Members’Members’ Events Events ListList & and Volunteer Programme Volunteer Programme 2013/142015 Issue 2

Tel: 01624 824137

Website: www.friendsofmnh.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmnh

E-mail: [email protected]

Dear Friend,

Spring is arriving! This means the remainder of the MNH sites will soon be open. and Rushen Abbey have been open at weekends since early February, but Saturday 28th March will see the other sites open - with the exception of the Nautical Museum which will open a little later Members’in the Season. More information Even tons that Lis in Edmundt Southworth’s letter which follows. As usual we have a variety of new events forand this season. I have tried to include something for everyone, and some at weekends, for those of you working. Some events are limited on places so if you don’tVo wantlun to bet disappointedeer Pr pleaseogramme do book early. You will see that in conjunction with the Quilliam Group we are organising a fundraising auction which will take place in July (see details in the events/volunteers list). We hope to be showcasing Manx talent. We 2013/14would be delighted to hear from you if you have a particular craft/art that you would be happy to provide.

Also, FMNH will once again be taking Issuepart in the Flower 2 Festival between Sunday 5th & Saturday 11th July. This time FMNH volunteers will be creating their magic at the Nautical Museum.

If you don’t currently volunteer, but would like to do so, do please contact me. We have an opportunities form further on in the booklet which gives an idea of the different ways of being involved. Thank you to all of you who have contributed your time and talents.

Also, do you have a skill that we don’t know about and which you would like to share with other members? We would love to hear from you. Tel: 01624 824137 Don’t forget to use your FMNH cards, and enjoy your Island and beyond! Thank you for your continuedWe support.bsite: www.friendsofmnh.org

Best wishes Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmnh E-mail: [email protected]

Nicola A Message from the MNH Director

Dear Friend

One of the certainties about the is that when spring is here – it is well and truly here! It’s not just the crocuses and snowdrops in the verges and the lambs in the fields; we also see the signs of a new visitor season approaching such as the Steam Trains running again and the Fastcraft Manannan re-starting its Liverpool run.

Actually we started our new season at February half-term by opening Castle Rushen and Rushen Abbey at weekends. This is still somewhat of an experiment but we have been pleasantly surprised by the numbers taking advantage of the sites. Rushen Abbey has continued to appeal to local families in particular.

One of the reasons these specific sites were opened was to compensate somewhat for sites that we couldn’t open due to conservation or maintenance work. In an ideal world we would let people see close up the work that we do on our historic properties. It’s often fascinating and highly technical work done by skilled teams. Two amazing projects undertaken during the winter have been the repainting and repair of the Laxey Wheel and much-needed repairs to the leaking roof at the Grove. We also took advantage of generous support from the Friends to conserve and restore the moulded porch at the Grove which has looked dreadful for many years. Both of these projects were on a large scale and we had no alternative but to close the sites while contractors were working. Indeed we think the scaffolding alone at the Laxey Wheel was the largest structure of its type ever built in the island. You’ll be able to see the difference at the Laxey Wheel – because of the new paint – but the impact will be more subtle at the Grove as we’ll have to let the interior dry out for a while before we can redecorate and upgrade any displays.

Talking of drying out! Possibly the most dramatic event of the year so far has been the move of the Peggy to new premises. This move has been years in the planning and it finally happened very quickly in a brief gap in the January gales. There are some great pictures and videos on our website and Facebook pages. At the moment she’s in an insulated box while we construct a workshop round her in her temporary home. Again I’m grateful for the support of the Friends who have committed £50,000 towards her immediate conservation. She’s going to spend some considerable time being dried out in very controlled circumstances during which we will be measuring, studying and examining her in a way we simply could not when she was cooped up in her cellar. Only then will we be able to plan her repair and restoration in detail. We’ll also continue to look at the Quayle story and ways to tell it again in Castletown. The Museum will re-open later in May with a new temporary gallery explaining the story so far.

Many people have asked me how much all this is going to cost and how they can help. That’s a good question and at the moment the answer is still emerging as we continue to look in depth at the boat, the archives and the museum buildings to see what our options are. What’s clear is that the combination of historic assets relating to George Quayle is internationally significant and we have a duty to deliver the best outcome we can in the years to come. If anyone does want to make a financial contribution now they would be most welcome but we will be giving Friends, and others, opportunities to support us in due course as we develop a formal fundraising strategy for Peggy and other projects this year. Something else you might be able to help with is a new exhibition we want to host in collaboration with the Isle of Man Arts Council and Christies. Called Secret Treasures: 20th Century British and Irish Art on the Isle of Man we aim to open at the Manx Museum on 17th October to 28th November 2015. The aim is to bring together for the first time the finest collections of Modern British and Irish Art on the Isle of Man held in private collections to display at the Manx Museum. We are extremely fortunate to have secured the knowledge and skills of Andre Zlattinger – Head of the Modern British Department at Christies London – who will curate the show. Do you have a piece or collection that you would be willing to lend (anonymously if you like) for exhibition at the Manx Museum? Do let Nicola know if you’d like to be involved.

And finally, I want to remind you that the outstanding exhibition telling the story of the Island during World War 1, This Terrible Ordeal, closes on 11th April. It has been a real privilege to tell these stories and I’d like you to make sure you take every opportunity to tell people not to miss the show.

Also look out for History in Heels, a new way of looking at Island stories around seven of our sites this year. Look for the Pink!

With best wishes,

Edmund Southworth Director MEMBERS EVENTS PROGRAMME 2015

APRIL SATURDAY 18TH - HAPPY HOLIDAYS By good fortune the Island’s heyday was captured by film makers. Come and enjoy an afternoon watching three wonderfully nostalgic films dating from 1939. Time: 2.30pm Venue: House of Manannan Max 60 Free

MAY THURSDAY 7TH - HISTORY IN HEELS: DOT MEETS MADAM PRESIDENT Our very own Dot Tilbury chats with The President of the Hon Clare Christian. Definitely more Parkinson than Paxman this will be a fun evening, with dinner, the odd song and suffragettes to boot. A great Manx alternative to UK election night! Time: 7pm Venue: Sound Café Max 76 Welcome drink, 2 course dinner and coffee £20 pp

TUESDAY 12TH - THE CHURCHES OF OLD RAMSEY Frank Cowin will take us on a Historical and Architectural tour of the Churches of Old Ramsey. Including differing denominations comparing their layouts. Time: 2.30pm Meet at St Paul’s Church Ramsey Max 25 Free

MONDAY 18TH - WISH YOU WERE HERE Join Katie King (MNH curator) for a film afternoon, with a compilation of tourism films from the MNH archive to celebrate the re-launch of the Exploratorium gallery which for 2015 will take a ‘Seaside Holiday’ theme. Time: 2.30pm Venue: Manx Museum Lecture Theatre Max 180 Free MEMBERS EVENTS PROGRAMME 2015 JUNE WEDNESDAY 17TH - THE PEGGY: A visit to the new conservation facility at Cooil Smithy, with Chris Weeks (MNH Conservator), to see The Peggy and hear about the plans for her. Please note the facility is cold and there is no seating. Please wear appropriate footwear, warm clothing and bring a sitting stool if you tire easily. Time: 11.00am & 2pm Venue: Joining instructions on booking a place Max 20 Free

SATURDAY 27TH & SUNDAY 28TH - THE BAKING TECHNIQUES OF OUR ANCESTORS... AN AFTERNOON AT NOA BAKEHOUSE: During this workshop we will be given a small potted history of bread making techniques of our ancestors, prior to manufactured yeast, and an overview of the health benefits and processes used at Noa. During this workshop you will have the opportunity to work and shape a Sourdough loaf, bringing a resting basket and a loaf home to bake the next morning; make a Noa sconnag, Noa’s modern twist on a bonnag; how to mix, shape and bake sourdough bagels. A 20 min break will include tea, coffee and biscuits/cakes. Time: 2-6pm Venue: Noa Bakehouse Max 9 £45 pp

JULY SUNDAY 5TH – SATURDAY 11TH FLOWER FESTIVAL: Theme ‘Our Community – Georgian Invention’. Nautical Museum, Castletown. Please come and enjoy the floral displays by Friends of Manx National Heritage volunteers and uncover the story of the inventive genius George Quayle and his most significant surviving creation Peggy, the earliest example of a British 18th century yacht. Find out what the recent archaeological excavations revealed about Georgian and nautical life in Castletown including the 18th century working dock George Quayle designed. Opening times: Daily: 10am – 4pm Limited wheelchair access. Access to the boat cellar, and viewing platform of the dock via staircase only. Free entry MEMBERS EVENTS PROGRAMME 2015

WEDNESDAY 8TH - WATERLOO – A WALK ACROSS THE BATTLEFIELD: In the bicentenary year of the battle, Alex Downie OBE will share stories of the events in June 1815 which defined European history, and will show examples of the weapons used. Time: 2.30pm Venue: iMuseum2 Max 40 Free

WEDNESDAY 15TH - TOUR OF THE WW1 GRAVES IN BRADDAN CEMETERY WITH CAROLINE MCDONALD: Meet at the gate beside the Baillie Scott Office to the Cemetery. Park outside the Old Church, in the layby (not near the school) and walk up the hill to the entrance. Please take care when crossing the road. Time: 3pm Venue: Braddan Cemetary Max 20 Free

MONDAY 20TH TO THURSDAY 23RD - ART AND CRAFT FUNDRAISING AUCTION AT ARBORY CHURCH, BALLABEG: All the art and crafts will be on display from Monday 20th July until the evening reception on the 23rd July. A chance to place bids until the final hour at the reception on the 23rd July. Refreshments will be available throughout the week and at the evening reception. Time: Monday 20th July to Wednesday 10am – 7pm. Thursday open throughout the day from 10am followed by a Reception at 6.30pm. Auction announcement at 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAY 29TH - THE QUAYLES OF BRIDGE HOUSE, CASTLETOWN: Wendy Thirkettle (MNH archivist) will be introducing some fascinating details emerging from the family’s papers. Time: 11am Venue: Manx Museum Seminar room Max 60 Free MEMBERS EVENTS PROGRAMME 2015

AUGUST WEDNESDAY 12TH - HISTORY IN HEELS: A GUIDED- WALK WITH CURATOR JUDE DICKEN (MNH CURATOR) Following in the footsteps of the women who made Mann. Exploring the History in Heels pop-ups at the Old Grammar School, the Old and Castle Rushen. Time: 2pm Venue: Meet at the Old Grammar School Max 25

SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 17TH - ‘STORIES IN THE STONES’: A visit to MNH’s large object store with Andrew Johnson (MNH Curator) to see a number of Manx stone crosses from the collections. Please note the store is cold and there is no seating. Please wear appropriate footwear, warm clothing and bring a sitting stool if you tire easily. Time: 2pm Venue: Large object store Balthane Max 20 Free

OCTOBER THURSDAY 22ND - STORIES BEHIND THE ART: Join Yvonne Cresswell (Curator of Social History) for a tour of the recently rehung National Art Gallery and discover some of the fascinating and intriguing stories behind the artwork on display. Time: 11am Venue: Manx Museum Art Gallery Max 35 Free

WEDNESDAY 28TH - RUSHEN – A ROYAL VIKING ABBEY: Dr Peter Davey will share his ideas about the origins and significance of Rushen Abbey together with some of the results of the most recent excavations. Time: 11am Venue: iMuseum2 Max 40 Free Volunteers needed … Can you help?

We are really grateful to everyone who volunteers to help FMNH. Your contribution greatly assists our work and without you we couldn’t achieve all that we do. We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers.

Please fill in the details below if you would like to give some time to help the work of FMNH. It can be rewarding and fun! More information and times will be confirmed nearer the time of the event.

Name ......

Address ......

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Members’ Events List and

Volunteer Programme 2013/14 Issue 2

Tel: 01624 824137

Website: www.friendsofmnh.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmnh

E-mail: [email protected] PLEASE TICK THE BOX WITH ANY AREAS YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP WITH:

Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd July. Art and Crafts Fund Raising Auction at Arbory Church, for FMNH and the Quilliam Group. We are asking for donations of art and craft work which will go on display for four days with information about each artist donor if they so wish. The Church will be manned at all times and the venue will be open to the public. We hope that by donating a piece of work not only will the charities benefit but it will also give an opportunity for artists to be seen by a different audience. Please feel free to leave business cards, flyers etc. which the volunteers manning the exhibition can give out as requested. There is no need to frame pieces of art work and studies would be welcomed rather than completed pieces of work if that is preferred. Nicola can collect.

Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd July. Assist with stewarding at Arbory Church for the Art exhibition.

Isle of Man Flower Festival After the success of FMNH’s involvement with the flower festival in 2014, FMNH is taking part again at The Nautical Museum. Anyone able to donate funds for flowers from Longs in Douglas, or provide flowers from their own garden.

FMNH Trailer Are you interested in helping to man the FMNH Trailer? We are looking for volunteers who would be able to assist at the following venues. Sound café - dates to be confirmed. Tynwald Day – Monday 6th July Royal Show – Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August

ASSISTING AT MNH EVENTS

Are you interested in helping with crafts, stewarding, assisting at exhibition launches, and general assistance? FMNH will contact you with more information as and when details are given.

Crafts Stewarding Exhibition Launches General Assistance

Some confirmed dates:

Monday 6th April - Egg rolling Cregneash – Assist with stewarding and crafts

May Day, 4th May, 12 noon to 4pm helping with croish curns and crafts.

Thursday 30th July, 2 – 4 pm assist with a bug hunt at Cregneash Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August, Wartime at Cregneash. Crafts Stewarding Car park

Saturday 31st October Hop tu Naa, Cregneash. Crafts Stewarding Car park

Monday 2nd – Friday 6th November, Turn up for turnips, Cregneash Crafts

REQUESTS FROM MNH Bench painting. FMNH members did an excellent job 2/3 years ago painting a number of benches. FMNH would really like to set up a system of “adopting” benches that individuals/groups could keep in good condition and report back any other maintenance required. Materials would be provided. Here is the list below. Please do contact Nicola for further information. Castle Rushen Chasms Dhoon Eary Cushlin Gob ny Rona Laxey Wheel Manx Museum Maughold Brooghs Maughold Head Peel Castle Sound towards Spanish Head

SUPPORTING MNH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Assisting with preparation for their Schools workshop days. Anthea runs a great programme and FMNH are delighted to support her. Workshops are at the Manx Museum or House of Manannan at 10.30am.

Wednesday 8th April Manx Museum

Assisting the Education Department with schools days From Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May, assisting at Cregneash with making croish curn and crafts

From Monday 11th to Friday 15th May, craft activities at the Grove FRIENDS OF MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE BOOKING FORM 2014 / 2015

Fill in the booking form and return with your cheque, made payable to FMNH, to: Mrs N Pemberton, FMNH, Ballachrink Mill, Santon, IM4 1HE

NB: to save on postage WE DO NOT SEND OUT TICKETS. We will contact you if you are not successful. Events on a “first come, first served” basis.

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Date Event Price No’s Cost Sat 18 April Happy Holidays Free Thu 7 May Dot Meets Madam President £20 Tue 12 May The Churches Free Mon 18 May Wish You Were Here Free Wed 17 June The Peggy Free Peggy: 11am 2pm (please tick preference) Sat 27 June Noa Bakehouse £45 Sun 28 June Noa Bakehouse £45 Wed 8 July Waterloo Free Wed 15 July Braddan Cemetery Free Wed 29 July The Quayles Free Wed 12 Aug History in Heels Walk Free Thu 17 Sep Stories in the Stones Free Thu 22 Oct Stories Behind the Art Free Wed 28 Oct Dr Peter Davey Free

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