THE BIG WALK VISITS THE ISLE OF MAN
Manx Lottery Trust, a delegated partner of Big Lottery, recently welcomed two representatives from ‘The Big Walk’ to the Isle of Man.
The Big Walk is an Eden Project supported by the National Lottery. The route covers more than 250 miles over 18 days across the UK, Ireland and Isle of Man and aims to celebrate groups and events that work to bring local communities together.
During their visit to the Isle of Man Michael Conlon and Adriaan Sadler visited a number of projects that have received funding from Manx Lottery Trust.
The first of those projects, Men in Sheds, is run by Southern Community Initiatives. The workshop has grown to be a hugely important community asset, with around 20 members working in the Shed each day, getting involved in various projects, learning new skills, meeting people with like-minded interests or just enjoying a chat and a brew.
During the visit Michael and Adriaan, as well as Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust Sarah Kelly and Grants Officer Breda Craine and Secretary Trevor Butler, were shown the projects the group are currently working on, including rocking horses, props for stage shows and a replica boat.
The group were also greeted with a warm welcome at Southern Community Initiatives, where mother and daughter duo showcased their clay work and ambitious plans for a mural to celebrate their community and the Isle of Man.
Next up it was time for some walking! So off the team went to Port Erin harbour where they stopped for some Manx Davison’s ice cream– a suggestion from comedian Jo Brand.
Next stop – The Dalby Community Hub. But not without running into Facebook superstar TT Ted, the friendly pooch who loves the TT Races. A pleasant pause on the way up the Sloc!
Major renovations took place earlier this year to create a bright open space in the basement of Dalby’s village church, thanks to a grant from Manx Lottery Trust.
The hub was rewired and fitted with new plumbing, a disabled toilet, shower unit, new flooring, a wood-burning stove, kitchenette and additional electric heaters to create a welcoming space for the community to enjoy.
The facility is used for film nights, parties and get-togethers and can also be booked for accommodation. This year’s Isle of Man TT Races will see the space become home to a group of visiting bikers for the fortnight.
In addition, a shop was also fitted selling fire logs, hand crafts, clothing and a cook book specially produced by the ladies who voluntarily run the Hub called ‘A Slice of Dalby’, which has everyone’s favourite recipes, including Manx Bonnag.
After refuelling at Dalby it was time to head to the Groudle Glen Railway.
Situated in a small, picturesque glen and running along the Island’s east coastline, the Groudle Glen Railway is operated solely by volunteers.
After a fantastic tour of the railway workshops, learning all about the locomotives (wonderfully named Sea Lion, Polar Bear, Annie, Dolphin and Walrus), the team were then treated to a ride on the train, journeying along clifftops with sweeping sea views, to the Sea Lion Rocks Café.
Not ones to be stood still for long, Michael decided to help the volunteers with cleaning the carriages while Adriaan carried on the walk to learn a little more about the history of the railway.
On Adriaan’s travels he learnt all about the Victorian Railway, which was built in 1896 in response to increasing demand for transport at Groudle Glen, at the same time as a zoo being created at Sea Lion Rocks. Increasing popularity during this time led to a second engine and additional coaches being purchased to cope with the high demand. The railway operated very successfully until the outbreak of the First World War when all services ceased, and the zoo was closed.
In 1982 the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association launched a plan to get the line up and running again, restoring the tracks and locomotives alike. In recent years the railway has seen a surge in popularity with seasonal trips offered during Easter and Christmas, making it an established part of the Manx social calendar once again.
Manx Lottery Trust has supported the Groudle Glen Railway in the past, including in 2010 when it assisted with the cost of building a new tea room. Most recently the Trust helped get its locomotive, known as Sea Lion, back on the rails after discovering its water tanks and boiler needed urgent repairs.
The damage to the water tanks and boiler is thought to have been caused by higher chlorine levels in the water supply. To prevent ongoing issues with the supply the Trust also granted additional funds for a water treatment system to be installed.