You can’t turn your back for a moment, can you!  I was only off the Island for one week and found that I had been co-opted back onto the committee as press officer. I’m very pleased, of course, as I enjoy writing about the many fascinating events organised by Peel Heritage Trust.

Our last meeting was no exception. Tony Pass, recently retired Head of Properties at Manx National Heritage spoke to a very appreciative audience on heritage tourism and the part Manx National Heritage plays in this.

Tony sketched in something of his background as a qualified architect for 40 years, 35 of which were in heritage sites, here and in the North west of England. He had led works on the very first Co-operative Society building, in Toad Lane in Rochdale and on Liverpool Road Station, possibly the world’s oldest. This was celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the completion of the Liverpool – Manchester Railway. He’d also restored Wigan Pier on the Leeds – Liverpool Canal. Bernard Caine had, of course, commented on this in connection with our own Ramsey Pier, sadly languishing.

Coincidentally, the last job Tony tackled also had its 150^th anniversary whilst in his care – the Laxey Wheel. This was a ‘high’ in more ways than one!

Tony’s first voyage to the island was in 1952, aboard the Viking, which was already seven years older than the Titanic, but still alive and steaming well. A further visit in 1961 confirmed his love of the place and sealed his determination to live here, which took a mere 35 years to realise, coming to M.N.H. from the post of Director of buildings at U.M.I.S.T.

Over the years, there has been a massive increase in the number of sites and displays in the care of M.N.H. and in the philosophy of telling the Story of Mann as a comprehensive story. This has won international acclaim.

Many fascinating tales were told to the audience, including the way the Calf of Man was acquired. Apparently, a direct descendant of Charles Dickens overheard a conversation whilst travelling on a train to Manchester. He was a keen conservationist and was appalled to hear a syndicate discussing the building of a holiday camp on the Calf. He interrupted and said that he would pay £500 more than their best offer, provided that the deal was struck before the train terminated. In the event, they shook hands one station short of Manchester.

The House of Manannan was described as a ‘triumph of the late Ian Brown’, architect, because of the way that it grew out of the remains of the earlier railway station. At the same time, practical problems were legion. Tony was called out one Christmas Day, to find himself sweeping up the unsuitable slates that had blown off. Some of us remember the comments of the late Henry Colvin, local builder, about the unsuitable slates when they appeared on site! Architects could do worse than tap into local knowledge before launching into a project!

The recovery of Rushen Abbey was another major project. The work there is remarkable. Equally remarkable, of course, was its total neglect, for so long. People were literally dancing on the graves of the Kings of Mann. Would it be true to say that, elsewhere, they would have enjoyed fine tombs in a cathedral. If you have yet to visit this fascinating site in Balasalla, you have a treat in store. The ongoing archaeological digs are all visible to the public, together with guides.

The old House of Keys in Castletown was another project that has proved to be a great success, as was  the Calf Sound interpretation centre and café. This is a wonderful modern building. The work at Niarbyl in restoring the long-awaited café and car park and the cottages on the shore, are now in the hands of his successor.

As far as ‘heritage tourism’ is concerned, this scarcely existed in the 1960’s but is now a universal. Why is this? I quote our speaker - “ Heritage is a spin-off of headlong progress.” Previous generations lived much as their predecessors but from the Victorians on, there has been an exponential growth and change. This encourages us to look back at the past to seek some firm ground to stand on – a need for a sense of continuity and a sense of identity.

When I was teaching, I used to talk of the C.D.M. effect, (Cadbury’s Dairy Milk). There was a series of advertisements that showed all kinds of changes, such as aircraft, followed with the slogan that, whatever else happened in life, there was still a glass and a half of milk in every bar of their chocolate. The ad’ men had latched onto this need for a sense of security. The recent programmes on people tracing their ancestors, meets a similar need.

As far as tourism is concerned, there’s still much room to exploit the Island’s assets, but they are fragile. It might well be that any further or less sympathetic treatment might destroy what we are seeking to conserve. This presumes, of course, that the whole lot won’t be built over!

Tony sees the future of tourism in short breaks for specialist groups enjoying our vintage transport, ancient sites and remaining Victorian heritage. There is scope for further work here. Rail improvements to make rail a sensible commuting alternative to road, financing that part of tourism and reducing damage to the environment and frustrations of road travel.

The old slogan that ‘It’s our differences that make us different’ is still true. People are not going to pay disproportionately high fares to reach us to be stuck in similar traffic jams that they can be stuck in for nothing, at home. The same is true for urban sprawl. They can see that every time they  peer out of a plane window whilst flying over England’s once green and pleasant land.

Another interesting point made was that M.N.H. spend £5.5m of our money, each year, but with no publicly elected board of finance. Tony also felt that amateur groups such as heritage trusts should be given more support. This included the aviation museum and the Manx Transport museum, in Peel – local initiatives staffed by volunteers.

A cup of tea and masses of questions rounded off a fine evening.

Come and join us in the Centenary Centre, Peel on Tuesday, 19^th April at 7.30, when Tom Cowell will make a slide presentation of ‘The Chapels of Man.’ This will attract an island-wide audience so come early for a good seat.

John Slater            

I’ve been privileged to serve on this committee for a decade, including four years, in total, as chairman with an intervening two years as secretary. As a consequence, I have been well placed to play a part in the development and growth of the Trust. Coupled with this, of course, has been the physical growth of Peel and a marked change in its nature – from fishing and tourism to dormitory for Douglas.

This change is continuing, with plans for the redevelopment of East Quay and the footbridge and water retention scheme for the inner harbour almost complete. It would be useful to seek members’ views on this in item 7 of the agenda, as well as considering the impact of the increase in housing. Remember, we are charged “To promote, and to assist in promoting, the preservation, development and conservation of the buildings and amenities of Peel, and its history.”

As registered charity No 471, that is our task. This answers the question, some ask, as to why we are so concerned to study planning applications and to comment as appropriate. At the same time we are seeking to explore and record the past. This, to my regret, has not been our strong point. We desperately need help with this, not just with old buildings but also music, dance, literature and local customs. Please come forward during the evening if you can lend some help. Les Quilliam’s recently published Gazetteer of the Island is of great help. Do buy your own copy.

Avid readers of the column the Examiner allows us will have read that I have located an Island-based firm with ground radar and that the committee has agreed to an initial survey of suspected smugglers’ tunnels. A Mr Chris Morgan, a former owner of the Dumbell’s Bank in Castle Street has contacted me about tunnels there, as has a Mr Malcolm Teare with details of a tunnel from under his late Gran’s cottage, now demolished, at Spit Corner. She was called Brenda Kaighan and died in 1974. The access was down a vertical shaft and then crossed the river mouth to emerge, he says, on the seaward side of the castle. If anyone has any memory of this lady or the cottage, please see me later in the evening.

Needless to say, I’m trying to arrange access to both of these and other suspected routes, accompanied by the present owners and the people who have contacted me. As I said in the article, Bob Forster and Henry Colvin used to tease me about the tunnels. Perhaps all is about to be revealed. If you would like to help or have more information, please see me during the evening.

The 2004–5  programme was well-received, judging by the crowded meetings. Just skimming through the current list – April, From the Rooftops. Stewart Bennett’s head for heights and camera has given us all a wonderful archive of views of Peel – indeed, into secret places previously only enjoyed by the gulls. We ought to think of ways of producing a protected collection of such pictures as an historical record, lodged, perhaps, in the Leece Museum.

May’s walk up Michael Street with native guides Herbie Watterson and Harrison Quirk is already historic. Just think of the changes that have occurred since then.

June saw us in St Johns with John Kennaugh. We had such a good time with him and half of the village that we’re looking to a second trip to see some more.

Peel’s Secret Gardens, in July, was, once again, a huge success although a terrific amount of work for the sub-committee of Sam, Brian and my wife, Helen. If this is to be done, next year, we’ll certainly have to have an enthusiastic team in place, in good time. 

The August visit to the old House of Keys was great fun. Thanks to Dorothy Bridson, who had overcome technical problems with the normal presentation, we had a special tour and a visit to the Nautical Museum.

Meet the Commissioners in September was another great success and exceedingly lively. They have offered to organise a similar event this year, so be poised.

October Question Time on tourism was one of a number of our events that has been broadcast. My thanks to all who made that event so successful.

The November presentation on the Laxey Wheel to celebrate the 150^th anniversary was terrific. Many of you will have bought Andrew Scarffe’s fine book.

The Christmas party was so enjoyable. Thanks again to Nicki and Nigel and all the entertainers.

We had to postpone the January meeting on the I.O.M. in the 60’s and 70’s but this will be a treat to come – preferably without the gales.

I offer my warmest thanks to the officers and committee. We’ve had an anxious year with Sam, our indomitable secretary away for 3 months testing the excellence of Clatterbridge Hospital. Thankfully, he brought back a good report. I even had the opportunity, myself, to be grateful to our own hospital by having laser treatment on my eyes. Hurrah for modern medicine!

Other members of the team are an equal delight – Vic Bates and Nigel Kermode on production and reporters Jennifer Leece and Pip Phillips.

From the outset, I suggested that the Chairman and Secretary of Peel Heritage Trust, who own the title, should be ex-officio members of the Board. As I cease to be chairman, the Board has kindly agreed to my continuing, so I’ll still proof read and submit articles and photographs plus help where I can.

The last part of this evening, following refreshments, will be dedicated to a presentation by the editor, assisted no doubt by Board members. It is very important that the membership takes this opportunity to help in formulating future content and format. One thing is certain, and that is Eddie Leece’s crossword. This is very popular!

The paper is read Island-wide as the only independent Manx paper. Mark Kermode told me, last week, that he and many others “fell on it avidly!” This is both pleasing and a bit alarming, as it reminds us of the paper’s wide readership and of our responsibility. We are also conscious that we can’t support a whole series of events to cover legal expenses as recently done for an unfortunate poet and, dare we say, journalist. Once again, may I express my thanks to all of you for your support of the Trust and of Peel.

John Slater

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The committee finalised the arrangements for the A.G.M. We will follow the format of recent years, as it is always very popular, hence packed. The business part of the meeting will include the election of two members of the committee who retire by rotation. This year these are Mike Berry, who is happy to stand for re-election and me. I have completed my second term of two years as chairman, so I will not be eligible to serve for the coming year. This seems to be a good time not to seek re-election, although I have indicated that I would be happy to be co-opted and continue as Press Officer if the new committee so wishes.

By custom and popular request, the second part of the meeting is an open forum when members can discuss the works and programme of the previous year and offer suggestions as to what they would like to see done in the ensuing year. This section often includes offers of help and support. Some of our best activities, including our biennial Secret Gardens, were born as a result of this part of the meeting. Do come armed with suggestions. Write them down, in advance, so that you don’t forget.

A refreshment break will be followed by a presentation by the illustrious editor of the Peel City Guardian, Dr Malcolm Hannan. He will be reviewing the first year of publication since the paper entered our ownership. He will refer to not just purpose, policy, content and style but will also invite debate. Any paper is only as good as its contributors and what better contributors are there to this locally owned and produced paper than your good-selves?

The outgoing committee always draws up a draft programme, for the coming year, for ratification by the new committee. Sam Knight, our noble secretary since the birth of the Trust, possibly the dawn of time, has assembled a wondrous mix of suggested events. These are a starting point and members will have every opportunity of adjusting these during the open forum session.

I am very pleased that the committee has authorised me to make use of a firm that I happened upon, that should help us to settle, once and for all, the presence of Peel’s Smugglers Tunnels. They are called Manx Investigative Site Surveys – new to me but not to the Island, the owner, Peter Thaw tells me. The late Bob Forster and Henry Colvin used to rag me, unmercifully, because of my belief in these passages and my confidence in my dowsing rods. I would love to get this settled before I join them! If you have any ideas about the routes of the tunnels, please ring me on 842541 and I can complete a list of possible sites to explore with ground radar.

We spent a while, in committee, studying recent planning applications and digressed a little into considering the effects of storm damage. The rule of thumb seems to be, the newer the property, the greater the damage. Why do lessons have to be relearned, the hard way, by successive generations? Local materials and traditional design, skills and care in construction are the key. They have evolved for their setting. Enough said!

Last year saw the first ever rise in subscriptions to cover increased postage and production costs of the newsletter. In order to maintain the sanity of Harrison Quirk, our trusty treasurer, please check that your standing orders are adjusted to £5 for single membership and £8 for a family. Please do this, directly, otherwise you’ll be wondering why no newsletter arrives!

The A.G.M. is in the Philip Christian centre on Tuesday, 8^th February at 7.30 pm. New members are very welcome as are volunteers to help with our many projects. We look forward to seeing you for this lively, annual gathering.

John Slater

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We are settling down very comfortably in our new base in the Centenary Centre in Atholl Street, Peel. Most of our indoor meetings will be there. It’s just as well that the main theatre was available for Andrew Scarffe’s slide presentation - it was packed. Not only did we have our usual crowd of members and guests but we also had the pleasure of entertaining a goodly crowd of Andrew’s ‘groupies’ from Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust.

Sam Knight, our secretary, said in his introduction, this was particularly pleasing as he and I had been invited, some years ago, by Steve Rodan, MHK to help in the re-launch of their Trust.  Their tremendous success in organising the 150^th anniversary of the Laxey wheel, named after the then Lt Governor’s wife, Lady Isabella, is now legendary.

The opening slide was of the Laxey Valley in the snow. This highlighted the wheel and some of the vast range of buildings and the remains of once-frantically busy areas. It also made me think of how seldom we see snow. If this is partly due to climate change due to the burning of fossil fuels, we might well construct more splendid water wheels to generate our power and drive our industries. History has a habit of being cyclical.

We learned that 50% of Britain’s Zinc, at one time, was being mined here in addition to Lead and other metals. Not too much Silver, unfortunately. Of course, even quantities of Gold are found in Manx rivers but, as yet, no Gold rush!

Robert Casement, the wheel’s creator, lived in a succession of houses in Laxey and we saw slides of each.

The slides of early photographs were of particular interest, particularly of the original opening ceremony. This was recently re-created with actors and children from the village plus two bands and Victorian garbed crowds. It looked and sounded authentic and was tremendous fun as well as bringing history alive.

The mine plans gave some idea of their vast extent – deeper than the height of Snaefell and stretching for miles and miles chasing the valuable metals. Given that workings were lower than sea level, it is hardly surprising that pumping out water was a constant problem. Lady Isabella’s role in this was clear and she remains a living testimony to her designer, builders and successions of engineers who have cared for her. Fortunately, she is now safely in the hands of Manx National Heritage.

A tremendous amount of work has been done to the lady, particularly in the 1990s and again, right up to her anniversary. M.N.H. can only be congratulated on this staggering effort, including replacement timbers, iron rocker and bearings. Would that we could be re-built to such a degree of perfection. Is it possible that Ramsey Pier might soon sparkle lustrously in the bay? Might that really be a paddle steamer drawing alongside a new berthing head or is it all a dream?

Not content with leading the way in the 150th anniversary celebrations, Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust has actually been involved in the re-building of the two mine steam locomotives, Ant and Bee. Track has been laid from the washing floors through the tunnel under the road and heads towards the mine. Replica trucks have been made and a special passenger coach built. This just fits the tunnel. The problems with all the accompanying permissions were awesome but all overcome. If you haven’t seen them, go and have a look and marvel.

On top of all of this, Andrew has written a large, hardbound book on Laxey Wheel. It is readily obtained in bookshops and at MNH outlets. At less than £20, it’s a miracle. You’ll need a large Christmas stocking but this book has to be on your wish list.

It was hard to find adequate words to thank Andrew for not only a wonderful talk but also for his work on the wheel’s celebrations. The Laxey Mine’s Group who explore and map the mines is also to be admired. We were delighted to see Charles Guard slip in for a while from another event. His video of mining in the Island is another ‘must’. 

Our next event is the Christmas party on Tuesday the 14^th December. Give Pam Quine a ring on 842234 if you haven’t got your ticket, yet. This will be held in the Atholl Room of the Centenary Centre. Nicky and Nigel are doing the catering so not to be missed.

May I be the first to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas!

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This is the second year that Peel Heritage Trust has arranged a meeting to enable members and Commissioners to meet with each other and to discuss matters affecting the town. This was in the format of ‘Any Questions’ and, once again, as Chairman, I was cast as the Dimbleby of the occasion.

The banqueting hall of the Creg Malin Hotel was so full that we had to delay the start to gather more and more chairs. Committee member, Chris Littler, who devised and runs both our websites had the Peel Town Commissioners website running and projected onto a large screen. Both sites are well worth a visit and receive thousands of ‘hits’ from all round the world. Do have a look. As well as news and information, there are photographs, walks and published articles. This presentation was much appreciated by the audience who, spontaneously, clapped as Chris entered the room.

After the Commissioners had introduced themselves and indicated their areas of interest, we were launched into parking problems. With such a large panel I soon realised that not everyone could speak on each topic and give the questioner and audience members a chance to be involved. I hit on a rough kind of mix and match process for the rest of the meeting and this seemed to work pretty well.

Space precludes a detailed response to all the questions but Peter Leadley, Town Clerk had kindly taped the whole discussion – all two hours! We will be sending one copy to Sam Knight, our much-missed secretary who is half way through his treatment at Clatterbridge Hospital. He is doing well, is in good spirits and thanks all his well-wishers. Other copies will be for our records and for the benefit of the Commissioners to analyse the welter of information.

From the outset, parking problems dominated the discussions. It is seen to be so severe that it is strangling the life out of the shops and deterring new residents on the periphery from using the excellent facilities in the centre. To be told that central government had blocked the construction of a two storey car park was the last straw. Members were insistent that this be pursued with even more vigour and determination.

Improved street cleaning and a wish for improved behaviour from a noisome minority of youngsters roaming the streets were also high on the agenda. Many people are working together to seek solutions to both problems.

There is still much anxiety about the apparent lack of infrastructure for the new estates. Even if buildings are set aside for medical and social provision, these are useless without the necessary staff to meet the needs of hundreds of new families. If I understood the Commissioners, correctly, it was suggested that the costs of maintaining the new areas is greater than the rate income. If this is the case, it suggests that the old town is subsidising the new. This will have to be corrected, even if it does mean an increase in rates.

The meeting ended on a lighter note when I presented each of the panel with a copy of Hanneke’s latest publication, as a thank you. This is a blow by blow account of the setting up of the Commissioners over a century ago and their version of an election and responses to the burning issue of their day – drains. Copies will be available from the Leece Museum. It has a strangely familiar ring. Time seems to have changed little.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday the 12^th  October in the Centenary Centre in Atholl Street at 7.30pm. Tourist chiefs will be in a panel answering questions on tourism. It will be chaired by Roger Watterson for later broadcast on Manx Radio. Anyone, Island-wide, particularly if involved in the tourist industry, is welcome to attend. This affects us all from the quality of hotels, restaurants and shops to public provision such as toilets, medical care and parking. Do be in your seats in good time armed with your questions, concerns and even the occasional moment of praise!

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Sometimes it's good to be taken by surprise and this was certainly true for Peel Heritage Trust's recent visit to Castletown.

We were booked in to the Old House of Keys to take part in a re-enactment of a sitting of the House of Keys in Victorian times. However, a notice at the entrance announced that the electronic, interactive devices had failed but we were welcome to a guided tour of the building.

In the event, Manx National Trust pulled out all the stops, offering any without membership, free admission to, not only the Old House of Keys, the Nautical Museum and the castle, but also a promise of another session when the system was back in service. They gave us a wonderful time, surpassing all expectations.

Philip, suitably attired in tail coat and winged collar, showed us the building before sitting us down in the debating chamber where we had a wonderfully illuminating question and answer session interlaced with a sense of humour that would have got him banged up in the dungeons along with a former editor of the Isle of Man Times! The accompanying photograph shows us in action at this very special session.

One thing is certain, we are all coming back for a 'normal' sitting. I cannot recommend it too strongly.

We then progressed to the Nautical Museum where guide Billy kept us informed and full of laughter for over an hour. Manx National Heritage is fortunate in having such 'naturals' to bring these sites to life. Indeed, all the guides we have enjoyed over the years in all the manned sites harness enthusiasm and personal skills to bring the past to life, and this was certainly the case on these two visits.

Many of us had been round the Nautical Museum but never like this. We marvelled at sliding panels, peered into secret passages, up chimneys, down hatches and learnt the secrets of the complex safe mechanism of the adjoining bank safe. The walled up smuggling craft, The Peggy, is of world importance. This is not just because of its success in its lucrative, clandestine operations but because it was the first European vessel with a retractable centre- board.

Being a party from Peel, there was much informed discussion about boats, ships and fishing. Long may this industry continue! The new Minister, I know, will do his utmost to ensure that the Island's fishing fleet and its ports are not consigned to a museum, however brilliantly they are displayed.

On behalf of Peel Heritage Trust, our warmest thanks to Manx National Heritage and to our hosts in Castletown, in particular!

The next meeting of the Trust is 'Meet the Commissioners'. This is in the Creg Malin Hotel at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 7 th September. It is open to all.

Just to remind the commissioners, all newly elected, of their promises, their manifestos will be displayed. Do bring along questions and comments on any matters relating to local government, including concerns and ideas about possible reorganisation.

Last year's event was totally civilized and the nervous faces on some of the commissioners was soon replaced with relief as they realised that they were not on trial! This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to get together, to get to know each other better and to ensure that we are all working in harmony for the good of the Peel we love. Come early to secure a good seat - this should be memorable!

Peel Heritage Trust's Secret Gardens event relies on so many people. It has become an established part of the events calendar, settling down to a two-year pattern. We had no idea that it would become an instant success when first suggested eight or more years ago and we are delighted that other parts of the Island have joined in the fun so that we can share their gardens and settings, as well.

This year's sub-committee of Sam Knight, trust secretary, Brian Riddle, gardening expert and my wife, Helen who suggested the event in the first place, worked hard for months beforehand and are still working after the event.

In addition to the above, we extend our grateful thanks to Joan Eisinger for the cover of the brochure and one of our family statues who kindly posed by the pond; Vic Bates for assembling the brochure and Roger Watterson, of the Print Shop, who printed it and the highly collectable colour posters.

Our advertisers are most enthusiastic and supportive of the work of the trust, as are the shops, garden centres, libraries and other outlets that kindly sell brochures for us. Press and radio all play their part and are much appreciated. All the gardens were videoed on the Sunday and copies are available from Sam Knight, 842448.

The gardeners, all twenty of them, this year, warrant special thanks. After a run of splendid weather we had to cope with wind and rain for days and days, causing much anxiety. Then, as if by magic, gorgeous sunshine for the two afternoons - phew! As for the visitors, well, we really look forward to them flooding into the town. It's a joy greeting old friends and making new. Equally pleasurable is the enthusiastic conversations that arise as people help each other around the labyrinth that is Peel, map in hand.

As always, we include new gardens as well as old friends and we already have a list of volunteers for another occasion.

This year, we had the appropriately named 'Secret Gardens' from Ballagawne Nurseries' plant stall on the Market Square. Stephen's welcome addition was much appreciated.

Three of the gardeners had teas for sale for charities of their own choice. Sam Knight raised £158 for Peel's Centenary Arts Centre; the Irving family raised £100 for the Mighty Oak Appeal and June Bell an astonishing £516 for the Noble's Hospital breast cancer team. She had been baking scones, cakes and buns from early morning on each day. Generous wads of cream and fresh strawberries proved irresistible. All of these were a wonderful bonus, not only for the charities but also for the many, many hundreds of visitors.

As I write this, we are about to enjoy a 'thank you' buffet in the Central Hotel for all the gardeners. We are so fortunate to be able to share so many delights in ancient Peel's beautiful setting. Do come and join us by ringing Harrison Quirk, 842265 or via our website, below.

Our next meeting is a visit to the old House of Keys in Castletown. Please meet outside by 1.45 pm on Sunday, 8 th August. You may use your Manx National Heritage card.

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It takes a lot to tempt forty people away from Peel on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon, but John Kennaugh succeeded.

Last Sunday marked the first of Peel Heritage Trust's 'away' visits of the year - a very successful feature in previous programmes. This visit to St Johns was no exception.

John started by asking whether we would like the one or the two- hour walk. Sensing the level of interest and knowing how much there was to see and tales to be told, I opted for the one hour, initially. Two or more hours later, this proved to have been the right choice!

John Kennaugh, well known as a farmer, broadcaster, preacher, public speaker and Captain of the Parish has a wonderful store of memories, is a great teller of tales laced with humour and his own good nature. Coupling all this with brilliant sunshine and such a beautiful setting, success was assured.

We set off from the arboretum and proceeded through the grounds of the Royal Chapel of St John and along the processional way. Speaking personally, this is always a very special place as this is where Helen and I were married and the first two of our children were christened. Forty odd years have soon passed but, incredibly, the village has still managed to retain its charm.

There was a large service in the church so we continued past, on our guided tour, in part of the wonderful arboretum, now looking so mature, and explored the still new grounds in the old sandpit. This is worth a walk through, but I felt that it might benefit by a nice wet area to add variety - no, not a 'make-over' water feature! Perhaps I missed it, but if some flowing water could be introduced it would add some liveliness and ecological gain.

We crossed the road and explored part of the railway heritage, reminiscing about the great railway junction that was so busy and now, mindlessly swept away by lovers of main roads, traffic controls, jams, car parks and motoring penalties. Oh that we could have arrived, in style, by train.

Skirting around the old Foxdale Line station we recalled the famous races on the other two lines when the Ramsey train headed off on the Manx Northern line metals at the same moment as the Peel bound train departed. Even the most staid passengers found themselves cheering out of the windows on this regular but unofficial Great Train Race.

Skirting around the backs of the shops found us back at our starting point. Every step had been laced with anecdotes and happy, shared memories by both host and us visitors.

It says everything that even before I formerly thanked John on behalf of the Trust, there was spontaneous applause. There was a general request for part two, next year.

Thank you so much John, may we come again?

Our next event is very much at home - Peel's Secret Gardens. There are twenty gardens open on the afternoons of the 17 th and 18 th July between 1.00 and 6.00 pm. Familiar ones evolve and mature, new owners add their own touch, others are new to all of us.

Adult admission to all the gardens is by brochure, price still £2. Accompanied children are free. For obvious reasons, no dogs in the gardens, please!

As people come from all over the Island and beyond, regardless of the weather, it is worth buying brochures, in advance, from Peel's newsagents. These should be available from early July and contain a large, numbered map. We're really looking forward to welcoming you!

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As a memento of this walk led by Harrison Quirk and Herbert Watterson, we compiled a leaflet of old photographs of Michael Street, Atholl Place and Market Place. Here are some of the photos, with thanks to the Leece Museum and Ean Wood:

Click on the photos to see a larger image

It is some while since I wrote an update on the work of Peel Heritage Trust committee and the ever-increasing rate of activity in Peel.

Trees for 'Arbour Week' have been planted by the Commissioners' outside staff. These seem to be thriving, including some replacements in the memorial grove on the side of Peel Hill, marking lives lost in the two World Wars. The new hand-rail is much appreciated at this point.

Many planning applications have been examined. Additionally, the view has been expressed that the slip road from Glenfaba Road that was used during the construction of the power station should be seriously considered for adoption by the Department of Transport. There are obvious difficulties with this, but there is an increasing need for a relief road to get heavy traffic away from Station Road. This situation is compounded by the rapidly growing population in the new estates, and the development of apartments, with parking, at the base of the steep, over-congested Station Road - something else for the new Commissioners to be tackled about.

The first edition of the Peel City Guardian, now in our ownership, following the kind gift of the title by Ian Faulds has been greeted with great enthusiasm and, at the time of writing, has all but sold out. We've tried to continue something of the traditional format whilst also seeking to put our own stamp on it. A useful map of Peel, including the new estates, so far built, is a welcome feature. We will have to update this as required.

The editorial team, under the editorship of Malcolm Hannan, is working well. It includes many of the old staff, making invaluable contributions, just for the love of this wonderful old city of Peel. The Trust and all the readers owe them a great debt.

We are busy in the last planning stages of the 2004 'Secret Gardens' event on the 17th and 18th July. If you are interested in the possibility of having your garden included and have not yet been contacted, just ring Helen or me on 842541.

Following a previous article in which I expressed regret at the loss of young representatives from QE2 School, two of our former representatives have volunteered to rejoin us, so welcome back Victoria Horne and Emma Jones. They are bringing a youthful touch of Spring and helping with a programme that will be attractive to younger members.

It has been our pleasure to make a substantial donation to the Centenary Centre. Part of our brief is to support the cultural life of Peel. The concert on the 15 th April by the internationally acclaimed Eric Bibb with Dave Bronze on bass guitar was sold out in 48 hours. Dave has been playing with Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr apart from his regular touring with Eric. The website www.ericbibb.com is fascinating. Do look at this as space precludes me saying much about him.

As my first assignment for the Guardian, I was swept away with this talented pair. Eric writes his own material and his amplified, six stringed acoustic guitars produced a variety of sounds, rhythms and melodies from the entrancing to the exultant. Not for nothing did the audience rise up from their seats with standing ovations.

Eric's personality shone through. The variety in his life is remarkable, including studying Psychology and Russian at Columbia University, living in Greenwich Village, then to Sweden and world-wide touring - Glastonbury, and the Cambridge Folk Festival in the U.K. and Australia, Canada, U.S.A. and a series of Scandinavian festivals.

One quote stuck in my mind from a Rev Gary Davis, who told Eric that when things were so bad that he could no longer pray, he would sing the blues. This depth of feeling was frequently felt during this remarkable evening. Fortunately, it was captured on a dvd and on cd's that were autographed and sold in moments. We will have to content ourselves with these until another visit, possibly next year. Be poised!

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What proved to be the last heavy shower of the day had passed and I walked down to the Creg Malin in brilliant sun shine. At least this was one less thing to worry about. I had been concerned that a combination of heavy showers, a competing programme about the Island on t.v. and only a two - weeks gap since our last meeting, might have put some people off. However, in the end, I concluded that Stewart Bennett, our speaker, had to be unmissable and so it proved. The banqueting hall was filling up rapidly and by the time we started, we were squeezing in extra seats.

Stewart is most commonly seen on the rooftops of Peel, his chosen subject. This is when he's not hammering along on his cycle with smoke burning off the rear tyre. His energy after a hard day's building work is enviable. He is also highly artistic and an outstanding photographer, as we were to see as fascinating slide followed fascinating slide.

In my opening remarks, I observed that, in Stewart, we had someone who not only passionately cared for Peel and its conservation but also had the professional skill to put his beliefs into practice. This means that we all benefit and not just the fortunate owners who've actually managed to 'nab' him!

We have a different vista of rooftops from our new house, close to the cathedral, to what we enjoyed for so many years from the Merchant's House. This is part of the fun of moving, of course. However, Stewart's slides opened all our eyes. Much was the fun and debate as people struggled to identify hidden yards and passageways. Peel's Secret Gardens events have already opened up many curious corners - indeed, still more await you on the 17 th and 18 th July.

Anyone working on roofs has to have more than a good head for heights. They need agility, fitness, stamina, nerve, and a capacity to brave wind and rain as well as gruelling summer heat. They also need to have the knowledge to diagnose problems and to carry out sound, cost-effective solutions in a sympathetic way, using the appropriate method and materials for the age of building. Such people are becoming harder to find. The loss of apprenticeship schemes has doubtless played a part in this.

As an enthusiastic amateur restorer of old buildings, I can really appreciate the work of good professionals. I also have the sense, now, to realise my own limitations.

We are lucky that Stewart not only does a wonderful job in helping to preserve old Peel but he also makes it accessible to all of us by way of his beautiful slides from the rooftops. We are very grateful to him and his dwindling number of compatriots. Who will replace them? Government trainers please act swiftly whilst we still have people to pass on their skills.

Our next meeting is an eye-opening trip up Michael Street with two native guides - just meet in the Market Place on Tuesday, 4 th May, at 7.30 pm. We shall finish in the Centenary Centre for tea and further treats.

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