John Kennaugh was our January speaker. This multi-talented man was speaking about one of his great loves and influences on his life – T.E.Brown.

John began by referring to T.E.Brown’s statue overlooking the law courts –one of the very few public statues on the Island and to the well-known portrait that graced all of the Island’s schools. A framed example from the Ward Library was beside him, as he spoke. This was not to be a scholarly address, we were told, but rather the effect the writer had on the heart of the speaker. By inference, this effect was there to be shared by any of Brown’s readers or listeners.

Brown’s father was vicar in old St Matthew’s, surrounded by a dreadful slum. Fortunately, they moved out to Braddan before the cholera epidemic that killed so many. The glebe land, forming part of the living, was farmed by a splendid Scot who had a total conviction in God and eternal salvation. Not only did this influence Brown all his life but, by way of his writings and example, has been transmitted over the years to our speaker and will continue into future generations. The youngster spent much time assisting in all aspect of farm work, building up the knowledge displayed in published works.

In 1894, Brown lectured in the very building we were in, the Centenary Centre, as reported by the Peel City Guardian. Another link was to John’s own farm, where Brown and his family used to holiday.

When John visited Clifton College, Bristol, where Brown taught for so many years, he was delighted to be told by a member of staff that he was not just remembered there, but “Revered!”

Like Brown, John finds climbing a hill and surveying the view, cuts problems down to size. He referred us to the poem, ‘Mary Quayle’ in this context. Do read it and more!

Next meeting, A.G.M. plus Open Forum, Tuesday, 21^st February, 7.30pm

When Allison Fox, Curator of Archaeology at Manx National Heritage promised members of Peel Heritage Trust that she would cover 10 000 years of the Islands history in 60 minutes, she meant it!

Sam Knight introduced Allison who looked much more like Doctor Who’s attractive assistant rather than the Time Lord, himself, fired us off with great confidence and aplomb, with the aid of a 21^st century Power Point presentation. She explained that all the images we would see are either in M.N.H.s collection or visible in outdoor sites.

Starting with the Palaeolithic, the Ice Age of 8-9 000 BC, there were no signs of human life in the Isle of Man, however, the Great Elk who isn’t really an elk, was here. It was about this time when we weren’t sure whether or not we wanted to be an island, with a land bridge coming and going, for a while. Some Sea Cat passengers, in winter, may wonder if we made the right choice! Anyhow, these Great Deer go back 13 000 years and lasted for 1500 years but did not overlap with humans.

8 000 – 4 000 BC saw the arrival of the first humans – the hunter gatherers. We find their flint tools, made front flints washed ashore at Jurby, north.

We then hit the Neolithic period with lovely stone axe heads imported from Iceland and Ireland. The amount of travelling and trading that early man engaged in is astounding. One stone, jadeite has been identified as coming from Monaco. Simple pottery has also been found, showing increasing craft skills.

A number of buried items, showing a confidence in the after-life, indicated strong religious beliefs. Small, round pebbles were thought to indicate the forgiveness of sins. This link between pre-Christian and Christian belief is a fascinating study in itself – perhaps a suitable subject for a future cathedral lecture.

The Bronze Age rushed into view at 2 000 – 600 BC. Gold was worked, as well, and we saw an artefact from Andreas. Bronze tools were a great improvement, eclipsed by the Iron Age, 600BC – 1265 AD. Apart from the sharper tools, weapons were also sharper and the increase aggression is shown by the increase in the number of defensive sites.

The arrival of Christianity produced the most dramatic and still enduring influence. The fine crosses were referred to with illustrations of some of the finest examples.

The next period was a tea –break to get our breath back.

The Viking period was well covered, with some of the treasures from Peel displayed. Some of the gold items found in surrounding areas were 98% pure. All finds should be reported to the police and M.N.H., of course!

Anglo-Saxon coins from London and Winchester are in the museum showing continued trade.

All too quickly, Thomas Stanley, Henry Tudor and Cistercian monks flashed by, followed by a reference to our maritime history.

Thank you Allison. Come back soon.

Although these cars are from the 1960s, they are still internationally famous as the world’s smallest production car. Two versions were built – the P50 single-seater and the more - sporty looking 2-seater Trident, with its distinctive Perspex bubble. Both, however, have the same D.K.W. engine of a mere 50ccs! The total number built is rather unclear but does not exceed 200. Of these, 51 are on the club register and of these, an amazing 21 were at the rally, including the one flown in from Nashville and one from Austria.

Friday the 22^nd July saw the appropriate number of 50 visitors plus M.T.M.G. committee members setting off to Douglas on the service bus to Douglas, via distant, scenic parts of the Island such as Foxdale and St Marks, to Green’s restaurant for coffee, (thanks to Nigel Kermode), at the railway station. I.O.M. Transport kindly extended the route for us and even supplied a Trident bus, to members’ delight.

Our party was given a wonderful tour of the railway workshops by Colin Goldsmith before we headed off to Laxey, via chartered horse tram and electric tram. Lunch was at Brown’s – a change of colour – and a great ride on a special steaming of the Laxey Mines Railway. Our thanks to driver Andrew Scarffe and his team! This was a first for me and is highly recommended. I..O.M. Tours returned us to Peel for a tremendous evening reception in QE2.

A welcoming drink, with the help of my fellow amateur barman, Mike Crellin, preceded a great performance by the dancing girls of the Western School of Dance and a fine rendition of the Flanders and Swann ‘Transport of Delight’ (a London bus), by  Jim, Howard and Howard Caine. Wild applause greeted both groups. We then enjoyed a fine supper from our good friends, Nicki and Nigel Kermode.

The evening closed with a remarkable power-point presentation by George Gelling, former workshop foreman of Peel Engineering, who built the Peel 50 cars. The archive film and photo footage was fascinating and, as many of the manufacturing team were also present, visitors had a unique opportunity to ask questions.

Saturday was set to be a great challenge to the micro-cars. We set off by coach to the T.T. grandstand for a lap of the T.T. course by those who wished to attempt it. This was videoed, as was much of the three days. Our Tours driver, David, gave us an outstanding commentary on not just the scenery and local history but also the racing lines and speeds. We managed to sustain a steady 30 mph at the end of a remarkable convoy making world history. Our own Leyland National bus was a support vehicle as were a few vans and trailers – just in case!

First stop was at Kirk Michael where we were guests of Tony East to view his outstanding collection of gorgeous motorcycles. His kindness was supplemented by coffee and cakes sold on behalf of the T.T. Riders’ Association. What a terrific treat! Thank you for such a welcome!

We had lunch in the Mooragh Park café with the cars on display next to the café. This was possible, thanks to the Ramsey Commissioners. The town also assisted in our ‘wrong way’ trip over the swing bridge for the film. Our passage up Parliament Street attracted much attention and surprised faces before the great challenge – the mountain!

Remember that the engines are only 50cc and the some of the Tridents had two people, but they surged up to the Bungalow for a photo-call. Nine out of ten raced over the finishing line with Chris Machin, the M.T.M.G. chairman, waving the chequered flag. Well done!

Sunday, of course, was the Peel Rally in the overflow car park of the House of Manannan. As always, our thanks to M.N.H..

The usual sunshine showed off the P50’s and the dozens of other fine cars and motor cycles to perfection. We were graced by crowds of visitors –  into the thousands. The site and parade route was packed.

The famous film about the Peel cars, with commentary by the late John Peel, was re-enacted. The cars lined up outside the Peel Engineering works, before processing across the river bridge and a photo call outside the old showrooms, just opposite, on the riverbank. One car even completed the old test run up Peel Hill.

The raffles to help us fund the purchase of a Peel 50 for the Manx Transport Museum were highly successful. The gold pendant, generously donated by Celtic Gold, is already gracing the neck of a delightful local girl and the two sets of ‘Tea for Two’ with Sir Norman Wisdom are now arranged. Sir Norman made the draws, himself, and tried out a P50 and Trident for size. He led an impromptu sing song, including his signature tune and, appropriately, ‘I’m for ever blowing bubbles’.

The event ended with a grand parade along the prom with Sir Norman standing in an open-topped Riley, waving to the cheering crowds. The evening dinner in The Marine rounded off a remarkable three days. What a privilege to be in Peel!

If you would like to be part of this exciting world, just contact the indefatigable Sam Knight on 842448 or me, on 842541.

The Transport Museum is open every week-end through the summer. The Trust’s next meeting is at Castle Rushen on Tuesday, 13^th September. Meet at the side gate near the ‘Glue Pot’ for a prompt 7.30pm start.

back to top

As yet, being unable to be in two places at once, I had to miss this walk led by our very own Sam Knight. However, seeing family and old school friends plus a visit to the amazing Arts and Crafts exhibition in the Victoria and Albert Museum was some consolation!

Sam told me that more than fifty people thoroughly enjoyed the walk along the old track bed from St John’s to St Germains’s, (yes, the old spelling!) This included two former employees of Isle of Man Railways – Ian Watson and retired driver, Geoffrey Kelly. The latter fired the engine of the last train to run on this line. He did more than this as he also fired the wooden station building at Peel Road, on company instructions. This was very much in line with officialdom’s continuing determination to wipe out much of the Island’s inheritance. Hurrah for enthusiastic amateurs who have managed to save so much!

The surviving remains of St John’s station buildings were explored, as was the terminus of the Manx Northern Railway and the Foxdale Railway, taken over by The Isle of Man Railway in 1904. The site of the turntable and the remains of the bridge that once carried the Foxdale Line over the main road were also investigated.

It may well be that one of the last items to run on the Foxdale line was when a plate-layers’ truck, propelled by pumping a crank handle, hurtled down from Foxdale, screeched round the tight curve over the bridge before coming to rest in the old station. This uncontrolled missile was, apparently, in the incapable hands of my wife Helen with her trusting sisters, Joan and Dinah! Does anyone know what happened to this truck, please? The three girls are still fine!

During the walk, Sam referred to a concrete 3-legs of Man that was in the hedge behind Peel Road Station. Ian Watson admitted to having removed this, painted it white and put it on display at Castletown Station where it may still be viewed. Have a look when you get the opportunity. Enjoy a train ride as well.

St Germain’s Halt has been most sensitively restored and enhanced as a lovely home. This is one glorious example of a successfully re-cycled building so that its history lives on for future generations to enjoy. All is not doom and gloom in this area, as a goodly number of barn and other conversions bear witness. The trick is to employ a good conservation architect and to consult with the Conservation Section in the Planning Department from the outset.

At the end of the walk, the Manx Transport Museum’s Group preserved bus was available for the run back to Peel. Many, many thanks to all concerned!

Our next event is Sunday, 24^th July when we join with our good friends, the Manx Transport Museum Group for the annual rally. This is, as in previous years, in the House of Manannan overflow car park from 10.30am to the concluding parade along the prom at 4.00pm.

This is just part of a remarkable event when more than twenty of the famous world’s smallest production car will return to the place of their birth. The Peel 50’s and 2-seater Tridents will be with us from the 21^st July. Details of their programme were in the Examiner of 7^th June and will be repeated nearer the time.

The M.T.M.G. is intending to buy a working example for around £8 000. If you or your company would like to be associated with this exceedingly rare heritage opportunity (only 50 or so were built), give Sam Knight a ring on 842448. In any event, make sure that you’re there. Sadly, the Traditional Boat Weekend has been sunk by continuing delays on the harbour scheme but there will still be lots to enjoy in the Manx heartland that is Peel.

John Slater

back to top

Sunday the 15^th May saw the first of Peel Heritage Trust’s outdoor trips of the year. Fifty of us, including two American’s, who were researching their family history, were greeted by Paul Lemaire at Foxdale School. Pleasantly warm and sunny, despite the high altitude, compared to Peel, we set off to explore something of the remarkable industrial archaeology of the area. It struck me that if it wasn’t for the likes of Paul and the accompanying members of the newly burgeoning heritage trust, this would all be lost.

Paul pointed out that the new Foxdale School is actually built over two mine- shafts. Let’s hope that this wonderful building does not suddenly become a ‘sink school’! No, this must have been checked out.

We walked up to the old school where Paul reminisced about its war time years when all the children had vegetable plots that they tended and then, in due season, enjoyed. I doubt whether the National Curriculum allows for that sort of learning. Here we paused to look at photographs of the old spoil heaps, called the ‘deads’. Even I remember these being re-worked for any useful remains, including building materials.

St Pauls Church was built in 1874 by and for the miners and their families. We were privileged to view the chalice and paten, both made from silver from the local mines. Some of the graves were of particular interest, including that of Frances Quayle who ran a ‘Dame School’ in Lower Foxdale in 1896. These schools flourished all over Britain in the 19^th c. giving a basic education to poor children for something like 2d a week. I believe my grandfather went to one. The quality of the standard reached lives on in samplers and fine copper plate hand - writing. Children could calculate, were familiar with the bible and had a sound grasp of basic English, even if many did leave for work by the age of 9 or 10.

We investigated some of the miners’ cottages before venturing inside the world famous Foxdale Clock Tower. My wife, Helen, was one of the few who climbed the vertical ladder within. Paul, it seems, is the official clock winder, matched only by Big Ben in London.

We then visited the mines pay office just opposite the clock and then walked to Bawden’s mine-shaft near to Hitchen’s Removals. This is linked to other surrounding shafts. We looked at old engine housings and the remains of old haulage systems to rock crushers and other heavy machinery. What a lot of fun Foxdale Heritage will have in re-instating and interpreting this fantastic heritage, totally ignored, apparently, by the state. Will we live to see the first plume of smoke or hear the first whistle as the Foxdale train departs St Johns on its climb up, potentially, one of the most scenic lines in the British Isles?

The old powder house, where explosives for blasting were stored, was reached in between laps by talented, young motor -cyclists, girls as well as boys, learning how to control their machines and have a thoroughly good time. There were plenty of adults on hand, all keenly involved. How children thrive when given the opportunity. No need for fierce policing and restrictve orders in this lively community.

The remains of great water wheel casings were examined. Just like Laxey, in a more advanced state of restoration, one could sense the frantic activity of all the thousands who had once worked there. Videos and books on mines and mining in the Island are readily available and are well worth studying. They will encourage more people to go out and to learn about what is under their feet – literally!

We concluded by being entertained in the old railway station which will, I think, be the wonderful headquarters of the Foxdale Heritage Trust, the most recent in our rapidly growing family. When our chairman thanked Paul on all our behalves, he also wished the trust well. They will be a great success. Luckily, we have been invited back for a second visit to explore the valley down to Lower Foxdale. This we look forward to, even though it will have to wait for our programme, next year.

Our next meeting will, once again be out in the glorious Manx sunshine. Meet at the Farmers’ Arms in St Johns at 2.00pm on Sunday 19^th June, to walk along the old Manx Northern Railway track bed. Can you name the four stations we will explore? This will be a wonderful trip so do come. Return transport to St Johns will be provided. Everyone is welcome, so put it on the calendar right away.

John Slater

back to top

Tom Cowell is a remarkable man. He is a wonderful speaker with a pleasant, light touch. Nonetheless, Tom’s knowledge of his subject and his commitment to Manx Heritage shines through.

Many of us thought that we had a good knowledge of historic Manx buildings however, long before the end of Tom’s illustrated talk on Manx Chapels, we found ourselves led into byways that were new to us and behind the facades of many conversions of varying quality from one end of the island to the other. Some of these were scarcely recognisable as former chapels, but Tom soon pointed out the clues, often adding his own memories of the buildings when they were in active use. Many of us are fired up to seek out these hidden gems ourselves.

It seems that Tom became alarmed, years ago, as chapel after chapel closed. He went beyond mere good intentions and made a point of recording as many as he could find, regardless of condition. Each was carefully photographed onto slide film with accompanying notes. Soon, gripped by the excitement of the chase, he then went in search of those already closed whether ruined, derelict, converted to houses, garages or even cowsheds. Each and everyone had its own slice of social history or architectural feature, of note.

Something I had never noticed was the distinctive square footprint of the northern chapels compared to a rectangular plan, elsewhere. How did this come about? Where’s the dividing line? Do give me a ring on 842541 if you have some information on this and I’ll try to include it in a future article.

In the course of chasing up chapels, with over 80 recorded, many wells were encountered. If I heard correctly, there are more than 340 accessible wells on he island, excluding ones on private property. I, for one, am stunned at the amount of activity by our forbears. Large construction works such as Baldwin Reservoir were referred to. Rail lines constructed for clay and stone, chapels, churches and wells constructed, many to house Irish workmen. Nothing changes in this respect!

In order to add a little variety, Tom included other buildings he had recorded before the official vandals smashed them into oblivion. The recent loss of the Church of the Sacred Heart at Pulrose was just one such sad example. Slides of the Royalty Cinema and the Villiers Hotel drew sighs of sadness. What are we building, today, that will evoke similar feelings of sadness at their loss?

The very large audience more than filled the Athol Room at the Centenary Centre. Indeed, we’ve vowed to only use the theatre for this kind of gathering, in future. However, no one seemed to mind and the vote of thanks was greeted with a roar of approval and applause. It was a wonderful evening and individuals have already been on the phone to say how much they appreciated Tom’s talk and this valuable work he has undertaken in recording the all-too rapid destruction of our heritage.

We have been fortunate in securing visas for Peel Heritage Trust to visit Foxdale. Meet in the school car park for a 2.00pm

tour of the surrounding historic area, led by Paul Lemaire, on Sunday the 15^th May. This promises to be a real treat. The last time we were there, to explore the old Foxdale line, we had more than 200 people! The hope is that Foxdale will be forming its own Heritage Trust. Ballaugh is under way and a whisper has drifted up the valley from St Johns. We may yet stand a chance of conserving the best of our past. We wish them all success and look forward to many joint ventures.

Just for the record, Helen, Tom and I have moved into the lovely cottage we have been waiting for, for several years, at 40 Patrick Street, Peel. We gaze out to the grounds of Heathfield House to the front and over the inner harbour and Peel Castle to the open sea, to the rear – joy unbounded!