Rushen Heritage Trust is marking its 10th birthday with a celebration of displays from previous exhibitions.
The charity was founded in 2014 by Hugh and Sandra Davidson of Port Erin to assess the interest in setting up a heritage group for the sheading.
On Thursday, July 25, the charity will be hosting a day at Port St Mary town hall, which will celebrate a decade of heritage projects, which have included many exhibitions, the publication of seven books, an annual season of talks and the opening of Rushen Heritage Centre in Bridson Street, Port Erin, three years ago.
Among the exhibitions on display will be a look at Rushen Internment Camp, Milner Tower, Port Erin Marine Laboratory, and a look at the tourism heyday of the south.
Chairman Robert Graham said: “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.
The Future
“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.”
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.
For more about Rushen Heritage Trust, contact Heritage Coordinator John Quirk at rushenht@gmail.com or 464634.
All pictures credit: Rushen Heritage Trust
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