During the month of March lovers of nostalgia will be invited through the doors of Holy Trinity Church in the parish of Patrick to view an exciting new photographic exhibition.
Organised by local photographer Vicky Harrop and a number of friends living in the parish, they have found residents within the villages of Dalby, Glen Maye and Patrick very generous, loaning a selection of family photographs for display.
Emphasising its rural location, there’s a clear focus on the lively hubs of each village, whether it’s the Post Office, the local church, or the once burgeoning day school. But it also reminds us how life has changed for these small, rural communities with the demise of some of the local elements of village life. It’s a tantalising glimpse into the everyday lives of people from the area, whether at work or play, where the sense of community spirit is almost tangible.
A selection of poems by Manx poet ‘Cushag’ (Josephine Kermode) contributes its own element of nostalgia to the exhibition which is already well patronised by a curious visiting public.
With light refreshments on offer and a chance to browse through some very well thumbed Manx scrap books, it’s also a good opportunity to take stock of this well maintained parish church on the west coast, known locally as the ‘Prison Camp Church’. And if the weather is kind perhaps a wander through the adjoining graveyard with its historical links to the now defunct Knockaloe Internment Camp and the great music hall star Florrie Forde.
Monetary donations from the exhibition will be put towards the Church Restoration Fund.
Valerie Caine © March 2012
