Rushen Heritage Trust to hold special event to celebrate 10th birthday

Anniversary to be marked tomorrow at Port St Mary Town Hall

A special event is to be held to celebrate Rushen Heritage Trust’s 10th birthday.

The charity was founded in 2014 by Hugh and Sandra Davidson of Port Erin, following a public meeting at Port St Mary Town Hall.

Tomorrow (Thursday 25 July) the organisation's decade of heritage projects will be celebrated at Port St Mary Town Hall.

The event will run from 12pm until 6pm and entry is free. 

It will feature small displays from previous exhibitions, including Rushen Internment Camp, Milner Tower, Port Erin Marine Laboratory, and a look at the tourism heyday of the south.

There will also be a special anniversary offer of 50% discount on all RHT books, which include Friend or Foe? (the story of women’s internment in World War II), Living with the Sea (a look at the history of Port St Mary 1829-1979), and The Explosion That Shook Port St Mary, which tells the story of the brig Lily disaster of 1852. 

Robert Graham, Chairman of Rushen Heritage Trust, said: "We hope this event will bring together all those who have been involved with the Trust over the last 10 years, those who have enjoyed our exhibitions and books, and those who have not yet discovered us, but who would like to know more about what we do.

"We have come a long way in the last decade, following that first public meeting. There have been some notable exhibitions and books on subjects ranging from World War II Internment to marking the 150th anniversary of the building of Milner Tower.

"The opening of Rushen Heritage Centre in June 2021 was a major milestone for the Trust, giving us a space to host exhibitions and sell our books and merchandise, and providing much-needed storage space. During the winter months it opens as a “warm space” for a few hours each week, supporting the community."

He added: "As well as looking back over the last 10 years, we are keen to look to the future, to see how the Trust can develop its ties with the community and help celebrate Rushen’s heritage. 

"We have been lucky to have had so many dedicated volunteers over the years. As a charity, we rely on volunteers – they are the backbone of everything we do, and we could not have achieved anywhere near the success we have enjoyed without the hard work of everyone who has played a part. 

"Obviously, people’s circumstances change as time goes by, and so we are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join us – and the celebration is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested to come along and meet the team."

For more about Rushen Heritage Trust, contact Heritage Coordinator John Quirk at rushenht@gmail.com or on 464634.