News

PORT ERIN CHRISTMAS EVENT

SATURDAY 5^th DECEMBER

A “GIFT OF GIVING” EVENT will take place at the RAILWAY STATION. Come and join our festivities, but this year, please BRING SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE

Donations to:

• MSCPA      

• MANNCAT SANCTUARY                

• FOODBANK

• MULLED WINE AND CHESTNUTS
• FESTIVAL OF ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS TREES at the Methodist Church 12 noon – 5pm
• 2 CRAFT FAIRS IN THE VILLAGE at the ERIN ARTS CENTRE (with crafts for children) and at St CATHERINE’S HALL

• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RAILWAY STATION FROM 12.00

12.00    SOUTHERN BELLES

1.00      THE WHITEBOYS

APPROX 1.30 SANTA WILL ARRIVE.

• POST BOX (courtesy of Thomas at Keggens ) FOR CHILDREN TO SEND THEIR LETTERS TO SANTA IF THEY WISH,
• There will also be a chance to MEET THE MAN HIMSELF  (remember to bring your camera)

2.00 RUSHEN SILVER BAND

3.00 PEEL HANDBELL RINGERS will conclude the entertainment at the Railway Station

5.00 at the Methodist Church: “The REAL CHRISTMAS STORY” told in light hearted drama with the GIANT NATIVITY PUPPETS + music from MEADOWSIDE CHORAL SOCIETY. SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES. Followed by SOUP and BREAD ROLLS. No admission charge.   Donations to IOM  Foodbank (Southern Hub).

IT HAS BEEN AN ODD YEAR FOR US ALL   SO PLEASE COME DOWN AND HELP WITH OUR “GIFT OF GIVING “ BY SUPPORTING US, OUR ENTERTAINERS AND THOSE TRYING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THEIR OWN PURPOSES, AFTER A VERY CHALLENGING TIME .

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Rushen Heritage Trust has a new Chair, with Doreen Moule taking over the role from Hugh Davidson MBE.

Doreen has been involved with the Trust since its inception in 2014 and leads its World War II Women’s Internment team.

She played a lead role in the Trust’s two most recent books – Friend or Foe?, the story of World War II women’s internment in Port Erin and Port St Mary, for which she acted as coordinator and wrote a chapter; and she wrote a chapter for Living with the Sea, which tells the story of Port St Mary and its people from 1829-1979.

During Doreen’s time as Chair, the new Tree Arçhyn Heritage Centre in Bridson Street, Port Erin, led by Pamela Crowe overall and by Robert and Alison Graham on the building side, will be completed and opened to the public at Easter 2021. It will serve as a multi-purpose base to support RHT’s activities.

Doreen said: ‘I am looking forward to my time as Chair of RHT and the many events planned for the coming year, particularly the opening of the Tree Arçhyn Heritage Centre. This is an exciting new venture for the Trust and its important role in the community. As ever, we are seeking to share our research with local people and visitors alike and we look forward to welcoming you all to Tree Arçhyn.’

Born in Wolverhampton, Doreen grew up in the Black Country and trained as a teacher in Birmingham, where she taught in a primary school from 1970 to 1999. In 1999, she moved to the Isle of Man to take up a teaching post, retiring in 2008.

She has lived in Rushen since 2004 and still retains a keen interest in education, being the Trust’s Schools Liaison Officer.

Hugh and Sandra Davidson were the Co-Founders of the Trust six years ago and both still serve on the Board. Hugh served a year as Chair after taking over from Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK in autumn 2019.

Hugh said: ‘Doreen has been a major player in the success of Rushen Heritage Trust, leading the WWII Women’s Internment Team from the beginning in 2014. The Team has run two exhibitions attracting more than 6,000 people, published two books, one sold out, the other in its second edition, and the Team is making an impact internationally. She also initiated and led the Trust’s schools’ program within and outside Rushen. Doreen is a great team person and highly respected by her colleagues. Her appointment as Chair is well deserved.’

If you would like more information about Rushen Heritage Trust, please contact Coordinator John Quirk at rushenht@gmail.com or call 464634.