjoyed it so much. Some of our daughters-in-law had never been to the island and one confessed that she envisaged the island as a rain-swept rock. She now has a vastly different image. We went in the last week in July and were blessed with excellent weather. All our children and grandchildren are now great fans of the Isle of Man. Sheila and I and two of our children’s families flew from London City airport and another from Gatwick whilst Finlo’s family travelled with their car on the Heysham ferry. We others hired cars at Ronaldsway so had five vehicles at our disposal. Our children had read up on what the island has to offer and often went off by themselves but we all took the electric railway up Snaefell and on another occasion to Ballaglass to walk down the glen of that name to Port Cornaa. We never found the time to travel on the steam railway or the horse trams but will do so on future visits. Other highlights included the old House of Keys in Castletown, Cregneish folk museum and the Sound. Some of our children also took in the Curraghs, Abbey, Peel Castle and the Manx Museum. On one day Sheila and I visited Robin Allan and Suki Dean in Crosby and on our last day Doug Bolton very generously laid on a Loughtan lamb-roast at his home in Michael and invited several mutual friends such as Viv Atkinson, Malcolm Kelly and Charlie Corden for some very nostalgic conversations. The week flew by and I only regret not getting round to see other Manx friends or showing our family more of Ellan Vannin. Bryan Corrin

Jurby Junk to close I understand there had been rumours but I see from the iomtoday web site that the well-known, oft-ridiculed enterprise is to close down in mid October after forty-five years as the most popular landmark on the windswept plains of the old RAF airfield. DBH

6 Culture Vannin's new exhibition and culture centre Inside the St John's home locals and tourists can find out about 'thing sites' like Tynwald around the world, look at old photos of St John's, learn about calendar customs, music, dance and language, Manx cultural heroes see how Tynwald works, and check out the Lego model of Tynwald Day. Visitors can also watch videos of Manx dancing, listen to songs and tunes and flick through reference books in the library area. Younger visitors can choose from colouring in, dressing up (including mini Manx dancing costumes!) and playing with Lego which can be added to the Tynwald model - there are even some mini Manx dancers customised by Caroline Helps from Peree Bane! As well as having an iPad/listening bench, the language, music and dance room features an amazing mural by Manx artist, Adam Berry, and this area will be used for harp lessons, lending library, conversational Manx, etc. Culture Vannin also has a shop selling their books and CDs many of which relate to music and Manx language. The culture centre would not have been possible without a generous legacy linked to the Manx language from Professor Brian Kaneen of Canada. The exhibition space has been developed through the additional assistance of the *Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust and Isle of Man Tourism. Culture Vannin is incredibly proud to share the talents of Manx creatives within the exhibition space. Chloe Woolley Culture Vannin, Fairfield House, Main Road, St. John's IM4 3NA © Manx Music Today

*Elizabeth was the elder sister of Society member Francis Higson and of the late LMS President Preston Glass.

Lease with Government signed As anticipated in our last issue, the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust has recently signed a five-year lease from the government and restoration work on Ramsey's Queen's Pier has begun, making the entrance building safe and into a base from which work can be done. With £30,000 of the £60,000 needed to restore and refurbish the first three bays, retired engineer and trust chairman Tom Durrant, is confident the start will encourage donations. However, with over £1m more needed to finish the project and running costs to be met, it will be a challenge. The LMS constitution does not permit it to make a donation but it has agreed to distribute a leaflet to members, an electronic version of which accompanies our email edition and is being posted on our web site. DBH Archibald Knox and LMS The Society has heard from Carlotta Falzone Robinson, a doctoral student at University of California, Riverside, Department of the History of Art who is researching the Manx artist Archibald Knox (1834-1933). Mr. Knox was a member of the London Manx Society, as confirmed by newspaper reports from the Isle of Man, but she has seen no reference to any actual archives in the biographies written on Knox’s life to date. Carlotta asks if we have archives dating back to the 1890s as Manx papers suggest Knox was a member in 1894 and possibly as late as 1912 and it is reported he gave at least one (maybe two) talks to the group. Sadly, the society's archives were destroyed when a German bomb destroyed the house of its secretary, H C Collister, and it struggled to assemble incomplete records from other members. These are now safely in the Manx Museum in Douglas Carlotta is planning a research trip to London next Winter and hopes to pursue her research into Knox’s activities with the Society. Having learned from me the state of our archives, she asks if there is any information society members can provide regarding Knox’s membership and activities with the Society. It would be good for history, the Society and Carlotta's thesis if members can add to our very limited knowledge. DBH

Hop tu naa This event celebrates an ancient Manx tradition that predates Halloween. As with Samhain, Hop-tu-naa marks the end of the harvest season, the onset of the cold dark days of winter and the start of a New Year. The name is a derivation of the Manx Gaelic phrase “Shogh ta’n Oie” meaning “this is the night” Like Hogmanay in Scotland, Hop-tu-naa is a Celtic festival in honour of the New Year, “Oie Houney”, but the Manx fest has not been moved to January, as has the Scottish fest. Manx people continue to ring in their Celtic New Year on the eve of 31st October just before “mee houney”, Manx for November, begins. George Cowin Courtesy of Queensland Manx Society, 2016

Royal Dust Those members from the South West of the Island will be sad to learn that Manx newspapers have reported the demolition during the summer of 's Royal Hotel which has been closed since 2008. It will be replaced by 34 flats. DBH Costain come-back Like many Manx folk in the mid 1890s with the collapse of mining and agriculture in the doldrums, John and Isabella Costain and their six children struggled in their cottage called, "Break o' day" in . In 1903, two of their daughters, Elizabeth and Isabelle resolved to make a fresh start and set off for the USA. Their brothers William and John followed them the next year and Joseph Edric in 1910. All went to Ohio. Only one son, Athol, remained with his parents. In due time, the parents died and this year a party of Costains visited the Island for Tynwald and made a trip to their grave in Foxdale. Especially poignant was the laying of a wreath of flowers there by Joe, Joseph Edric's son, now 86 years old. The trip had been organised by Jill Collings, a grand-daughter of Athol, the brother who stayed. She said, "It was quite an emotional journey for him," adding that the Costain descendants hold a reunion every year in Ohio and that she had attended in 2016 when over seventy family members were present. On returning to the Island, Jill had been unable to locate John and Isabella's grave but records in the Manx Museum revealed the plot number and she discovered the engraving on the grave-stone was completely worn away. She had a replacement made, appropriately put in place during the family visit. DBH Source: iomtoday

Manx Internment Camp Music Concerts Break New Ground A unique collaboration between some of the brightest talent from the Royal College of Music and the Ensemble Émigré, professional soloists and a selection of young performers from the Isle of Man, highlighted an important aspect of internment on the Island during World War II and broke new ground during the process.

With performances at The Studio Theatre in and the Erin Arts Centre, local audiences were treated to a fabulous presentation of music composed by internees housed in various camps across the Island.

The concert was initially staged in The Liberal Jewish Synagogue in London earlier this year under the title of The Barbed Lyre - Leaves from the Isle of Man, incorporating a rich variety of music composed by German and Austrian refugees. 9 It was a stunning performance from a group of twelve singers and instrumentalists led by Norbert Meyn. They also managed to include some sightseeing and school workshops, which attracted more than one hundred students, following which four young performers from were included with the visiting group's second presentation at Ballakermeen High School.

Entitled What a Life! - Music from the World War II Isle of Man Internment Camps, each musical item was interspersed with information about some of the internees, or their diary entries. Such detail provided an insight into the lives of thousands of men and women who were suddenly thrust into the spotlight and branded as 'enemy aliens'.

The Isle of Man inadvertently became, as broadcaster Andrew Marr observed, 'one of the great centres of European intellectual life', which was reflected in these rare performances. A selection of masterpieces included a superb arrangement of the highly expressive Ursonate by the Dadaist artist Kurt Schwitters, and work by Peter Gellhorn, who composed a piece of work called The Cats and another entitled Mooragh. Other work at the concerts included that of Hans Gál who composed the music for a bi-lingual camp revue entitled What a Life! within a matter of weeks, for the most part from his camp hospital bed.

Their music was interspersed with a selection of Manx compositions which included Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly, I'm a Native of Peel and dance tunes by W. H. Gill.

As well as filming a performance of Mooragh in Ramsey Town Hall, Culture Vannin also filmed Norbert Meyn and the String Quartet performing some of Peter Gellhorn's music inside one of the apartments on Mooragh Promenade which formed part of the Mooragh Camp, where he was interned. It was fitting that Barbara Gellhorn, his daughter, was able to be present at this event. This will shortly be available at www.culturevannin.im. An article highlighting the project was published on the international news site Deutsche Welle. The project was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin and the Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust. Valerie Caine © June 2017 (Courtesy of the Southern Chronicle)

Volunteer gardeners Manx National Heritage is looking for volunteers to work in the gardens and grounds of some of the Isle of Man's most special historic places and spaces. The Island's heritage agency is responsible for over 3.000 acres of land across the Isle of Man and has exciting plans for its gardens at Dastle Rushen, , the Grove and Rushen Abbey. At the Grove Museum in Ramsey, a small team of volunteers has already started work on re-establishing the country gardens, following designs and planting schemes taken from historic photographs and paintings of the Grove. At Rushen Abbey, new flower beds are being established featuring naturalistic planting and, at Cregneash, volunteers led by Karen Griffiths are developing and maintaining the fruit and vegetable plots and cottage gardens with produce from the former being supplied to the Cregneash and Sound cafés.

Philip Payne, the agency's horticultural manager encouraged help, "As a garden volunteer with MNH you will have the opportunity to work in some of the Island's most stunning outdoor places. You'll help bring some exciting plans for our gardens to fruition and could be involved in anything from planting to pruning, seeding to establishing flower beds."

Anyone with an interest in gardens, plants or wanting some physical outdoor activity in great company is invited to join the existing team of friendly volunteers. To find out more email enquiries@mnh gov im or come along to Rushen Abbey Gardens on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Cregneash on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. and the Grove Museum on Fridays, also from 10 a.m. The project is generously funded by a legacy to the Friends of Manx National Heritage. Lynsey Clague

Congratulations, Corrins! Next month our president, Professor Bryan Corrin and his wife Dr Sheila Corrin will be celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. On behalf of all LMS members, the secretary wishes them a joyous day and extends the Society's congratulations. DBH

11 Remembering Manx Commonwealth Games Gold Medal Cyclist Peter Buckley With Cyclefest in the can and the British Cycling National Road Championships looming on the horizon, it's a fitting opportunity to remember the Island's first gold-winning Commonwealth Games medallist who set the pace in cycling during the 1960s, but died tragically in the midst of his ongoing success. Peter Buckley was born in Peel to Joan (née Quayle) and Louis Buckley, a member of the Peveril Camp Guard, and although he later relocated to Oldham in Lancashire he always maintained he was proud to be a Manx man; returning regularly for training. When he was selected for the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica (where Buckley celebrated his twenty second birthday) he chose to represent the Isle of Man, although in some quarters his victory was perceived to be just another win for England. However, this view was not shared by the British Cycling Federation, who saw it as recognition for the tremendous support that the Island gave to cycling. The race itself was a feat of endurance which raised genuine concern amongst doctors and officials, but ultimately shattered the theory that endurance events in Jamaica would be beyond the physical limits of competitors. A gruelling one hundred and twenty mile road race from Kingston to Manchioneal, Buckley survived a crash by the leading group in the early stages, but rode with determination through tropical rain storms amongst the mountain foothills, tackling slippery, winding, crumbling roads, pot holes and an unwanted puncture. Many of his competitors crashed out of the race, but Buckley's pledge to win gold for the Isle of Man spurred him on to victory, in a record time of just over five hours - almost one mile ahead of the second placed man. But the race had taken its toll of a dazed Buckley who was helped from his bike at the finish line, soaked with both rain and perspiration. He freely admitted that it was a tough, punishing course presenting its own dangers, and there were times when he considered pulling out. Although he had ridden longer races this was the most gruelling, riding alone for the final forty miles and battling extreme tiredness during the closing stages. Buckley's success aroused enormous pride on the Isle of Man, and the Manx team was greeted by thousands of cheering well wishers at Ronaldsway Airport, which Buckley quipped was better than a Beatles' welcome, followed by a government reception and presentation of an inscribed silver tray. Additionally, Buckley and his family attended further presentations in both Peel and Douglas. Crowned Sportsman of the Year on the Isle of Man in 1967, Buckley returned to his job as a clerk in a railway company and his training regime, in the hope of being selected for the next Olympic Games, winning the Manx International Road Race, and securing top places in the Tour of Mexico and the Tour of Britain Milk Race. The Peter Buckley Series became one of the most prized awards in UK cycling, but tragedy was waiting in the wings. Whilst out training Buckley was involved in a collision with a loose dog at Hebden Bridge in the Yorkshire Pennines in July 1969 and he subsequently died of his injuries - struck down in his prime after establishing himself as the leading amateur rider in Britain at the age of twenty four. His ashes were interred at Peel Cemetery. Buckley was acknowledged as a gentleman both on and off the bike and as an excellent ambassador for the Isle of Man, but his memory lives on through the establishment of the Peter Buckley Trophy (awarded to competitors from the junior cycling league) and now presented to Dot Tilbury's Junior Cycling RLS 360 and awarded to the most promising competitor, together with a memorial seat placed at Creg Willey's Hill (Creg Willy Syl - Willy Sylvester's Rock). Meanwhile his Commonwealth Games gold medal and other memorabilia can be seen at the Leece Museum on East Quay in Peel - admission free. Valerie Caine © June 2017 (Courtesy of Manx Tails)

2017 Mhelliah Monday 9th October has long been fixed for the Society's harvest thanksgiving and St 's Church in Fleet Street booked for the Church service. As usual, it will start at 12 noon. Different will be a choral tribute to Margaret Brady who has played the organ for the event for many years including in 2016 but who passed away in early March. Flora McLeod will sing unaccompanied, Tàladh Chrìosda (Christ's lullaby), the popular name for the carol Tàladh ar Slànaigheir (the Lullaby of our Saviour). It is a lullaby for the Christ Child by the Blessed Virgin. Rev Justin White has kindly agreed to lead our service once again. Frustratingly for the committee, the Punch Tavern where we so enjoyed lunch in 2015 and had booked for this year has just been sold and will still be closed for refurbishment on the date of the Mhelliah. An alternative will be found. All members are warmly invited to attend.

13 Autumn Quiz 2017 (open to non-members through the web site) 1. The Island celebrated victory at Waterloo in 1814 with a dinner at (a) , (b) Ramsey Mooragh, (c) Snaefell's summit, (d) Tynwald Hill? 2. Which Scottish clan is descended from a Viking king of Mann, (a) Blair, (b) Mackenzie, (c) Macleod, (d) Strange? 3. From source to sea, the Island's longest river, the Sulby's length is (a) 18 km, (b) 19 km, (c) 20 km, (d) 21 km? 4. What was the Island population at the 2016 census, (a) 82,286, (b) 83,314, (c) 84,497, (d) 85,522? 5. Which Island bishop's prayers comprise most of the LMS mhelliah service, (a) Barrow, (b) Hildesley, (c) Murray, (d) Wilson?

Closing date, 16th October. The first reader to send me five correct answers will receive £20 fuel on hiring a car from Mylchreest Motors, Ronaldsway Airport.

Answers to June's quiz 1. Kermode Street is in (a) Australia (Adelaide) 2. Peel Sailors' shelter was first opened in (d) 1877. 3. The giant deer in the Manx Museum dates from (a) 14,500 years ago. 4. Mine closed for over two years in 1919 as a result of (d) a strike. 5 Aged 17, Hall Caine was a teacher in (c) .

There was no all correct answer to our Summer quiz.

Acknowledgements The editor thanks Terence Brack, Valerie Caine, Voirrey Carr, Lynsey Clague, Bryan Corrin, George Cowin, Lucy Gardner, Maron Honeyborne, Waveney Jenkins, Wendy Kneen, Christopher Long, Maisie Sell, Robert W Stimpson, Sam Weller, Chloe Woolley for their kind contribution and also Isle of Man Newspapers, Culture Vannin, Yn Cruinnaght and Manx National Heritage. News about you and articles (of around 450 words) about Island life are welcome and of interest to all. If in doubt, please contact me. Contributions can be sent at any time for inclusion in the next newsletter, if possible by email (barrhamilton @btinternet com) or to 132 Bush Hill, N21 2BS. Copyright is retained by the contributor. Opinions expressed are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the editor or the Society. Closing date for the next issue, 22nd November.

A Boy's Paradise

Aw, Peel's the place f'boys yissir, Peel's the place f'boys, y'c'n lerrem run loose. Barefut if they want, free as air, No need for their shoos. Acrorse the san' as quick as the win' - Yer naver saw such a fine shore - Or building stone boats at the edge of the say, Or listenin' wide-eyed at the fishermen's lore. Theer's pools at the back o' the castle, Lil wans or deep, tek yer pick - Not so deep, o'coorse that yer drownded, Jus' fer catching lil fish, if yer quick. An' Peel Castle itself's jus' the thing, boys, F'r enjoyin' a rale creepy game In the dungeons all dark and mystayrious. Or explorin' the caves where the smugglers came. If it's cowboys an' injuns y' fancy, Then up on Peel Hill y'c'n roam, Aw, the fun y'c'n have in the bracken Till hunger'll be callin' yer home. The famous Red Dub's up the river, The lumpers love swimmin' up yonder, Then after the dip, back to And down ter the bridge they'll meander. The headlan's another oul fav'rite, Cops and robbers is the game up there, Wi' the gorse an' the hedges to hide in, But the brambles are so bad to tear. But I'm thinkin' the harbour's the bes' o' the lot, Fer who wants ter bother with toys? When messin' about in lil boats is far better - Aw, yis! Peel's the place f' boys. Maisie Sell

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Dates for your Diary

Mhelliah 9th October 2017, 12.00 noon at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street followed by lunch.

London Christmas cooish: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Southampton Row, WC1B 4BH, Friday 15th December from 4.00 p.m. Please advise Douglas (020 8360 8001) or Maron (020 8579 0540) if joining them.

Island cooish, Boxing Day at 19 Peveril Road, Peel, IM5 1PF for mince pies and drinks from 11.00 a.m. Please advise Mavis (01624 848390) if attending.

NEXT NEWSLETTER DUE IN THREE MONTHS PLEASE SEND NEWS TO: Douglas Barr-Hamilton, 132 Bush Hill, London N21 2BS (telephone 020 8360 8001) e-mail: barrhamilton@btinternet com

Visit the Society's web site at www londonmanxsociety co uk